Grilling Party Ideas and Grill Safety Tips

by Alli

This post, Grilling Party Ideas, is sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc. All comments and opinions are my own.

Before firing up the grill, check out these easy grilling party ideas and grill safety tips. Your party will be so much fun! Plus, you’ll be relaxed, happy and nowhere near the kitchen.

Warm weather has finally arrived and I’m inviting the entire family over for our first grilling party of the season. This party is fun, relaxing and so easy to recreate. The menu is simple, delicious and includes all of my family’s favorite foods.

Summer Grilling Party Ideas

A grilling party tops the list of my favorite way to entertain. These parties are usually very casual so guests seem to be more relaxed. There’s not a lot of prep work and everyone gets to mingle outside while my husband gets his grill on. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

Invite Friends Over for a Grilling Party

Grocery Shopping List

Whenever I’m planning a gathering, I head to Sam’s Club to get good deals and to stock up on high-quality products. Since I’m hosting a large group, the club pack sizes are perfect for my grilling party.

Grilling Party Invites

When it comes to inviting the family over for a grilling party, I go with a casual vibe. That means sending invites via group text. My text goes a little like this, “Hi, everyone! We’re hosting our first grilling party on Friday night at 6:00. Let me know if you’re coming.” Within the hour, I find out everyone’s coming. Yay!

Games

When I’m hosting a casual party outside, I like to include a few games like cornhole and croquet. If a basketball game breaks out, that’s cool too.

 

 What to Serve At Your Party

Good Food

Ball Park® Beef Franks are at the top of my Sam’s Club shopping list. I like to make Taco Dogs and my husband loves a good slaw dog so I make sure to include everyone’s favorite toppings and condiments.

Slaw Dogs and Sausage Dogs

How to Make Taco Dogs

  • Cut grilled Ball Park Beef Franks in half.
  • Wrap the grilled beef franks in a grilled flour tortilla
  • Top with shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.

My grocery list also includes Hillshire Farm® Smoked Sausage. My oldest grandson always puts in a request for grilled sausage dogs. Ball Park Beef Franks and Hillshire Smoked Sausage can be found in the refrigerated section at Sam’s Club. Sam’s Club has great deals and stocking up on club pack sizes makes preparing for grilling season that much easier!

Food Ideas - Grilling Party Ideas

Helpful Hint: From 5/8/19 – 6/2/19, you can save $1.50 on Ball Park Beef Franks at Sam’s Club!

Sides

While my husband mans the grill, I prepare the side dishes including caramelized onions to top the sausage dogs. In addition to caramelized onions, I make coleslaw and baked beans. Add potato chips and we’re good to go.

Dessert is a skillet chocolate chip cookie and it’s cooked on the grill, too. Serve straight from the skillet and top with vanilla ice cream.

Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie - Ready to Serve

Caramelized Onions Are Easy to Make

  • Peel and thinly slice an onion or two.
  • Heat a skillet on low heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and a tablespoon of cooking oil.
  • Season the onions with a pinch of salt.
  • Cook over low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

If it’s your first or 10th time firing up the grill this season, here are five ways to make sure your grill is safe.

Grill Safety Tips

Grill Safety Tips

Grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

Place the grill at least 10 feet from any structure.

Keep your grill clean.

The best way to keep your grill clean is to clean the grates and racks after each use. Grills are easier to clean when they are slightly warm. Once the grilling party ends, go ahead and clean that grill. The grill will be ready for your next party.

Check for propane leaks.

An easy way to check for leaks is to apply a light soap and water solution to the hose before turning on the gas. The solution will bubble if there is a leak.

Wear the right clothing.

Make sure your sleeves or apron doesn’t dangle over the grill.

Use long-handled utensils made especially for grilling.

Long-handled utensils help keep the heat away from your hands.

Keep children and pets far away from the grill.

Remember, the grill will stay hot for at least an hour after use.

Grilling Party Playlist

Now that you’ve made a run to Sam’s Club and stocked up on Ball Park Beef Franks, don’t forget to put together a playlist.

Include your favorite summer songs and take your grilling party to the next level. Since music sets the tone for every occasion, I sent a text to my oldest grandson and put him in charge of the playlist. I need to put on my dancing shoes!

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21 comments

robin rue May 7, 2019 - 9:30 am

Ballpark franks are the only ones we eat in our house – they are the best. I am so excited it’s grilling season here again.

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GiGi Eats May 7, 2019 - 9:32 am

Grilling season for the win!! While I am no fan of summer, I do love grilling foods! I am lucky to say that we can do it year-round here in Los Angeles, but there is something about doing it during the summer that just brings back all sorts of memories!

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cait May 7, 2019 - 10:02 am

yum yum yum- we love ballpark hot dogs- always a hit with kids and families alike! and great tips too for grilling!

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Sarah Bailey May 7, 2019 - 12:54 pm

There is nothing quite like a party and one where you throw some things on a grill mean summer has really ariived. I love these ideas.

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Amber Myers May 7, 2019 - 1:14 pm

Ooo I love grilling! We do it a lot during the summer. Ball Park hot dogs are delicious. Normally we just do it as a family, but we go to other people’s grill parties. We just aren’t really a party house.

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Theresa May 7, 2019 - 7:07 pm

I am so looking forward to firing up the grill this summer. We also stock up on grill favorites at Sam’s Club and Ballpark Hot Dogs are ALWAYS on the menu!

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Tasheena May 7, 2019 - 8:00 pm

I can’t wait to put something on the grill. These tips are so helpful.

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Terri Steffes May 7, 2019 - 10:32 pm

I’m super excited about the summer grilling season. As you can tell with all my grilling posts lately!

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Rachel May 7, 2019 - 10:38 pm

It is so delicious when you get a good quality hot dog. Mmmm I am so ready for summer.

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Catalina May 8, 2019 - 5:40 am

The grilling season is on and I am so glad for this! Thanks for the helpful tips!

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Meagen Brosius May 8, 2019 - 9:43 am

Love these recipe ideas but also the safety tips! That first grill session of the season can be tricky if you don’t make sure everything is good to go beforehand!

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Kathy May 8, 2019 - 11:18 am

This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love being able to get out and grill. Those are one of the best hot dog brands too. We love those!

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Ruth I May 8, 2019 - 12:13 pm

A grilling party sounds awesome! I’d love to invite some over and try all these recipe. It will surely be fun!

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rika May 8, 2019 - 3:06 pm

I love ballpark hot dogs! Summer grilling is fun, can’t wait to host one this year!

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Beth May 8, 2019 - 8:36 pm

A grilling party is always fun! I want to try making a taco dog, it sounds delicious! Have you shared your recipe for the skillet chocolate chip cookie? That sounds amazing too.

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Amy h May 8, 2019 - 9:40 pm

I just picked up some BallPark dogs from Sam’s the other day for our party this weekend! They are our favorite!

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Fatima Torres May 8, 2019 - 11:32 pm

Yes, caramelized onions for the win. We always add them to our hot dogs.

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Heather May 9, 2019 - 12:34 am

So excited that grilling season is here. I’m pumped about the food and will adhere to your great tips!

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Paradigm May 14, 2019 - 4:15 am

Grilling season is here and that means that its time to get your favorite food grilled

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Melissa July 17, 2019 - 9:14 am

I love your taco dog idea! I’m gluten free so I am going to pick up some corn tortillas and try this.

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