In Good Company: Host the Perfect Summer Cookout in Williamson County, Tennessee
We’re settling into summer here in Williamson County, and with the season comes the beloved, All-American classic of the summertime cookout. There’s nothing quite like gathering around the grill with family and friends, basking in good weather and even better company. If you’re anxious to jump into grilling season, and are looking to host your own cookout, below are some steps and suggestions to knock it out of the park, whether you intend to keep it simple or go all out:
Step One: Set the Scene
If you have a large enough outdoor space, having people come to you is a great way to unwind, enjoy the weather, and keep stress to a minimum while hosting. In your own space, you can make your cookout as casual or intricate as your heart desires, using what you already have at home to create a hospitable, comfortable environment for the people you love. If you’re a DIY decorator or simply a fan of sprucing up your spaces, hosting an at-home cookout could be a fun way to get creative. If you have a green thumb, a cookout could also be an opportunity to showoff your summertime blooms, or serve your guests right from the garden.
Bonus: a little music makes any atmosphere better, and Williamson County is a place chock-full of talented musicians. Consider having your artist friends bring along an instrument to add to the fun and ambiance!
If you don’t quite have the space or tools to swing the backyard barbeque, there are some great parks in Williamson County with lots of space and grills available for public use. Parks across the county with with grills, picnic tables, and recreational shelter options include River Park and Granny White Park in Brentwood, Franklin’s Aspen Grove Park, Pinkerton Park, Jim Warren Park, Del Rio Park, Fieldstone Park, and Thompson Alley Neighborhood Park, Harvey Park in Spring Hill, and Bowie Nature Park in Fairview. For extra, outdoor playtime for the kids during an off-site cookout, here’s a guide to the local playgrounds found within our parks. Make sure to double check park policies before hosting, as a reservation might be required for recreational areas or grill use.
Step Two: Beverages
Besides having plenty of water on hand, cookout staples—like lemonade or soft drinks—are usually a hit, especially as the weather heats up this summer. You don’t have to go all out, but it can be fun to provide fun, flavored drinks for adults and kids alike, adding an extra touch of summer nostalgia to your gathering. If you’re going for a potluck style cookout, drinks are always an easy thing for guests to bring along with them. As always, don’t forget the ice!
If you choose to serve alcohol at your cookout, a fun way to elevate your drink options, while supporting the community, is to buy local beverages. Some options include Tennessee wine selections from Arrington Vineyards, hard cider from Morning Glory Orchard, spirits from Company Distilling in Thompson’s Station, or small batch whiskey from Leiper’s Fork Distillery. If you have a big group and are looking to serve some high-quality, local beer, Mill Creek Brewery in Nolensville does keg rentals, with 1/2 barrel and 1/6 barrel options. You can also find their beer and seltzers at local retailers.
Step Three: Barbeque and Beyond
If you want to stick to the classic, Southern spread, you can’t go wrong with grill food and barbeque. Good barbeque, in whatever form you prefer it, brings back fond memories of Independence Day Parades, family get togethers, church potlucks, pool parties, and general, summertime fun. If you want to level up your main dishes and sides, you can find gourmet meats, cheeses, and more, at specialty shops across Williamson County, many of which source their products from local farms.
If you’re looking for a little less of a hassle (and just as much flavor), consider catering tried-and-true favorites like hot chicken or Southern barbeque from one of the top-notch places in Williamson County or Nashville. If you’re looking to mix up the cuisine, consider catering other flavorful favorites from across the county, from tacos and margaritas to brunch staples. If you’re hosting a large group or an extra special occasion, one of the many food trucks that roll through Williamson County could be a great, elevated dining option that supports local, small business.
Step Four: Dessert for Dinner
Half the fun of summer cookouts is indulging in some of summer’s sweetest flavors. There’s something extra special about summer treats: cold, refreshing ice cream or shaved ice, fresh, fruity flavors you can’t get find any other time of the year, a classic slice of pie, or homemade s’mores over the fire pit. If you’re a baker at heart, a cookout could be your time to shine! However, even if baking isn’t quite your forte, there are a variety of bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and shops throughout the county that have got you covered with perfect pastries, cakes, cookies, and more!
For some more refreshing options, consider purchasing fruit or homemade baked goods from the abundant selection of local farmers markets or farm shops that stay busy throughout the summer season. For those of us with food restrictions and allergies, social events like cookouts can be tricky to navigate, especially when it comes to the dessert table. However, here in Williamson County, you can find a variety of allergen-friendly dining options and baked goods that will keep the event stress-free and delicious for guests with food sensitivities.
Step Five: Fun in the Sun
Although entertainment usually takes care of itself in the summer—thanks to sunshine, open space, and plenty of time to visit—having some games planned for your cookout can bring some extra fun to the table. Especially for kids, you can’t go wrong with tried-and-true backyard classics Red Rover, Freeze Tag, or Ghost in the Graveyard, all of which require minimal supplies and planning. If you want to up the competition (pre or post meal), places like Williamson County Parks and Recreation, which has several convenient recreational facilities throughout the county, and Hyden Beach in Spring Hill are great places to play outdoor sports like sand volleyball, tennis, pickleball, or pick-up basketball. If you want to stay where you are, just bringing a volleyball or football to the function can spark a friendly game.
As kids jump into summer break, there are a variety of ways to help them stay social and engaged, exploring the abundance of fun available here in Williamson County, from outdoor activities to educational programs they’ll actually enjoy. Because of the rich opportunities to build community, our county is a great place for all ages. Franklin, as our county seat, is known to be a wonderful place for young families, retirees, and everyone in between. Even our pups have the opportunity to thrive here; parks, pet-friendly establishments, and care facilities are easy to find.
Sustainability This Summer
When hosting groups of people, unnecessary waste can accumulate pretty quickly. We know that corporate change often starts small, and Williamson County is already taking important steps toward environmental sustainability with improved walkability, civic policy, and promotion of local agriculture. This summer, in order to promote this widespread move toward a sustainable future, consider using reusable plates, utensils, and containers whenever you can, especially when hosting.
Buying special items from hometown farmers markets, farm shops, distilleries, wineries, and more, is also a great way to promote small business and the local economy, which, in turn, reduces unnecessary waste and negative environmental impact. We are lucky to live in the heart of one of the most beautiful states in the country. The care we show our immediate neighbors and community ripples into all of Tennessee and beyond, hopefully promoting health and prosperity for years to come.
Speed Round: Quick Cookout Tips
We know that hosting, even on a small scale, can be overwhelming. Here are 5 quick tips and reminders to stay prepared this cookout season:
- Always make sure there are enough seats. Oftentimes the table and chair situation is the last thing on our list, but not having enough seats could hinder guests ability to visit with one another.
- If you’re doing the planning and/or cooking, early preparation is key and will help you stay cool, calm, and collected throughout the hosting process. Shopping, cutting up fruit and veggies, or prepping whatever recipes you can ahead of time will be a game changer.
- Here in Tennessee, having sunscreen and bug spray on hand is a must, especially in the summer months.
- Consider a theme; Either way, it’s wonderful to get together, but sometimes throwing together a themed party just because is an exciting way to get creative and keep your friends on their toes. You could experiment with different decor, celebrate something specific, or even have guests dress up just for the fun of it.
- Don’t be afraid to recruit help, especially if you have a lot on your plate. Oftentimes, hosts can be tempted to take everything on themselves, making for a chaotic night—the exact opposite of what a summer cookout is all about.
Endless Summer
For a similar hosting ideas, with a bit of a whimsical twist, Williamson County also happens to be a great place to throw a picnic or an afternoon tea party. If you’re more keen on outdoor dining you don’t have to plan yourself, check out The Ultimate Guide To Outdoor Dining in Franklin, Williamson County, and Nashville, Tennessee. For more ways to celebrate, there are a variety of Private Dining Experiences in Franklin, Brentwood & Nashville.
If you’re on the hunt for summertime activities, there are plenty of ways to Beat the Heat This Summer In Franklin And Williamson County With Fun Activities and Refreshments. This season, don’t wait to celebrate life with the people you love, right here at home! Summertime gives us extra opportunities to gather together, enjoying the freedom and excitement that comes with the territory. Finding any excuse to be together is a fantastic way to lift one another up and foster community, leaning into the Southern hospitality that has put Middle Tennessee on the map.
