26 Ways to Make Any Outdoor Get-Together Totally Epic

Everyone will love this drink.

Here's how:

• 1. Make the simple syrup: Bring 1 cup each sugar and water to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar; let cool. Meanwhile, steep 8 black tea bags in a pitcher with 4 cups hot water for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and add 3 cups cold water.
• 2. For spiked tea: Add the simple syrup and 3/4 cup citrus vodka.
• 3. For alcohol-free tea: Add the simple syrup to taste. Chill, then serve over ice with lemon slices.

Keeps cans and bottles cold and rolls anywhere. (Permasteel 80-quart powder-coated-steel cooler in lime)

Tropical Fiesta birch cutlery

These platters couldn't be cuter! (Lobster Bake 18"-diameter polycarbonate tray)

Kate Spade New York Citrus Twist 14" x 19-3/4" melamine tray

Caprice 14"-diameter melamine platter in mod medallions

Click ahead for some games people will actually play! (Giant Malibu 4-3/4"W x 4-3/4"D x 20-1/4"H wood jumbling tower)

Colors_and_Patterns Plus Sign 24" x 48" wood cornhole set in navy blue

These bar extras are sure to get smiles. (Monstera Leaf silicone and stainless steel bottle opener)

Gillbert Fish stainless steel corkscrew in ombre

Finally! A not-the-same-old-BBQ recipe (a Food Network Magazine fave).

Here's how:

• 1. Make the salsa: Combine 2 diced green tomatoes, the juice of 2 limes, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 2 minutes, then stir in 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 small diced red onion and 1 finely chopped seeded red jalapeño. Preheat a grill to medium high and oil the grates.
• 2. Form 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef into 4 patties; season with salt and pepper.
• 3. Grill the patties about 4 minutes per side for medium rare.
• 4. Sandwich each burger on a bun with guacamole and the salsa.

Neon Rose Gingham paper dinner plates. We paired ours with Lemon paper luncheon napkins.

BUY IT: Meri Meri, $7 (for a set of 20)

Party Girl Stripe paper dessert plates. We paired ours with Marimekko Elakoon Elama paper cocktail napkins.

BUY IT: Celebrate the Home, $5 (for a set of 20)

Navy Pattern paper dessert plates. We paired ours with nautical cocktail napkins.

BUY IT: Caspari, $5 for a set of 20

Pink Tropical paper dinner plates. We paired ours with Talking Tables Fancy Frond paper cocktail napkins.

BUY IT: Shop Sweet Lulu, $6 (for a set of 20)

Desert Rose Colorblock paper dinner plates. We paired out with Hello Summer paper cocktail napkins.

BUY IT: Slant Collections, $6 (for a set of 20)

Here, we have another Food Network Magazine favorite. It's impressive and easy!

Here's How:

• 1. Fold 1/4 cup whipped cream into 1/2 cup softened vanilla ice cream.
• 2. Do the same with strawberry ice cream and with black raspberry ice cream in different bowls. Freeze until firm.
• 3. Sandwich layers of each flavor between chocolate wafer cookies to form a stack. Makes six stacks.

Any lemonade looks fancy in here. (Flamingo 1.8-gallon glass and metal drink dispenser)

Rio Medallion melamine salad server set

And if you need more seats... (Dot polypropylene chair in sun yellow)

27-3/4"-tall plastic and iron stool

Tangier 12"H x 19-1/2"-diameter resin ottoman in white

Phat Tommy bamboo and polyester chairs in powder blue

These bright finds will lighten it up when it gets dark. (10"-tall metal solar lantern in blue)

Soji Prints Celestial Stripe 12"-diameter nylon solar lantern