Fire Up the Grill: Summer Cookout Season is Here.

At Stephens, we’re big fans of the simple joys of summer. A cold drink in your hand, the smell of something good on the grill, neighbors waving from across the street… that’s the kind of stuff that makes a house feel like home.

Cookouts don’t have to be fancy to be fun. You throw some chairs out back, fire up the grill, and let people gather. It’s about good food, easy company, and enjoying the space you call home.

“Some of my favorite summer memories are just burgers on the grill, bare feet in the grass, and staying out past sunset,” says Stephens broker/co-owner Oliver Minnis. “You don’t need much. Just good people and a little time to slow down.”

Here are a few things we’ve learned from years of backyard get-togethers and front porch hangouts:

Keep it simple

Burgers, brats, veggie skewers. Easy is good. Pick up some fresh produce from the farmers market and let the season do the work. Grilled corn, watermelon, maybe a pasta salad you don’t even measure. That’s all you need.

Everyone’s got a personal favorite. Zach Dodson says, “I’ve got to have sauerkraut for the brats!” Ahnya Lewis is all about local flavor: “What’s a cookout without good craft beer?! Free State Brewery 6-pack!”

And when it comes to cookout essentials, Chris Earl keeps it classic: “Burgers and popsicles are solid choices for any cookout, but the people always make the party!”

Make the space feel good

You don’t need a big deck or fancy setup. A few extra chairs, some string lights, or even just a clean patio can make the space feel inviting. Throw out a blanket for the kids. Put some music on. People remember how a place felt more than how it looked.

“I keep a few extra chairs in the garage just for nights like these,” says Stephens Marketing Coordinator, Lisa Stofac. “It’s not about the setup. It’s about making folks feel welcome.”

Don’t forget the extras

Cool drinks, a few lawn games, something sweet to end the night. It can be as simple as store-bought treats or a bowl of fresh berries. Keep it low-key and let people help themselves.

Michelle Roberts-Freeman sums it up perfectly: “I know I’ll probably get made fun of for being cheesy, but good company is a must-have at a summer cookout. Who can enjoy their burger and watermelon with bad company?”

Invite the neighbors

Summer’s a great time to say hi to someone you haven’t seen in a while. Call a friend. Wave someone over. Open the gate. That’s how community happens.

At Stephens Real Estate, we love seeing our clients use their homes for moments like these. If you’re grilling out this summer, we hope it brings you great connections and plenty of smiles.