Red, White & BBQ Continues: Host a Hot Dog Grilling Party!

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Hi Homes.com readers! I’m Courtney Dial visiting from Pizzazzerie.com and I’m so excited to share summer celebration and grilling party ideas for the red, white and bbq series! One of my favorite ways to enjoy a summer evening at home is hosting friends for a hot dog grilling party. Here are a few simple and inexpensive techniques for wow-ing your friends with a hot dog bar…

GO BOLD + BRIGHT!
Stripes are in! Don’t be afraid to go bold with your decorations. From stripes to polka dots, summer is all about colorful, festive patterns! Finding a fun tablecloth can be tricky so use my favorite party tip and visit your local fabric store for a few yards of a bright print. To complement the fun tablecloth, I was lucky to find matching napkins which I used as a wrapper for popcorn in cone holders! See below.

GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR DISPLAY!

Popcorn goes great with hot dogs {reminds me of summer baseball games} but displaying popcorn can be tricky. Insert these adorable cone holders! You can find these cone holders at party supply stores or restaurant supply stores, and they are great for everything from popcorn to chips. Set a few out across the tables for guests to get their munchies on while the hot dogs are grilling. You could even put sweets (think mini cookies, bite size brownies, or toffee) in the holders too! If you can’t locate cone holders, a large martini or margarita glass also work to display these delectable goodies.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TOPPINGS

Setting up a hot dog bar is a great way for guests to try new flavors, enjoy the foods they love, and you won’t have to worry about plating everyone’s meals! Set out a variety of fun hot dog toppings from the traditional (mustard, onions, relish, etc) to the unusual (salsa, hot sauce, diced peppers, etc). Use simple glass dishes for toppings and place a spoon or fork in each for guests to use. Line toppings up in a row and take it up a notch by writing topping labels on simple tent cards (fold over thick cardstock and print your own)!

Try the “Pizza Salsa” recipe below for a super delish topping sure to please the adults + kids alike…

PIZZA SALSA RECIPE

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon oregano seasoning
1/4 cup diced pepperoni slices
basil, for garnish

Slice cherry tomatoes. Add in mozzarella, sliced pepperoni, and oregano seasoning. Add fresh ground pepper. Stir until mixed. Garnish with basil. Top on hot dogs!

For more recipes + party ideas, visit Pizzazzerie.com!

Here’s a recap of my top tips for hosting a super summer grilling party!
1. Use bold and bright patterns for your table covering!
2. Find fun ways to display munchies like popcorn or chips. Try restaurant-style French fry holders or even various vases and containers wrapped in festive ribbon.
3. Whether it’s hot dogs or hamburgers, set out a variety of flavorful toppings in a “bar” style for guests to make their own plate!

Having a fun summer party? Snap a few pictures using Instagram and upload with the #redwhiteandbbq hashtag for a chance to win the ULTIMATE GRILLING PACKAGE from Homes.com! Create memories & score big with this exciting contest.

Growing up in the South, Courtney Dial Whitmore loves entertaining and uses her passion as a stylist and writer for party design and décor on Pizzazzerie.com. She is the author of Push-Up Pops and Candy Making for Kids and just recently returned from her wedding and honeymoon!