As the last bell of the year rings, children cannot leave school fast enough. They are finally freed from the classroom to do as they please for the summer. Some spend their time playing sports and some explore their neighborhood woods, but all children try to make the most of their summer. They have one goal in mind—to have as much fun as possible with their friends before begrudgingly returning to the classroom in the fall.
As you enter adulthood, summer loses this level of luster, but it is still the perfect time of year to socialize. You can recapture these fleeting youthful memories by hosting a fun summer party! Be it an impulsive get-together or a planned party, make sure your home is prepared to host company this summer. Read below to learn more about hosting the perfect summer event!
Games and Entertainment
One of the first things to consider when hosting summer events is entertainment. On a beautiful summer day, there are a variety of different ways to have fun and entertain your guests. For example, some people plan events with specific themes in mind. You could organize game night and get play your favorite nostalgic board or card games or set up an outdoor television to watch your favorite movie, show, or sports team. Summer holidays such as the 4th of July and Memorial Day often inspire homeowners to throw parties, and those themes require minimal preparation. Throw an American flag tablecloth on the picnic table, grab some streamers, and you’re good to go!
However, there are many other broader ways to entertain. Outdoor activities such as cornhole and horseshoes are cheap staples of any outdoor get-together. If you have enough yard space, your guests could reminisce about their glory days and throw the football around or play other outdoor games like badminton and wiffleball. You could also use music to set the mood right for your party. Play your favorite tunes over a speaker, rent a karaoke machine, or have a talented friend serenade the guests with his favorite acoustic guitar covers!
Food and Drink
Another very important element of a summer event is food and drink. There are lots of ways to experiment with different summer foods and drinks recipes for your party. For example, prepare some homemade avocado salad, and then cool off the crowd with some homemade sangria or spiked frozen lemonade! Some opt for more traditional foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, and a case of ice-cold beer. These are easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with the crowd.
Before the main course, lay out some snacks and smaller foods for people to pick up. Similarly, there are more traditional summer party snacks such as chips, pretzels, and dips, but you can also experiment with innovative finger food recipes. Either way, make sure you visit the grocery store beforehand to stock up because it is better to have too much than too little. You’ll also need to make sure your grill or outdoor kitchen is ready for use.
Yard Work, Lighting, and Ambiance
Next, prepare your yard and outdoor area for the company. Every homeowner wants their property to look aesthetically pleasing, and there are several easy ways to keep your yard looking great for the summer. First, make sure you have the proper tools before completing any yard work. For example, make sure your lawn-mower and gardening tools are in operating condition. You should also check your outdoor plumbing, as hoses and sprinklers are needed to properly hydrate your yard. Leading up to the party, mow the lawn, trim any bushes or hedges, and tidy up your garden. Take pride in the appearance of your yard and make sure it is the talk of the party!
Yardwork is not the only outdoor preparation required for hosting a summer party. If you have an outdoor living area, make sure the furniture is clean and set up for the party. One way to really enhance your outdoor area and summer gathering is a firepit. These provide a perfect spot for everybody to gather around and socialize. Finally, decorate accordingly if you throw a themed party.
If your party will last into the night, make sure there is necessary lighting. For example, check and replace any light bulbs beforehand. A firepit is a light source but may not provide adequate lighting for those far away. You could also opt for a different source of lightings, such as candles or torches. Torches are a cheap light source and also help keep bugs away from your guests.
Prepare Your Indoor Living Area
When getting ready to host your summer party, don’t forget about your indoor living area! People may want to sneak inside for a moment to escape the sweltering heat, and it should be just as prepared for the company as your outdoor area. Before the party, clean and tidy up your living room while maintaining a fresh cold air flow through each room.
Ideally, the day of your party sees beautiful weather where everybody soaks up the sun and socializes outside with little reason to venture indoors, but this may not be the case. In the event of inclement weather such as rain, people will naturally gravitate inside. A sunroom or den is the perfect place to socialize and enjoy the company of your guests if it rains on your parade. It is less than ideal, but you can still play cards and board games, listen to music and watch television indoors.
After all this preparation, there is still one thing left to do during the party—have fun! As an adult, throwing a party is one of the few ways to recapture the childhood joy of summer. With this guide, you’ll be ready to have the best summer event your neighborhood will see all year!