10 Awesome Summer Party Ideas
Summer is the season of pool parties, beach barbeques, and picnics at the park. The days are long, and the nights are balmy and warm. Everything seems to slow down in the summer, giving us time to languidly lounge and get together with friends. Tapping into the unhurried and languorous energy of the summer can be wonderful, but don’t forget to have fun and connect with friends, too! Peel off that loungewear and put on your best cocktail dress. Here are ten awesome summer party ideas that go above and beyond a night of simply sipping cocktails in the backyard.
The Perfect Pool Party
When throwing the perfect pool party, there are a few key factors to consider. First, make sure you have plenty of delicious hydrating beverages in addition to whatever fun boozy beverages you offer your guests. Organize group activities and games in the pool to keep guests active and engaged. Also, stock up on plenty of big, soft beach towels so that you have them ready for your guests when they want to dry off.
A Movie Night In, But Out
Take advantage of these warm summer evenings and host a backyard movie night. Set up some comfy outdoor furniture and lay out plenty of blankets and pillows. You can set up your screen with a clothesline and a white sheet or point your projector at an outdoor wall. Then, an extension cord to run power from inside your home.
Backyard Brunch Party
A backyard brunch party should have plenty of seating, plenty of shade, classy decor, and (most importantly) delicious brunch food. Whether you decide to have your event catered or you want to show off your cooking skills to your guests, make sure you check in with your guests ahead of time and have plenty of options so that everyone can enjoy brunch, no matter their dietary restrictions. Brew plenty of fresh coffee, and don’t forget the mimosas!
Garden Dance Party
Throw on a fun fit-and-flare dress and your favorite dancing shoes for this party. Turn your backyard into a dance club this summer with a designated dance floor, plenty of drinks, and fun, colorful lighting. The most important factor to consider when throwing a dance party is your playlist. If you are unsure about your dance music prowess, ask a friend to DJ.
Super Summer Spa Day
Want to organize a gathering of your closest friends but are unsure about the party vibe? Have a relaxing spa day with your gal pals! Sip cucumber water and champagne, make your own scrubs and face masks, and give each other pedicures. Luxuriate, relax, and enjoy the company of your nearest and dearest.
Game Night
For a low-key but fun and engaging party idea, host a game night. You can offer a variety of games, including backyard games such as horseshoes or cornhole, and also have indoor (i.e., air conditioning) board games. Other great party games that can be played either indoors or out are Twister and Charades.
Summer Camp for Grown-Ups
A super fun summer-themed party idea is to host a summer camp for your adult friends. Spend the day swimming, running relay races, and making arts and crafts. Spend the evening sitting around the fire, telling scary stories, and making s’mores. Bonus points if you set up tents in the backyard and have a sleep-over.
Traditional High Tea Party
Put on your cutest tea-length or midi-dress and host a high tea party. High tea is an old British tradition that includes drinking tea (usually specifically while sitting in high-backed chairs) and nibbling at a veritable smorgasbord of cured meats, pickles, salads, pies, tarts, and pastries such as teacakes and fruitcakes.
Christmas in July
Don’t you wish Christmas could come twice a year? It can! Host a Christmas in July party this summer and tap into the Christmas spirit early this year. Break out the Christmas decorations, make a ham, and sip some eggnog. You can even organize a Christmas gift exchange for your guests.
Eco-Friendly Sustainable Summer
Of course, we want all our parties and gatherings to be as eco-friendly as possible, but throwing a party for which sustainability is the theme is a great way to model eco-friendly practices and raise awareness. Opt for all reusable cups, plates, and cutlery. Use cloth napkins instead of paper. Serve only food and beverages from companies that use sustainable practices.
Whatever type of party you decide to throw this summer, remember to have fun.