The Best Fourth of July Cookout Supplies

While you can celebrate July 4 in any fashion you choose, a cookout is the quintessential way to come together for the holiday. It's a social, fun and casual outdoor tradition that leaves everyone fed and happy.

Hosting a cookout is a great way to celebrate America's independence and prioritize time with family and friends as summer begins. To make your cookout even more enjoyable and convenient, it helps to prepare and make sure you have all the best Fourth of July cookout supplies stocked and ready to go.

Browse this list of essential supplies, decorations and accessories to stock up on.

1. Grills and Grilling Accessories

Your grill and grilling accessories are the heart and soul of hosting the best Fourth of July cookout. If you are on the lookout for the perfect grill, there are two front-runners — gas and charcoal. Electric grills aren't far off either, and each has its advantages that suit different preferences. Whether you opt for charcoal, gas or electric, always look out for these quality indicators: 

• A solid, sturdy assembly made from high-quality materials that will not rust or corrode
• A good range of temperature control features, including a built-in thermometer, so you can cook a wider variety of foods to perfection
• Practical features like a stable base, wheels and protective covers

Even if you already have a grill you love, don't forget to stock up on grilling essentials to make the day fun and convenient: 

• Charcoal or propane: Fueling up is an essential part of your cookout preparations! Remember to stock up on your wood, charcoal and propane tanks so you don't run out in the middle of your celebrations. 
• Grilling tools: You can put together your own grilling tool kit with tongs, forks and brushes made from durable materials.
• Smoker boxes or wood chips: Smoker boxes and flavored wood chips add an extra dimension of smokiness and flavor to your meats and grilled veggies. You also have a wide variety to choose from, including hickory, applewood and mesquite. 

2. Comfortable Seating and Table Arrangements

At the core of your Fourth of July cookout is the privilege of spending time with your favorite people. During summer, there is no better way to do this than outdoors, so prioritizing comfortable outdoor seating and beautiful table arrangements is essential. 

If you need some extra seating to make your cookout happen, consider quality polypropylene or plastic chairs that are affordable, weather-resistant and available in a range of beautiful styles. Picnic tables are also perfect, as they provide ample seating and table space all in one. You can even throw down some picnic blankets for a quick, easy and aesthetic solution that the kids will love.

Once your furniture arrangements are sorted, you can plan your layout and determine how to make the space more ambient and on theme. Some outdoor tablecloths and throw cushions in a patriotic color scheme add visual interest, and they make seating and eating more comfortable and convenient.

A few final touches can make your table arrangements even more cohesive, including some freshly picked flowers, themed napkins, citronella candles or torches to keep the bugs away. If you want to go the extra mile, you can put together some party favors for each guest, like party hats, shot glasses, patriotic pinwheels and a few sweet treats. 

To complete your patio or outdoor seating and table arrangements, add some umbrellas for shade, or consider investing in a gazebo where you can shelter yourself from the heat and have a luxurious space for enjoying the meal.

3. Supplies for Fun and Ambience

Essential cookout supplies are not limited to the functional basics — they should add to the fun and ambience of the get-together, too! Arrange for a few activities that keep your guests entertained, including favorite lawn games like cornhole, ladder toss and badminton. You can also create some fun games for the kids, like a Fourth of July-themed scavenger hunt. Tossing in a few board games is also ideal for some variety.  

Of course, no good cookout is complete without some upbeat music to support celebratory vibes. You can find a good set of outdoor speakers by looking for ones that are portable and have seamless volume adjustment, quality sound and wireless connectivity.