Summer parties and what you need to do to get ready

Summer arrives on June 21 which means the weather will be warm enough to sit outside and entertain.

Whether you plan to sit poolside, catch some needed sleep on a hammock, throw a good old-fashioned garden party, or host a barbecue you best be ready.

With these summer party ideas, it's time to get your outdoor space ready for a fabulous outdoor party.

Summer Cocktails

When you’re getting ready to entertain guests for a special occasion do load up a portable bar cart with items for summer cocktails, as well as ready-to-drink items for the kids. Keep cups, stirrers, and garnishes on the top shelf for easy access.

Try blending water, sugar, and chopped watermelon, and freeze the mixture until it's firm. When guests need a chill, scoop the frozen mixture into paper cones.

Enjoy a refreshing slushie in minutes with four ingredients: ice, water, frozen limeade, and the frozen fruit of your choice.

Wine is another option when the heat rises but freeze your favorite in ice trays then place one or two into a light pour to make a glass last longer. Also, add a few cubes to sparkling water to keep it light and refreshing.

Seating

Foldable chairs can come in handy when entertaining and are easy to move, so guests can take them from the lawn to the patio to the front porch. Before the party begins, scatter a few chairs around the yard, and add blankets and pillows if it's slightly chilly.

Yummy Dessert

Toast waffles and use them to make sandwich ice creams, add gelatos, and sorbets then roll them in melted chocolate, coconut, nuts, or chocolate chips.

Make a Pizza

Instead of opting for a carryout why not make a fresh pie for guests. Pick up already prepared dough, tomato sauce, cheese pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, or whatever you like to add to your pizzas.

Add Zip

Turning an ordinary backyard into an oasis is easier than you may think. Add a colorful rug, an outdoor sofa, and big plants in pretty pots to add zip that guests (and you) will enjoy during a backyard party.

Hot  Dogs for All

Summer parties aren't complete without hotdogs but are different and add some neat toppings like napa cabbage with scallions; purple cabbage and carrots; cucumbers, and radishes.

Big Buffet

If you're planning a buffet do it under an overhang or umbrella to protect it from the elements. When the sun goes down have some lights nearby so guests can see as they serve.

Make it easy on guests to go through the buffet line quickly with plastic silverware and a beverage area separate from the food so guests can mix drinks and mingle. Stock the bar with cups, straws, and ice — a large metal bucket will keep bottles and cans frosty, and get an insulated cooler for extra cubes.

Essentials

Keep guests comfortable outdoors with summer essentials, sunscreen, bug spray, and hand wipes.

Source: goodhousekeeping.com

Grilling

The center of a barbecue party of course is naturally the food, the sauces, barbecue side dishes, summer desserts, and summer drinks.

For a holiday barbecue party like Independence Day use party decorations or make Fourth of July desserts set the mood for party guests.

Tunes

A major must to throwing any good party is the right music and for an outdoor backyard barbecue, add the usual summer hits.

Lawn Games

Do offer guests something to do other than sipping on drinks while you’re at the grill. How about some lawn games or pool games to keep the day moving forward for party guests.

For the porch-sitting crowd, dole out a few vintages playing card decks to inspire some high-stakes rounds of Go Fish.

Welcome party guests with gingham napkins, name cards, and a handful of flowers at each outdoor dining table set.

Don't call it a night when the cool air starts to roll in. Pull out the fire pit and invite guests to gather around for s'mores and sparklers.

It's not a barbecue party without this classic side dish! The best part about pasta salad is you can make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

Source: countryliving.com

Garden Parties

Who can resist dining outdoors on a glorious summer’s day? Try these formal garden party ideas to help you make the most of your space this summer.

Elevating your garden into a party playground for everyone to enjoy can be as big a job or involve as few touches as you desire.

Choose a garden party theme or color to add decorative touches, maybe echo the colors of surrounding flowering shrubs and plants. Add tablecloths, seat cushions, and napkins to reflect your chosen color palette to unify your outdoor space. The draped fabric looks pretty for summer garden ideas for parties and will give extra protection from the sun if the weather is too hot to handle.

Extend your formal garden party theme into other areas by stringing up large brightly colored paper pompoms or other garden party decorations such as bunting. Flowers in the same shade add well-thought-out detail.

A formal arrangement adds a sophisticated touch to a garden party, but less structured arrangements of simple blooms in containers such as jugs or jars will create an understated feel more in sympathy with the surroundings.

Source: idealhome.co.uk

Set a scheme

Rather than simply decorating your table, or wherever the focus of your party is, look to your space. Once you’ve decorated the main event, pull out the main colors, textures, and patterns, and replicate these elsewhere. Think outdoor rugs, cushions on other seating zones, and other decorative elements.

Snacks

Garden party ideas are all about having a bit of fun. Turn simple snacks into a pretty display with little time or effort needed.

Block print paper bags with summery fruit or floral motifs. Fill with snacks – look to the lighter side, so pretzels, popcorn, and so on. Use clothes pegs to hang to string or wire against a wall and you’re done! A sign won’t go amiss, either so everyone knows to get stuck in. You could also write on allergens, to keep things super safe.

Source: idealhome.co.uk

Atmospheric lighting

Garden lighting ideas are important to consider when the sun starts going down. Stick to your garden theme by using terracotta plant pots to hold candles.

Fill the pots with sand or soil and dig in holes for simple tapered candles. It’s not only a pretty and appropriate centerpiece, but it’s a comparatively safe way to enjoy candlelight thanks to the materials used.

Source: idealhome.co.uk

There's little doubt you will know as the host with the most with these garden parties and other outdoor summer party ideas and tips from themes and decorations to games and serving suggestions.

Have a blast!

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