Fire Up the Grill for an Outdoor Brunch Party This Summer

Summer brunch has never been easier: Just grab some friends and get grilling! Invite your friends, family, or neighbors and fire up the grill for an outdoor brunch party. Decorate with simple serving pieces and fresh flowers, and set up a few food stations near the grill. We love the idea of a build-your-own grilled breakfast pizza bar and a bloody mary station.

We've rounded out the menu with a few quick appetizers you can make ahead and pop on the grill during the party so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time outside with your guests.

Set the Scene

Set the tone for your outdoor brunch party by decorating your space. You don't have to have a top-notch backyard to host a gorgeous gathering—a few simple decorations will go a long way! Start with a serving area, like a fold-up outdoor table covered with pretty linens. Then top with dishes and bright serving trays that match the spirit of your brunch.

Heat Up the Grill

There's no limit to the brunch dishes you can prepare on the grill (like these mouthwatering grilled donuts—yum!). If you don't already have an outdoor grill, now's the perfect time to invest in one for the season. These are our favorite charcoal grills to help you choose the right one for your space.

Set Up a Grilled Pizza Bar

Take full advantage of the space you have for your outdoor brunch party. Instead of preparing each dish in the oven and heating up the house, opt for homemade brunch recipes that can be made entirely outside on the grill! We're obsessed with the idea of a build-your-own grilled pizza bar. Stack plain pizza crusts or pita bread on a pizza peel, then add bowls of toppings so guests can build their own. Once everyone has created their pizza, throw each pizza on the grill for a few minutes.

Add the Toppings

Go big with topping combinations on your grilled pizza bar. The more toppings you provide, the more creative your guests can be with their brunch pizzas—so set out some of everything! Use almonds or other unexpected toppings to add flavor and a little extra crunch. Guests can make a savory pizza with salmon, goat cheese, capers, and almonds or a fruity brunch pizza with sliced peaches, cheese, and a sweet balsamic glaze. The possibilities are endless!

Decorate with Florals

Decorate without spending much time or money by making your floral arrangements from fresh garden flowers. If your garden is short on blooms, fill it in with a simple grocery store bouquet. Use a large vase of flowers as a pretty centerpiece, or scatter smaller vases around the tables for a casual garden party ambience.

Put Together a Bloody Mary Bar

What's a party without a signature cocktail? We think an outdoor brunch party is a perfect excuse for a DIY bloody mary bar. Gather the staple ingredients, then throw in some extras like shrimp, asparagus, olives, and nuts. (After all, everyone knows the best part of a bloody mary is the snacks that come with it!) Arrange everything on a side table or a bar cart, and let guests create their own delicious mix.

Have a Condiment Station

To cut down on time spent running back into the house for condiments, sauces, and toppings, create a catchall basket of everything you and your guests need. We love the idea of using a repurposed wine carrier. Add jars of toppings or bottled dressings and sauces to each compartment, and place them near the grill for easy access.

Plan an Activity

Since there may be some downtime while everyone's pizzas are on the grill, set up a casual backyard activity guests can do while they wait for their food. Set up a game like bocce ball or croquet that's easy to play while guests chat and mingle.

Serve Dessert

Grilled peach pie is the perfect excuse to add dessert to your brunch menu. Throw fresh peaches on the grill, then add them to a small cast-iron skillet and top with a purchased pie crust for convenience. Then, cook the pie in the skillet on the grill and serve with fresh whipped cream or ice cream.