Our Best Summer Menus - Southern Living

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Perfect Picnic Menu

These portable dishes are not only easy to take outdoors, but the prep work and make-ahead tips allow for a stress-free and delicious summer afternoon.

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Photo: Jennifer Davick

Lowcountry Boil Menu

Celebrate summer with a Lowcountry boil. You can serve the main course on sheets of newspaper and let everyone dig in, arrange on skewers for a fun twist, or fill up portable cups to encourage the guests to mix and mingle.

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Backyard Burger Menu

Entertain guests with this impressive yet easy backyard burger menu. From serving refreshing homemade soda and juicy burgers to finishing with decadent banana pudding, you'll be known as the block party queen or king.

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Photo: Jennifer Davick

All-About-Appetizers Menu

We love the no-fuss vibe of a wine and cheese party, but something about a big block of Cheddar feels too hearty for 90-degree days. Consider this our just-as-relaxed summer alternative: an appetizer-driven menu that pairs well with crisp summer whites (linens and wine). Cheers!

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Game Night Menu

This fresh and flavorful menu offers a twist on traditional Tex-Mex fare with plenty of make-ahead options so you won’t miss out on the fun.

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Photo: Jennifer Davick

Grill-It-All Menu

These tasty summer recipes will have your mouth watering before you have time to fire up the grill. Choose pork chops or chicken thighs as the main course, or make both for a variety if you're serving a large crowd.

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Photo: Jennifer Davick

Barbecue Done Right Menu

These lip-smacking, fall-off-the-bone ribs will steal the show at your summer party. Pair them with our barbecue side dishes and delectable desserts for a surefire hit.

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Seaside Supper Menu

If you can't escape to the ocean for a seaside vacation, bring the sea to you! Make the dessert tarts a day ahead to cut down your time in the kitchen on the day of your summer party.

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Fresh Garden Finds Menu

Use your fresh garden greens and farmers' market finds in our summer vegetable menu.

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Photo: Ian Bagwell; Prop Styling: Annette Joseph; Food Styling: Cynthia Groseclose

Our Summer Fish Fry Menu

Fancy up your fish fry with a summery mix of sturdy blue-and-white tableware.

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