Summer Birthday Party Ideas for the Social Butterfly
Almost every woman has at least one friend who is a social butterfly—an extrovert who thrives on being around people. Social butterflies are outgoing and enjoy flitting from group to group, engaging people in conversation. If you’re planning a birthday celebration for your social butterfly friend, consider their personality traits. Your friend is likely to enjoy being with a bunch of people rather than having, say, a dinner with a few close friends. Summer offers many opportunities for either indoor or outdoor activities that are ideal for groups. Read on for summer birthday party ideas for the social butterfly in your friend circle.
Dance Night
If your social butterfly looks for excuses to dress up, a night out dancing provides the opportunity to do just that. Dig out your favorite summery cocktail or little black dress and your most comfortable heels, then head over to your favorite club and dance the night away! Don’t forget to bring a tiara for the birthday girl!
Bowling Party
Birthday bowling parties aren’t just for kids. Many bowling alleys offer adult-only bowling hours on weekend evenings. Often, the lanes are lit using black lights, creating cool effects that add to the fun vibe. Take advantage by wearing your favorite white or neon-color clothes, but make sure you can move easily in whatever clothes you wear. Also, considering that it’s summer and people often go about in sandals or flip-flops, bring some extra pairs of socks to wear with the required bowling shoes. Be sure to reserve enough lanes for your group. Usually, the maximum number of people per lane is 6, which allows plenty of time for socializing and visiting among the different groups of bowlers.
Pajama Spa Party
Sometimes even a social butterfly wants to mellow out with a “smaller” group, in which case, hold a pajama spa party. Have everyone dress in their favorite comfy clothes and bring along their pillows and sleeping bags (birthday girl gets the bed, of course). Provide a grab bag’s worth of assorted sheet face masks, and have mani-pedi supplies available: cotton balls, nail sticks, toe separators, polish remover, various color nail polishes, base and top coats, and quick-dry spray. Serve easy-to-manage cut-up or finger foods that can be eaten without ruining a manicure. Also, provide drinking straws for sipping homemade mocktails and cocktails through the face masks. You’ll have everything you need for a night of lazy chitchat with friends.
Weekend Brunch
Another popular party option for the social butterfly is a weekend brunch. Reservations for a large party are a must, of course, and it’s also a good idea to find out the restaurant’s policy on individual or split checks. Also, check out the menu to ensure there are gluten-free or low-carb options for those individuals following restricted diets. If you’re planning on dining outside, make sure there is an alternative option in case of inclement weather. Once the planning has been taken care of, you’ll be able to put on your favorite cotton sundress and enjoy the good food and better company.
Outdoor Tribute Concert
Recent years have seen the rise of community-sponsored band tributes or themed concerts. These events offer a great excuse for a birthday picnic. These events are usually somewhat free-form: you can sing along with the band, get up and dance with your friends, or just sit back and enjoy the music and the fresh air. To avoid mid-concert hunger pangs, either have each person bring their own meal or plan a potluck, but remember to make sure everyone is aware if someone has a food allergy. Also, be sure to check with local authorities regarding rules about alcohol consumption in public spaces. Don’t forget a picnic blanket or chairs, and, depending on the time of day, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and sweater. Expect to bump into someone you know, so have a few extra plates around for when you dish out the birthday cake.
Baseball Game
For the social butterfly who loves sports, consider attending a late-afternoon or evening baseball game. Whether you’re at a major or minor league game, the slow pace allows plenty of time for chatting among yourselves and making the acquaintance of attendees in nearby seats. Remind everyone to bring along a jacket or hoodie in case the evening temps cool down. Depending on the number of people attending, you may be able to get a group rate. For an extra-special touch, invite guests to chip in to have a birthday greeting displayed on the stadium’s scoreboard, jumbotron, or ribbon display—you can find out the cost and other requirements on the team’s website.
Butterfly Party
Celebrate your social butterfly friend’s birthday with butterflies of another type. If you’re fortunate enough to live near a butterfly house or pavilion, consider arranging a party there. Enjoying high tea while watching butterflies flit about makes for a relaxing afternoon that gives everyone time to visit with one another. To maximize the chances that butterflies will land on people, encourage attendees to wear tops in bright colors, especially red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple.
Regardless of what kind of party you plan for a social butterfly, if you provide ample time for conversation and mingling, the celebration is sure to be a success.