The Ultimate Guide: Summer Kickback

Vacations, pools and baseball games are just a few of the things that make summer what it is, AMAZING, but one of the best parts of summer are the kickbacks! A kickback has almost all of the characteristics of a party…without being an actual party. If you’ve ever been to a kickback then you know and you understand. It’s the same way you know what it means when someone says, “You smell like outside.” Pretty much along those same lines. Since it’s not a full blown function, it doesn’t require a theme, proper notice beforehand or any decent china nor flatware BUT there are still some key things you need to do in order to host a memorable day. Below I’m going to list the ultimate guide to a summer kickback with the top 5 things you NEED!

Set the vibe

The Key here is to not necessarily have decorations everywhere, that’s what parties are for, but to still set the mood and vibe of the party. For instance, if your kickback is fully equipped with a pool then make a little beach ball, innertube archway for whichever entrance your guests will be walking through to get to the festivities. This is a super cute, water friendly option and you could get everything you need from a dollar store, Target or Walmart. Since you aren’t going to need decorations, this helps set a fun mood and can double as a great backdrop for group photos.

Photo via Pinterest

Multipurpose everything 

When prepping for your kickback you want to prep with the plan to make the most efficient cleanup possible. Utilizing multipurpose items is key. One way you can do this is having fruit fruit bowls. Yes, you read that correctly! You can have an array of fruit options, but as long as none of your guests have any allergies, you can cut and carve out a watermelon, pineapple or cantaloupe and use it to serve your fruit or even opt for Teriyaki chicken pineapple bowls. This helps minimize the need for serving bowls and platters!  Another option is using colorful water balloons to keep your drinks cool in a giant bucket or cooler. Not only is this a cute, colorful added touch but it also keeps you from having to swim your hand around and look for a towel every time you want to grab a drink AND they can be used for a good ol’ fashion water balloon fight AFTER they melt!

Photo via Pinterest

Games 

You must have games! You can keep it simple with giant Jenga, card games, group board games or go for giant yard chess and/or checkers, because bigger is always better and more fun, right?! I know a lot of people still enjoy a good game of Twister but the little mat can be so constricting. Instead of buying multiple mats, try taking a medium moving box, cutting a hole in it and using that as a stencil to spray paint a Twister mat right in your own back yard and you can make it as large or small as necessary!

Photo via Pinterest

Kickback, the K is for Kingsford

What is a kickback without a grill?!…a complete abomination! You must fire up the grill and feed your guests. You can grill all of your meats, veggies and for those who dare, even some of your fruits. Plus, keeping all food prepared on the grill helps contain the party outside where everything is taking place, unless it’s sweltering outside and you have to start inside and work your way outside post sunset. That’s why the timing of your kickback is something that should be heavily considered.

Photo via Sams Club

Disposable everything or at least plastic

Normally I’m all about real china and utensils however for kickbacks, I highly recommend a cute set of plastic ones you absolutely love and can re-use. For cute, plastic dinnerware my go to list is HomeGoods, Pier 1, Target, Walmart and Michaels (Be sure if you purchase from Michaels that they’re for eating on, some warn against placing food on them. They’re just for decoration.) Also, make sure they’re dishwasher safe so you can cut down your cleanup time! If you opt for all disposable plasticware and plates you can still incorporate colors, drastically cut cleanup time and be free to use new colors and combos at the next kickback.

Photo via Anthropologie