The Menu

Now that the theme is picked and the decorations selected, the menu will naturally fall into place. If this is a tapas party, you will be serving tapas. If this is a pool party by the grill, then burgers and brats are just the thing to serve. Never feel bad about asking guests for help either, they can bring sides and desserts and this will help alleviate stress as you plan. If you want a little more control, ask certain people to bring certain items. And what’s the number one asked question when you host your friends? “Can we bring something?” Help them help you by saying yes, and then assigning them with a specific food item.

The Seating

From long tables set up for a garden party to casual lounge chairs perfect for a pool party, you will want to make sure there is enough seating, and enough table space for everyone. If this is a meal where people will be eating together at one time, then you will need to make sure everyone has a seat at the table. If this is a more casual pool party where guests eat when ready, then you don’t have to worry about everyone sitting down at once to the same meal and can offer different options throughout the party space.

The Drinks

An important part of any good party, you will want to offer some drinks that both go with the theme and the food while picking options that can hold their own during the party. If you’re offering cocktails, consider pre-mixed/ big batch options that let you put the cocktail in a pitcher or a beverage dispenser with a spout so people can refill their own glasses and you don’t have to play bartender all night long. Party favorites include sangria, tropical punch, margaritas, mojitos, or daiquiris.These glass beverage dispensers can also be filled with homemade lemonade, iced tea, or water with slices of fruit like watermelon, peaches, lemons, limes, berries and/or mint. Another easy and classic way to serve drinks is by placing them in coolers filled with ice so people can grab cans and bottles when they need them. If you’re someone who doesn’t like the idea of a bright red cooler that’s seen better days messing up your decorations, there are really attractive options available. Metal and wooden tubs that can sit on a table or come with their own stands are easy to find, especially online.

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The End

Don’t feel bad putting an end time in the invites. It’s summer but that doesn’t mean people need to stay later than you’re comfortable with. You can start to wind down a party in a few ways, but one fun and memorable way is to make a toast at the end. This gathers everyone together one last time, gives them a clear sign that the party is ending, and sends them off on a pleasant note having had a wonderful evening capped by a special memory. If public speaking isn’t your thing, then you might consider handing out a special dessert like an ice cream cookie sandwich or fun popsicle that matches your party’s theme as you say something along the lines of “just wanted to give you a little something special before you leave”.

The Supplies

Choosing things that won’t break is a great idea if you’re hosting outside. The last thing you want is to cut your foot as you walk through your yard after the party because someone broke a glass and didn’t clean it up well enough. Summer parties also usually include kids so keeping your best china and crystal inside is suggested. Also think of cleanup after the party. Do you want to be doing dishes all night long or would you rather toss/recycle paper plates? You can also make cleanup easier by covering your serving platters with parchment or wax paper. You can simply roll up the paper when done and toss leaving clean plates beneath.

The Activities

Many summer party themes come with their own set of activities. Pool parties come with the pool, BBQs usually include some kind of game like Cornhole or Horseshoes, and 4th of July usually includes water activities like a slip-n-slide and fireworks after dinner. If you are hosting a party that doesn’t come with a lot of traditional or expected activities, you can make up your own. Not everything needs to be as active as jumping into a pool - consider placing “get to know you” questions in a bowl and passing them around during dinner so everyone can participate in the same conversation.

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