Burgers & beer BBQ delight

Head outside to honor the fathers (near and far) in your life! Take it easy with a no-fuss cookout complete with picnic-style accents, tailgate games and a special beer tasting

Set out a beer-sampling station A rustic backyard beer buffet like this one, styled by Brittany Schwaigert (Greygreydesigns.com), is sure to inspire smiles. To get the look, layer two gingham cloths on a table, then make beer flights by setting various types of beer on trays. Add water bottles, monogrammed napkins ( just add an iron-on decal to cloth napkins) and a tabletop light box sign celebrating Dad ($15, Target.com). Kick off fun with a special lawn game Simple games like cornhole can keep your family occupied while you grill! Schwaigert made the fun game a decoration (and gift!) by ordering a customized set (Checkers Collage Personalized Cornhole Set, $ 82, Shindigz.com). To get a similar look, print photos on printable vinyl (like Cricut Printable Vinyl, $ 9, Joann.com), remove backing and stick onto a basic cornhole set.

Add a rustic touch to settings

At her party, Schwaigert gave settings a rustic feel by layering a disposable paper place mat (like Tree Stump Placemats, $16 for 8, Shindigz.com) under a festive plate (like Grill Master Paper Plates, $ 4 for 8, Target.com). The finishing touch? Place- card holders in the shape of wood slices.

Make Dad’s day with perfectly grilled burgers

It wouldn’t be Father’s Day without grilled burgers! For the juiciest results, try this: As you shape the patties, put an ice cube in the center of each. As the burger cooks, the ice will melt, basting the meat from the inside. Tip: Put toppings under the burger: The cheese will melt over the toppings, holding them in place so they don’t slide off your burger.

Simplify serving with a colorful cutlery caddy

The best decor for this casual celebration comes from items you already have on hand! This charming cutlery caddy is made in a flash by repurposing a metal pail. Simply place utensils handle-up in a cleaned- out bucket for grab-and- go ease. Tip: To prevent the bucket from tipping, weigh it down by pouring in a layer of clean glass marbles. For extra flair, tie red gingham ribbon bows where the handles connect to the pail.

Sweeten the day with easy beer-infused brownies

Beer and brownies may seem like an unusual pairing, but the malty notes of stout beer enhance the taste of chocolate while adding an extra layer of flavor. The “infusion” process couldn’t be simpler: Just replace the water in your favorite boxed brownie mix with stout beer (like Guinness), then bake according to package instructions. For a double dose of deliciousness, cover with beer-infused frosting. To make: Spoon your favorite store-bought chocolate frosting into a bowl, then use an electric mixer to whip in 3 Tbs. of stout beer until thoroughly combined and fluffy. Spread over cooled brownies, chill, then serve.