Summer is the perfect time to plan a party for friends and family. Between no school and longer evenings, there are plenty of opportunities to have a great time together.
If you’re hosting a summer party, here is the ultimate guide to making it memorable.
1. Pick Your Day
You’ll want to start planning for your party about a month in advance to ensure you have everything in order without rushing or stressing.
Weekends are a prime time to party but could lead to crowds if you plan to be at a park or beach. There also may be less availability at specific venues.
While your guests’ schedules may require you to plan for a weekend party, you may want to consider a weekday party if possible. Weekdays are sure to see fewer crowds at venues and can ensure your party doesn’t overlap with another one.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are the best weekdays to plan an event because they are the freest evenings for events. Having parties on these days is also a great way to break up the week and give your guests something fun to look forward to.
2. Pick Your Theme
One of the best parts of planning a party is deciding what theme you’d like for your party.
One fun idea you can try is a movie-themed event. Any movie with a fun summer vibe can make for the perfect theme. Have a popcorn machine and a menu inspired by the film. You can even plan for an outdoor screening of the film.
Another theme idea is basing your party on a decade, such as the ‘20s or ‘70s. You can have your guests dress up in decade-appropriate attire and play the popular music from that time.
3. Create Your Decorations
Deciding on decor is a big part of the party planning process, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on decorations.
You can save money and have fun by creating DIY decorations. Some examples of festive decorations you can make yourself include:
- Adding gold foil to balloons or glasses.
- Making cloth buntings.
- Polka-dotting glasses or a table runner.
- Cutting paper pom-poms.
- Painting jars or vases.
- Crafting a piñata.
- Make your own signs.
Creating your decorations is a great way to add a personal and unique touch to your party.
4. Choose Your Menu
You’ll want to pick foods that fit your theme and suit everyone’s taste buds. Here are some fun vegan ideas that anyone would enjoy:
- Hummus with chips, pretzels, and veggies
- Bruschetta
- French fries
- Cauliflower wings
- Tzatziki and crackers
- Quinoa bites
- Crispy onion fritters
- Falafel
Making tasty treats for your guests will encourage them to hang out and socialize while treating their palate.
Don’t forget the drinks! Some sangria or frozen margaritas could be just what your friends need on a warm summer evening. Don’t forget to provide non-alcoholic favorites like infused water and lemonade.
5. Plan Your Games
Having games available is a great way to break the ice between guests and ensure some laughs. If you have enough yard space, you can put out some classics like cornhole, badminton, bowling, or giant Jenga. If space is limited, you can also host table games, like tic-tac-toe, checkers, or cards.
Games can boost creativity and relieve stress for adults, which can be a great asset to your party.
6. Keep Your Guests Cool
On a hot summer night, you’ll need to help your guests stay cool while they’re having fun. You’ll need some shade for when the sun gets too hot.
Misting fans create cool-down opportunities. Cool food and drink options are another great way to help your guests stay cool. Cold water, lemonade, chilled fruit, and ice cream can keep your guests cool from the inside out.
One way to help your guests be cool ahead of time is to make it clear if the party is outside or will not have air conditioning, as well as what cooling options will be available. This will help your guests plan appropriately.
7. Manage Your Waste
Parties can produce a lot of waste that is harmful to the environment, but you can combat this by having reusable and sustainable options for cutlery, drinks, decor, and other products.
Using dishes you or a friend already have that fit your theme is a great way to be eco-friendly, since you can reuse them repeatedly. If reusable isn’t a good option, you can switch to sustainable materials such as bamboo or palm. Sugarcane plates are also a great option to avoid paper and plastic.
You’ll want to read the labels carefully for whatever products you choose for your party. Some products will make themselves look sustainable but hide some less-than-savory ingredients.
You’ll want to make your guests clear on the proper way to dispose of their items by explaining what can be recycled or composted and labeling bins as such. You may also want to arrange for a composting company to pick up the materials after the party.
Creating Your Ultimate Summer Party
Creativity is key to making a fantastic party your guests won’t soon forget. It doesn’t have to be lavish for you and your guests to have an amazing time enjoying each other’s company with relaxation and laughter. Now that you’ve planned your summer party, grab a cold drink and enjoy the awesome time you created!
Cora’s passion is to inspire others to live a happy, healthful, and mindful life through her words on Revivalist – wholeheartedly convincing them that everyday moments are worth celebrating. Cora has spent 5+ years writing for numerous lifestyle sites – hence her sincere love for both life and the beauty of style in all things. Keep up with Cora on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.
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