Summer Cookout with Beatriz Ball

Happy summer, friends!! {Or almost summer to us here in the northeast} Y’all know I enjoy sharing recipes and putting a healthier spin on things, but I also LOVE to set the table and have dinner parties! It’s probably the southerner in me, but even in our small, one-bedroom NYC apartment, I try to host and set the table whenever I can. It honestly brings me joy!

Living in NYC has been an adjustment, for sure. Even after 3 years, I still miss things from home in Alabama and one of those things is cooking out. We don’t have backyards in the city, or even front yards for that matter, but we DO have rooftops! Daniel recently bought a {tiny, rooftop-sized} grill for us to use on the roof and we have had several cookouts already. When Beatriz Ball reached out to partner with me, I was first thrilled because I already use and love their pieces!! And second, I thought a summer grill out would be so fun with their collection.  I just love how their pieces can be used for a nice dinner party or to add some elegance to an outdoor BBQ!! I think this mix of nice and casual is perfect for the season! Not to mention, I’m obsessed with lemon patterns right now so I’m looking for any excuse to use this tablecloth  🙂

HEALTHY COOKOUT TIPS: When you think of cookouts, your first thought is probably not “healthy”. In any situation, there are always ways to make small changes that will leave you feeling better and not as heavy at the end of the night. For this particular cookout we did have hamburgers, of course! I offered whole wheat buns for a slightly better choice of starch. If you are wanting to avoid buns all together, I also served whole pieces of iceberg lettuce to make hamburger wraps, which is what I did and it was just as tasty! Providing a lean protein option, like grilled chicken or fish, is a good way to give an alternative to red meat or pork. Make your sides & toppings colorful!! Lettuce, tomatoes, onions & fresh veggies! When it comes to cheese, go for the ones made with low- or reduced-fat milk. If you are drinking alcohol or a soda, alternate it with water. I made a broccoli and kale slaw and some fruit kabobs to round out our plates. It turned out great and made for a filling, but not miserably full dinner!

I was first introduced to Beatriz Ball around the time Daniel and I were getting married. I registered for some pieces for our wedding and immediately fell in love!! Their pieces are so elegant, but functional–which is huge. You can put them in the fridge and the oven and they hold their integrity. Not to mention… THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL. They offer several collections, but I am particularly fond of the pearl collections. Daniel loves their wood with metal accent pieces.

I have enjoyed this collection so much that I want to share it with you! That’s right, GIVEAWAY!! I have partnered with Beatriz Ball to give away one Pearl David Tray. I have this same tray and use it all the time {like for burgers and buns in the pictures above, and here, and here, and here}!! It is classic and so functional. You can use it to serve your drinks, appetizers, dinners or desserts! I am SO excited this is the piece for the giveaway!!! To enter, follow @lyraandjane AND @beatrizballcollection on Instagram, like the giveaway picture, and tag 3 friends. If you don’t have Instagram, simply comment on this post and tell us how you would use the tray! Goodluck and HAPPY SUMMER!! <3 Norma
Thank you Beatriz Ball for sponsoring this post!
****update: giveaway is now closed****
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