Tips and ideas: How to throw a summer party

Last Updated on 31/05/2024

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Find out useful tips and ideas on how to throw the perfect summer party that will enhance your party potential and inspire your next big bash. Whether you’re going to be the host or hostess of the next big summer party, these are a few tips and ideas to set a party plan and enhance your summer party potential.

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How to throw a summer party

There’s a reason the saying “hostess with the mostess” exists. Hosting a party is no easy task, and there’s that constant desire to want to be the best. Here are a few tips and ideas to inspire your next big bash!

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Set your stage for the perfect summer party

Directors pay a lot of attention to the set when creating plays and movies. Your task at hand may not have that scope, but the setting can certainly play a huge role in hosting an event.

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Outdoor party

Outdoor parties are great if you have a patio or porch, a large backyard, a pool, or lawn games. Moreover, for smaller parties you can use your balcony or terrace.

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Indoor party

For indoor summer parties, cooking and eating, watching home movies, catching up with pals, and even busting out that old banjo are great.

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Both indoor and outdoor party

Of course, you can create indoor and outdoor parties. Just decide where you want the main entertainment to take place, then make sure you have enough seating and dining space. If you are hosting an outdoor party, purchase a few lawn chairs for an inexpensive solution.

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Decorating the area of the summer party

Decorating for a summer party is a delightful process that aims to create an inviting and festive atmosphere. Wherever you’re hosting the gathering from patio, backyard and poolside, to balcony, terrace, or even indoors, here are some basic steps and ideas to make your space decor invinting and party-ready:

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Start with Furniture:

• Choose Weather-Resistant Materials: Opt for furniture made from materials like resin wicker, wrought iron and practical metal furniture, or lightweight plastic. These can withstand exposure to the elements.
• Cozy Seating: Consider adding a hammock, comfy chairs, or a iron bistro table for dining to save space.
• Outdoor Rug: Define party area and add warmth with an outdoor rug.

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Decorate with Plants:

• Garden diversity: Plants are essential for creating a lush and inviting atmosphere. Choose flowers like geraniums and begonias, sturdy plants like bamboo, and even fresh herbs.
• Hardiness Zone: Be mindful of your hardiness zone and the amount of light your space receives when selecting plants.
• Give height with greenery: Use climbing vines, hanging planters, and tall potted plants.

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Shade Solutions:

• Awnings: Install an awning to provide shade and protect against intense sunlight.
• Umbrellas: Consider a small patio umbrella for additional shade.
• Outdoor Curtains: Hang lightweight curtains that can be drawn when needed.

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Ambient Lighting:

• String Lights: Drape string lights along the balcony railing or overhead for a magical ambiance.
• Candles and Lanterns: Place candles or lanterns on tables or shelves for cozy lighting during evening gatherings. You can easily transform glass jars to beautiful candle holders.

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Colorful Accents:

• Bright Textiles: Use printed cushions, throws, and tablecloths in cheerful colors like yellow, blue, or green.
• Outdoor Art: Hang lightweight art pieces or decorative panels to add visual interest.
• Layered Textures: Combine rugs, pillows, and throws for a cozy and inviting feel.

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Invest in Privacy:

• Tall Plants and Shrubs: Strategically place tall plants or shrubs to create a natural barrier and add privacy.
• Privacy Screens: Consider using privacy screens made of materials like metal or bamboo.
• Weatherproof Textiles: Hang fabric curtains or shades to close off your space and provide shade when needed.

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Be minded for your guests

The key is to create a comfortable and welcoming space where your guests can relax and enjoy the summer festivities. 

• Install bug-repellant torches
• Offer sunscreen to all guests.
• Put it in a cute sand pail near the back door!

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Pick the theme of your summer party

If you are overwhelmed on how to throw a summer party, the first thing to do is to pick a them. You may already have a theme in mind, but if not, brainstorm a few ideas. Then, be sure to narrow it down a bit.

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Want to host an end-of-summer bash? That’s a bit broad. How about a Margarita Madness party or an upscale cocktail hour? You can even go for a fruit theme, a beachside “staycation” party or a game night. So, these are some cool and cute summer party themes to inspire your next gathering:

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Picnic Party:

• Host an outdoor picnic with a charming theme.
• Decor: Checkered tablecloths, picnic baskets, and mason jar centerpieces.
• Food: Sandwiches, salads, and fruit platters.
• Drinks: Lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water.
• Games: Bring along lawn games like cornhole or frisbee

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Backyard Bohemian BBQ Party:

• Combine boho vibes with a classic BBQ.
• Decor: Dreamcatchers, colorful rugs, and mismatched furniture.
• Food: Grilled burgers, kebabs, and s’mores.
• Drinks: Craft beer, sangria, or iced coffee.
• Music: Acoustic guitar or folk tunes

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French Garden Party:

• For an elegant and sophisticated summer soirée, go with a French garden theme.
• Decor: Use pastel colors, vintage floral patterns, and rustic elements.
• Food: Serve French-inspired cuisine like croissants, macarons, and cheese platters.
• Drinks: Champagne or wine adds a touch of elegance.
• Dress code: Think flowy dresses, straw hats, and linen suits.

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Beach Party:

• Celebrate the sun, sand, and surf with a beach-themed party.
• Decor: Beach balls, seashells, and colorful beach towels.
• Food: Set up a seafood bar with shrimp, crab, and oysters.
• Drinks: Tropical cocktails and mocktails.
• Attire: Flip-flops, sunglasses, and swimsuits.

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Pool Party:

• Make a splash with a poolside bash.
• Decor: Inflatable pool floats, beach umbrellas, and water-themed decorations.
• Food: BBQ, fresh fruit, and ice cream.
• Drinks: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or fruity sangria.
• Activities: Water games, diving contests, and sunbathing.

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Tropical Island Getaway:

• Transport your guests to a tropical paradise with this theme. Decorate with palm leaves, coconuts, vibrant floral arrangements, and tiki torches.
• Dress code: Grass skirts, Hawaiian leis, and beachy attire.
• Menu: Serve tropical fruits like pineapple and coconut, along with island cocktails.
• Entertainment: Consider a live reggae band or ukulele music.

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Island Luau:

• A classic Hawaiian luau is always a hit. Encourage guests to dress up in colorful beach attire.
• Decor: Use fake foliage, tropical flowers, and tiki-inspired elements.
• Food: Offer pina coladas, plantains, pineapple, and a pig roast.
• Music: Play Hawaiian tunes and create a laid-back atmosphere

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Send out invitations via paper or social media at least two weeks ahead of time, and have fun planning the details!

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Pick a color palette for your decorations

When it comes to decorations, you may find yourself lost in a sea of discounted outdoor garlands or neon cocktail napkins. Before you buy any decor, pick a theme, define its style, and choose a pick a color palette to work with. Thus, you can set the tone, create a cohesive look, and enhance the overall experience.

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Remember the Color Wheel

The color wheel is your best friend when selecting colors. Some combinations naturally look good together, while others may need neutral tones to balance them.

• Complementary colors are in opposite sides of the wheel, like orange and blue, and create vibrant contrasts.
• Analogous colors are near each other, like blue and turquoise, and offer a harmonious blend.
• Mixing vibrant and less intense colors may help you strike the right balance.

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Consider the Venue and Set the Tone

Take your event space into account. Colors influence mood and atmosphere and some venues have existing color palettes that you should work with, while others allow more flexibility. So, you can chose colors that align with the desired tone of your party and complement the venue’s existing features.

• Light colors can make a closed-off space feel airier, while darker colors can cozy up a large area.
• Bright, warm colors bring energy and intensity. 
• Dark, cool colors create sophistication, while soft pastels evoke romance.

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Establish the Event Theme

Your party theme should guide your color palette. Use colors that support and emphasize the theme.

• A beach-themed party could feature tropical patterns, ocean blues, bright yellows, and soft creams.
• Modern and edgy themes might work well with monochromatic or gold and white combinations.
• A margarita themed party may incorporate a lime green, Azul, and strawberry palette.
• Tropical themes might feature sunny golds, bright corals, and calming blues.

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Look to Nature and the Event Purpose

Summer is all about nature’s vibrant hues. Consider drawing inspiration from the outdoors.

• Think of sunny yellows, sky blues, lush greens, and warm oranges. These colors evoke feelings of joy, freshness, and relaxation.
• Incorporate natural elements like flowers, leaves, and fruits into your decorations.
• If your event has a specific purpose (e.g., a company gathering), incorporate relevant colors and try to align your color palette with the event’s goals.
• Use company colors from the logo or brand throughout the venue and décor to create a subtle connection in guests’ minds.

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There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Trust your aesthetic and experiment with different combinations. After you pick a theme and color palette, you will have a much easier time choosing decor that tells your story!

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Dig in

Plan your menu

Now that you have a setting, theme, and invitations, you can plan your menu. Let’s face it; we love to eat at parties.

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Whether you opt for a light hors-d’oeuvre bar or a BBQ feast, you’ll need to make a master grocery list and give yourself plenty of time to prep those tasty treats.

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Be sure to consider all elements of the menu, from beverages to main courses, condiments, and desserts.

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Setting up a bar

If you’re setting up a bar, hire a bartender to make drinks, or at least provide all ingredients, garnishes, and drinkware to allow guests to easily pour their own concoctions.

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The most important part of planning any party is to have fun and creating memorable experiences!

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