3 Easy Side Dishes for Stress-Free Summer Cookouts
Hosting a summer cookout doesn't have to mean scrambling in a hot kitchen at the last minute. These flavorful, make-ahead sides offer a fresh, elevated twist on the classic cookout spread — and can all be prepped in advance for stress-free entertaining!
Savory Zucchini Basil Tart
Flaky puff pastry meets creamy ricotta, lemon zest, and thinly sliced zucchini in this light and elegant tart, which is just as welcome at a backyard gathering as it is at brunch. Get the recipe HERE.
Meal Prep:
Slice the zucchini and mix your ricotta base up to a day ahead, then store them in separate containers in the fridge. Assemble the tart right before baking.
Pin
Thai Lime-Marinated Fruit Kabobs
These sweet-and-savory kabobs combine watermelon, pineapple, and cantaloupe with a Thai-inspired marinade of green curry paste, lime, coconut, and honey — then hit the grill for a caramelized finish. Get the recipe HERE.
Meal Prep:
Cube the fruit and marinate for up to eight hours in advance. Keep refrigerated in a sealed container until ready to use. Skewers can be threaded a few hours ahead and kept chilled on a covered tray.
Pin
Roasted Broccoli Salad with Tahini Dressing
This nutrient-packed salad balances roasted broccoli, cabbage, dates, cashews, and green onions with a creamy, tangy tahini dressing. It's crunchy, sweet, savory, and seriously satisfying. Get the recipe HERE.
Meal Prep:
Roast the broccoli and prep the veggies and dressing a day or two ahead. Store each separately in the fridge. Toss everything together just before serving to preserve the crunch.
Pin
Cookout Prep Tips
Trays: Use trays or sheet pans to transport prepped dishes to and from the fridge. Labels: Label containers with sticky notes so you're not digging around day-of. Room-temp dishes: Set out room-temp dishes (like the broccoli salad) 15 minutes before serving to let flavors shine. Beverages: Free up fridge space by stocking a separate cooler with canned drinks. This keeps the beverage traffic out of your kitchen! Hot dishes: Avoid anything that must be served hot, unless you have a reliable and easy way to reheat (like a grill-safe tray). Garnishes: Garnish last-minute for freshness. Fresh herbs, citrus zest, or crunchy toppings should be added just before serving so they don't get soggy.
Check out more of our creative entertaining hacks for summer parties!
More Favorite Make-Ahead Sides
Cheers to stress-free entertaining!
**********
For more recipes, check out our entire collection here.
About the Author Kate Feinberg
Kate Feinberg is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor & Sponsored Content Specialist, based in Nashville. Kate is a plant-based foodie, avid runner, and fantasy reader.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Style Blueprint
13 hours ago
- Style Blueprint
Horses, Family Dogs & Climbing Ivy Charmed Guests at This AL Wedding
Of course, every bride and groom deserves a moment to shine on their wedding day. At this stunning outdoor ceremony just outside Birmingham, however, the animals in attendance simply couldn't help but turn heads. From graceful horses making surprise cameos to the couple's adorable dogs standing proud during the ceremony, these wedding photos will melt your heart! Pin Alex and Tera matched on Bumble in 2019, but back then, dating apps weren't quite as mainstream as they are now. Not wanting to make it a conversation piece among family and friends, they went with an alibi when asked how they met. 'For the longest time, we told people we met at a Birmingham Barons game on a Thirsty Thursday. If you know, you know,' Tera tells us. When it came time to propose, Alex decided to pop the question on a trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The couple was vacationing with Tera's brother and his now-fiancée, who also happens to be Tera's best friend. Alex knew it would be the perfect opportunity for a stunning sunset proposal with those closest to Tera by her side. With the help of Stefany Keisler of Creating Moments Wedding and Events, the couple invited 100 guests to the gorgeous Windwood Equestrian estate in Pelham for the ceremony and reception. 'I knew I wanted an outdoor wedding, and the venue is stunning — elegant, European vibes, exactly what I envisioned,' Tera says. Pin Pin Alex and Tera knew their dogs would be part of the big day. 'They're basically our children, so it was a no-brainer,' Tera says. 'They walked down the aisle with the wedding party and somehow managed to stay up there the whole ceremony.' Tera says the color scheme for the day came from a lifelong love of blue hydrangeas … along with hours spent on Pinterest. With light blue and white as her primary colors, her bridesmaids' dresses added a bright pop of yellow. 'My bridesmaids' dresses were inspired by the iconic yellow dress from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,' Tera says. When asked about her own dress, Tera laughs as she explains, 'It was everything I thought I didn't want.' The strapless, A-line silhouette with a high slit and long, dramatic train had not been on her vision board when she tried it on at The Something Blue Shoppe in Hartselle, AL. 'I went in thinking I wanted something sleek, simple, and form-fitting,' Tera says, 'but when I put it on, it just felt right. It was timeless, traditional, and felt like a true wedding dress.' Tera and Alex did a few things their own way during the ceremony, including public and private vows. 'We did private vows to each other before the ceremony, then during the ceremony we mixed in some traditional vows with a few personal touches,' Tera explains. However, the vows didn't exactly go as planned. 'I forgot to transfer my vows from my phone to a cute notebook, so I ended up scribbling them on a sheet of paper while getting my hair and makeup done,' Tera recalls, 'Meanwhile, my husband had his perfectly written in a little book.' Luckily, the ceremony concluded just before a rain shower moved in. Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres in Windwood's chic stables. A grand charcuterie board offered artisan breads, imported cheeses, antipasto, and fresh fruit, plus a Swiss cheese and bacon-stuffed pastry and heirloom tomato bruschetta. Dinner was buffet-style and included all the Southern staples: smoked brisket, BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, baked beans, potatoes au gratin, cornbread, and salad. For dessert, banana pudding shooters and peach cobbler were served. When the bride and groom walked out for their first dance as husband and wife, they were thrown a bit of a curveball. 'Our first dance was to I Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith, but the band played the wrong version,' Tera recalls, 'so we completely winged it!' The wedding cake was simple, beautiful vanilla buttercream. Thanks to a creative touch, you might never guess it was delivered with a bright green top instead of the pale blue they'd intended! 'My mom cut it off the morning of, and we just stuck flowers on top!' Tera says. The couple made their exit as guests popped streamers for a fun send-off. But the party was just getting started. 'We hopped on a party bus with our bridal party and their plus-ones to head back to Birmingham and keep the celebration going,' Tera says. She recalls the after-party as one of the day's highlights, saying, 'I think it was because all the stress was gone. The wedding and reception were incredible, but that moment of singing and dancing with all our best friends felt so carefree and fun — it was just pure celebration.' Even with a wedding planner, Tera says the time commitment of planning a wedding was way more than she expected, saying, 'The amount of tiny details to think about was insane.' Still, she says it's true what they say – it really is the fastest day of your life. Her advice: 'Be truly present. Don't spend hair and makeup time stressing about the ceremony, or the cocktail hour, or thinking about the reception. Enjoy each part of the day as it comes.' RESOURCES Planning & Design: Creating Moments Venue: Windwood Equestrian Catering & Bar: Happy Catering Photography: Krista Suzanne Photography Dress: The Something Blue Shoppe Band, String Quartet & Jazz Band: Emerald Empire Band Florist: Cymbidium Studios Candles: Forever Wild Floral Company Photobooth: Moonlighter Events Marquee Letter: Alpha-Lit Tuscaloosa Hair & Makeup: Brittney Ashton Artistry Linens: Decor to Adore Planning a wedding? Check out StyleBlueprint's two Wedding Resource Guides. (More to come!):
Style Blueprint
05-08-2025
- Style Blueprint
A Lake Wylie Home with Georgian Architecture and Breezy Modern Accents
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Nestled along the shores of Lake Wylie in South Carolina, this 3,500-square-foot retreat is more than a summer getaway. It's a layered, personal escape designed with the future in mind. With architectural plans inspired by an 18th-century Georgian estate, the home seamlessly blends historic charm with modern functionality. Charlotte-based designer Ryann Swan Hackett of Ryann Swan Design brought the vision to life, creating a space that's equal parts family gathering place and retirement home dreams. Take a look around! Pin The home follows a traditional Georgian layout with clearly defined formal and private spaces. While elegant, the structure presented a few quirks, such as off-center windows, outdated closets, and a second floor that required some creative problem-solving. Additionally, the primary bedroom was originally open to the staircase and connected to what is now the daughter's bedroom. Ryann reconfigured the layout to suit the family, closing off openings and adding built-ins to enhance privacy and improve flow. Pin Unlike most rooms in the house, the dining room does not face the lake. Rather than seeing that as a limitation, Ryann turned it into a moment of magic. 'We wanted it to feel like its own little world,' says Ryann. She added an ethereal landscape mural, paired with Chelsea Textiles dining chairs and a Pinch London chandelier, bringing depth and softness to a room designed for conversation and connection. 'The client had a clear vision for this home,' says Ryann. 'This is their summer home, and it's going to be their future retirement home, so she wanted it to be a lake house but also a four-season home that makes sense for hosting Thanksgiving.' Pin Pin The original kitchen included five competing wood tones, rooster tile, and mismatched cabinetry. Ryann and her team streamlined the space with a creamy palette, handmade Zellige tile, and reclaimed beams that offer warmth and texture. 'We even added framed art on the far wall,' Ryann says. 'It's not something you see in most kitchens, but it adds soul.' Pin Pin The butler's pantry features Railings paint by Farrow & Ball and offers a nod to historic service kitchens, but reimagined with a fresh, modern twist. Pin With frequent guests and no spare space for home offices, flexibility is key. A former coat closet became a hidden wine room, complete with grasscloth wallpaper, an antique mirror backsplash, and built-in wine coolers. Pin The son's room now includes a board game and homework nook on one side and a tucked-away video game lounge on the other. Pin Meanwhile, vintage secretaries in the living and family rooms provide beautiful, functional workspaces for both parents. 'These pieces are gorgeous on their own, but they're also completely practical,' says Ryann. Pin Pin Although the home includes only three official bedrooms, it is built to host. The bunk room features two sets of built-in twin beds and a king-size bed, offering space for visiting families or slumber parties. 'The thought of adding both the bunks and the king-sized bed was that if a family comes to stay, they have room to spread out,' says Ryann. 'And if the kids have friends over, it could be a sleepover room.' Pin Pin For a lived-in, Old World aesthetic, Ryann and her clients collected antique pieces from Round Top, Brimfield, and Paris. One of Ryann's favorite finds is a mirror in the daughter's room, carved with tiny birds and florals. Pin Still, her favorite space may be the living room. 'When you walk in, the ceilings are massively tall, and the French doors open to the lake,' she says. 'It feels like something out of Gone with the Wind, romantic and grand but still relaxed.' Pin Two outdoor spaces extend the home's livability. Upstairs, the primary suite opens to a private balcony with a porch swing, lounge chairs, and a dedicated coffee bar. 'That little moment is everything,' says Ryann. 'It's their morning ritual, a space just for them.' Pin Pin Downstairs, the covered porch is the perfect outdoor lounging spot. It opens out to a bluestone patio that becomes the center of summer entertaining. Rather than replacing the uneven stone, Ryann kept it and added formal furniture to elevate the rustic surface. Large umbrellas provide shade while a long dining table and a fire pit on the lawn complete the scene. Pin Pin Throughout the home, Ryann blended historic references with practical design choices that reflect the family's lifestyle. For Ryann and her clients, designing this home was not about replicating the past but about nodding to it and ensuring the space feels real, romantic, and lived in. From layout puzzles and secret nooks to antique treasures and lakeside views, this Lake Wylie retreat proves that historic charm and modern living can work beautifully together. This article contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. ********** For more interior design inspiration, check out our other home features! About the Author Brittany Shepard
Style Blueprint
04-08-2025
- Style Blueprint
18 Birmingham FINDS for a Stylish Summer Send-Off
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit The summer heat is still hanging on, but signs of autumn are slowly creeping in. Whether you're chasing shade or beginning to shift into a cool-weather mindset, Birmingham boutiques strike the perfect balance with FINDS that feel fresh and seasonal. This month's picks will carry you through the last stretch of summer and beyond. FOR THE CLOSET Just-right jeans With a relaxed, wide-leg silhouette, high-rise waist, and breathable cotton blend, these jeans balance ease and polish. Whether paired with a tank and sandals now or layered over booties and sweaters come September, they are fresh, functional, and versatile. Pick up a pair for $138 at Eighteen South. Pin Beautiful bow dress This dress beautifully captures the bow trend. The rich navy hue feels perfectly autumnal, while the lightweight fabric and midi silhouette maintain just enough breeze for warm summer afternoons. It's available for $59.99 at The Clotherie. Pin Sweet sneakers Inspired by retro trainers, this suede sneaker features a cushy footbed and a low-profile silhouette perfect for everyday wear. Pick up a pair for $100 at Monkee's of Mountain Brook. Pin Silky scarf necklace Scarf necklaces are having a major moment, and it's easy to see why. This pastel-hued version is especially dreamy, with a soft fabric wrap that drapes beautifully. The look is tied together with a dainty cross pendant, adding just the right amount of charm. It's available for $46 at The Cottage Basket. Pin Flowing frock This dress's lightweight fabric and bold green color make it the perfect pick for those lingering warm days and golden evenings. Effortlessly flowing and easy to wear, it's the kind of piece that lets you savor every last bit of sunshine. Find it for $89 at Clover + Bee. Pin Fabulous flats Perfectly balancing style and comfort, these flats feature a sleek sole and elegant buckle straps for all-day wear. Whether you're styling them with cozy sweaters, tailored pants, or your favorite jeans, they deliver a polished, versatile look. Pick up a pair for $130 at Hemline. Pin Everyday essential This belt's double disk buckle adds a touch of sophistication — whether it's cinching a dress, adding definition to a blouse, or paired with high-waisted trousers. Available in ivory and mocha, its neutral tones ensure it complements almost any outfit in your closet. It's available for $28.50 at Soca. Pin FOR THE HOME & KITCHEN Luminous luxe With its sculptural silhouette and shimmering gold leaf finish, this abstract resin mirror adds a warm, luminous glow to any room. Its organic, round shape creates movement and dimension, making it the perfect statement in an entryway, above a console, or as a bold focal point in your living space. It's available for $999 at Scandinavian Design Gallery. Pin Playfully patterned napkins Give your everyday table a fresh and fun upgrade with Pomegranate's 'Carnation Blush' napkin set. Made from soft 100% cotton and featuring a delicate hand-block printed floral pattern, these napkins add just the right pop of color and charm. Pick up a set of four for $56 at a'mano. Pin Game day guide Packed with 75 easy, crowd-pleasing recipes — from flavorful dips and fresh salads to hearty breads and refreshing drinks — this cookbook focuses on dishes designed to travel well and impress with minimal fuss. Pick up a copy for $30 at Paper Source. Pin Fresh and fragrant This plant-based cleaner easily tackles dirt and grime while leaving behind the charming aroma of chamomile and trail mix. With notes of oatmeal, honey, and cream, it's gentle, effective, and a must-have for those who appreciate a fresh, inviting home. It's available for $13 at Buff City Soap. Pin Tailgate essential This platter's neutral white gloss finish complements any team's colors, making it perfect for tailgates and beyond. In addition to being stylish, it's also practical — lightweight, dishwasher-safe, and shatter-resistant. It's available for $68 at Susan Gordon Pottery. Pin Peanut pleasure This luscious honey combines creamy peanut butter, rich cocoa, and smooth vanilla, making a delicious upgrade for your toast, pancakes, or oatmeal. Pick up a jar for $15 at Alabama Goods. Pin Scalloped style starter Crafted from mango wood and finished with a high-gloss lacquer, this scalloped-edge tray's neutral hue makes it perfect for organizing jewelry, serving drinks, or displaying candles. It's available for $28 at Wrapsody. Pin Amalfi ambiance This candle captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast with notes of freesia, lime, bergamot, lavender, thyme, and moss. It's a worthwhile indulgence when you're looking to evoke memories of warm summer evenings. Pick one up for $54.95 at La Farre Markt. Pin BATH & BODY Chic carry case Lightweight yet structured, this chic accessory is sized just right for travel — from summer getaways to dorm room setups and college moves. Its wipeable interior lining with a zip mesh pocket ensures easy organization and spill-free packing. Find it for $29 at Dorm Decor. Pin Sophisticated skincare Housed in a sleek and modern glass vessel, this fast-absorbing formula softens and nourishes hands without heaviness, leaving only a clean and sophisticated black tea aroma. It's quietly luxurious, free from overpowering florals yet deeply moisturizing. It's available for $32 at ALKMY. Pin Luxe lather This cleanser gently exfoliates with lactic acid and peony root extract, while sweet almond oil, jojoba, and algae moisturize skin. The rich, three-phase formula transforms from gel to oil to foam, delivering a deep clean without stripping your skin. It's available for $52 at Verde Lusso. Pin Have a fabulous August, Birmingham! ********** Want more great local finds? Follow us on Instagram. About the Author Paige Townley Paige Townley is a Birmingham native with a soft spot for good stories, interesting people, and beautifully made things. When she's not writing about places that inspire or people who shine, she's likely spending time with her family, planning her next adventure, or cheering on the Crimson Tide.
