DIY Potting Bench Grill Station
Looking for a creative Father’s Day gift? Make dad an outdoor prep station that he'll enjoy for many summers to come.
This Father’s Day, put an end to platter-balancing and say hello to simpler outdoor cooking by making dad a DIY grill station he can enjoy throughout the summer—and for all the summers to come. Not only will this project give your chef the open-air counter space he needs, but it also makes alfresco meals easier for the whole family.
Start by finding a potting station (or an outdoor table) that will fit nicely in a prime spot by your grill. Look for a style with at least three tiers—more surface area means less running back and forth into the house. For this DIY, we selected one with a main counter, two top shelves, and a bottom shelf.
Set up the main countertop for prepping and placing items to be cooked, as it's the perfect height for easy access and cutting and skewering (and eventual serving). After dad puts patties on the grill, where does he put the platter? The main counter area gives him ample room for setting aside dishware he’s not using. Create a system, keeping needed items closest to the grill and dirty dishes farthest away. This way, dad’s helper always knows what's ready to go back into the house.
Tip! If your younger kids love to help their dad cook, keep a garden stool tucked in the corner so they can watch without stepping on any toes.
Designate the top two tiers of the potting station for cooking basics that are handy to have within reach but don't demand front-and-center placement. We filled our top levels with salt, pepper, mustard, olive oil, oven mitts, dish towels, and mason jars. For refrigerated condiments, give the simple task of bringing them out from the kitchen to one of the kids. Make it easier for the little ones by marking each condiment for outside with a sticker or by grouping them together in the fridge.
Tip! Go the extra mile and create a mini herb pot garden. We planted dill and rosemary, but basil and cilantro are always welcome additions!
Stow dishware and utensils on one half of the bottom tier for effortless buffet-style serving. Guests and hungry family members can pick up their plate and silverware, then serve themselves delicious, hot-off-the-grill food right from the main counter. Keep the second half of the shelf stocked with extra prepping gear, like cutting boards or a knife block—these tools are nice to have available but take up too much room elsewhere. Then, to bottom-it-off when dad starts grilling: Surprise him by bringing out a cooler stocked with his favorite beers. (This may end up being his favorite part!)
Tip! If you have the extra wall space, create an area to hang aprons next to the station with wall hooks for dad and his little helpers.
