Do you have plans for the upcoming three-day weekend? It's not hard to make some: just invite friends and neighbors over for an end-of-summer backyard bash! Make it easy on yourself by asking your guests to bring a side dish, something for the grill, or their favorite drinks. For me, a cookout is all about the sides. I love the chance to sample different side dishes and a potluck cookout means you'll get to taste the very best everyone has to offer. Here are some recipe ideas to get your party started:

Stellar Sides to Make or Bring

Cabbage and Carrot Slaw Classic Baked Beans Grilled Corn Salad with Green Beans and Tomatoes Orzo Salad with Broccoli and Tomatoes Refrigerator Pickled Slaw The Best Basic Potato Salad Three-Bean Salad with Quinoa Watermelon Salad with Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Basil

Crowd-Pleasing Burgers

Beef and Bulgur Burgers Gorgonzola and Sun-Dried Tomato Buffalo Burgers Perfect Burgers Portobello and Pineapple Veggie Burgers Turkey Burgers

Refreshing Drinks to Keep Things Cool

Homemade Ginger Ale Sangria Spiced Iced Tea Punch Watermelon Lemonade Watermelon Agua Fresca

A Little Something Sweet

Coffee Granita Flourless Brownies Ice Cream Pie Summer Berry Pie Happy Labor Day!