What to Bring, What to Wear & How Not to Show Up Empty-Handed
If you're lucky enough to get invited to a backyard BBQ, lake day potluck, or cul-de-sac cookout this summer — don't just show up with empty hands and flip flops that squeak.
Down here, we know that showing up right is a whole vibe. And no, we’re not talking fancy. We’re talking comfortable, cute, and common-sense prepared.
This BBQ checklist is your go-to guide for what to bring, what to wear, and how to make an impression that says, “Yes, I brought the pasta salad and I look good doing it.” 😎
🧺 What to Bring to a Summer BBQ (Real Talk Edition)
You don’t have to overthink it, sugar — just bring something useful or delicious. Here’s what never disappoints:
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✅ A crowd-pleasing side or sweet — fruit salad, banana pudding, or even a bag of chips that didn’t come from the gas station
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✅ Bug spray — because if you don’t bring it, someone’s gonna end up eaten alive
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✅ A cooler bag with drinks — sweet tea, lemonade, or your favorite “mom juice” in a Yeti
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✅ A roll of paper towels or wipes — trust me, someone will spill sweet tea or need to clean BBQ fingers
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✅ A Bluetooth speaker — because someone’s gonna forget the music, and it better not be you
Optional but appreciated: A funny koozie, backup forks, and something your grandma made that everyone begs you to bring.
👗 What to Wear to a Summer BBQ (So You’re Cool, Cute & BBQ-Approved)
Summer BBQs aren’t about being fancy — they’re about being functional and fabulous at the same time.
Here’s your outfit checklist to stay comfy, cute, and 100% southern-approved:
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✅ A graphic tee or tank that says “I’m here to snack & slay”
Try something from the Summer Fun Collection like: -
✅ Denim shorts or easy-wear bottoms you can move in (think: cornhole, second servings, porch swing sittin’)
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✅ Comfy shoes you don’t mind getting a little dusty
Boots, sandals, or even Crocs if you're brave (we support bold choices here) -
✅ A lightweight sweatshirt or hoodie for after dark
Southern nights still get cool — toss it in your bag or tie it ‘round your waist
Try: Lake Life Is the Best Life or Just Chill the Fourth Out -
✅ Your favorite sunglasses + a trucker hat or messy bun
Because real ones don’t fix their hair to eat pulled pork outside
🛠 If You're Hosting (or Helping), Here's How to Keep It Easy
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🍔 Burger bar or pulled pork sliders = minimum effort, max praise
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🎶 Put together a southern summer playlist — think Dolly, Chris Stapleton, and a little Shania
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🧂 Set up a “Fixins Station” with napkins, utensils, condiments, and a candle that claims to repel bugs
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🧃 Put extra drinks in a cooler with wheels — because everyone forgets a second one
And don’t forget: ice melts fast. Bring extra.
🧃 Final Thoughts From Your Southern BBQ Spirit Guide
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If you bring a dish, bring a serving spoon
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If you’re wearing white shorts, maybe skip the baked beans
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And if you’ve got a funny shirt, wear it — it will be a conversation starter
Whether you're there for the food, the flirting, or just the fireworks — show up feeling good, looking great, and fully stocked.
👉 Shop my Summer BBQ Collection →here
Bless your heart and pass the sweet tea.
I’ll be over here by the chips… defending my cornbread from strangers.