Throwing a summer shindig? You’ve likely got great weather and good vibes going for you already. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop there. If you’re looking to throw a party for the ages, we can help. There are things you can do with a bit of preparation to take a soiree from so-so to spectacular. Need some party inspo? Read on for ways to amp up your summer party.
Consider a Theme
Everyone (well, mostly everyone) loves a good theme party, and you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to do this. From a golf theme and a luau to a pajama party and opening day at the races, a theme just adds another layer of fun. Some people live for putting on costumes. If you know you’re going to have some party poopers there, however, pick up some extra items at Party City so even those who don’t come dressed in something can wear one of your accessories. And because theme parties are made for photos, you should consider either hiring a professional photo booth company or creating your own. If you’ve got a Polaroid camera on hand, consider hanging a laundry line across a wall with some self-serve pins so people can put up photos as they take them. Talk about instant gratification.
If you really want to go above and beyond, think about hiring a henna tattoo artist. Allow people to pick their tattoo designs and let their personalities shine. This will add even more to the perfect party photos.
Go for the Gusto With Games
The spirit of competition always adds to a party, so make sure you’ve got plenty of games to choose from. While cards and board games are more for fall and winter, summer is all about cornhole, water balloon tosses, and bocce ball. If you know most of your party guests are going to be into it, think about even doing it tournament style. If not, though, simply have these things set up and let people play at their leisure.
Music + Visuals = Party Magic
Music is a must at any party, but if you want to take it to the next level, break out your visualizer software. It allows you design dynamic visuals that will spin and “dance” in time with the beat of the music. Your guests won’t believe their eyes. And if you’re so proud of your composition that you want to relive it again and again, you can download it and even share it on sites like Vimeo and YouTube.
Summertime is also a great time for dancing the night away and, with your visualizer going, guests are going to want to get their groove on. Make sure you’ve got an indoor or outdoor area cleared of furniture so guests can feel free to shake and shimmy when the mood strikes.
Dreamy Drinks Will Save the Day (or Night)
Summer is the perfect time to bring out your inner master mixologist. Umbrella drinks are a must, but don’t stop there. From alcoholic ice pops and muddledlemonberryade to marvelous mojitos and summery sangria, the possibilities are endless. Make sure to offer a nonalcoholic option as well. If you want to ensure that you’ll have time to mix and mingle instead of getting caught behind the bar, think about creating something that you can make ahead of time and put it out in “serve yourself” fashion.
Keep Cuisine Light ‘n’ Lovely
Heavy casseroles and slow cooker stews are great for game nights during the winter but, when it comes to summer soirees, you want to keep your fare nice and light. Appetizers like tomato caprese skewers and homemade hummus and veggies are the order of the day. For the main course, you can always barbecue. Again, though, if you’d prefer to keep yourself free to be amongst your guests, simply serve an array of fresh salads (this Roquefort Pear Salad recipe from AllRecipes.com is a must), pasta salads, and light sweets. Desserts with fresh seasonal berries are ideal for the summer. A blueberry cream cheese pie would be a hit but, if you want to keep it simple and ultra-light, fresh berries served with homemade whipped cream will do just fine.
Summer parties have a leg up on other seasons, as people are already in just the right mood. Follow these tips, however, and your party will be the talk of the town for months (if not years) to come.