How To Host a Family Weenie Roast

by contributing writer Colleen

Summer is here — and it’s HOT! We’ll, at least it’s hot for us here in Northeast Ohio. And while it seems like summer is in full swing, back-to-school is just around the corner. Whether your kids go to public/private school or you homeschool, the lazy days of summer are likely winding down, or soon will be.

When August hits, we like to gather family and friends for a last summer fun night. The easiest — and most fun — family night we have all year is the backyard weenie roast. We light a fire, gather sticks, food, and head out back for some fun.

What’s best about hosting a weenie roast (or just doing it with your own family) is how little preparation and cleanup there is. This is one gathering that everyone can enjoy. Mom won’t be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having a blast.

Here’s my no-fail way to get this party fired up.

Make Your List & Shop

• Hot dogs
• Hot dog buns
• Condiments
• Fruit salad or pasta salad
• Chips
• Graham crackers
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate bars
• Drinks

Afternoon Preparation

• Open hot dog packages and put them in a reusable, lidded container.
• Put buns on a tray and cover with plastic wrap.
• Put salad in a bowl and cover, placing a serving spoon on top.
• Break up chocolate and graham crackers for s’mores and put them on a platter with marshmallows (ready for little hands to assemble).
• Ice the drinks in open buckets for easy grabbing.
• Get paper plates, napkins, and a large trash can, and set them up outside.
• Collect big sticks and get the fire going.

Enjoy

That’s it! Now you’re all set. Let the kids run around the backyard and play or throw a ball with them. When someone’s hungry, they can grab their own hot dog, spear it with a stick, and roast it over the fire (adult supervision, of course), pop it into a bun, slather it with ketchup and mustard, scoop up some salad, and eat their perfectly prepared dinner.

Afterwards, the kiddos can roast marshmallows for s’mores, and then toss the paper products in the trash can. Bellies are full and clean up is done.

The kids can keep playing or run around and catch fireflies, and the adults and babies can hang out by the fire chatting until bedtime.

Really, the best family memories are built on simple evenings like this. Cherish your kids’ childhoods and give them lots of family fun nights.

What are some of your favorite easy-entertaining or family nights?