Throw a Sweet Summer Soirée

Was there ever a year when we’ve been more ready for summer? Between the arctic vortex that pummeled much of our country this winter, to the erratic temperatures and winds that ran up and down the coastlines this spring, we’ve experienced a wild range of weather for the past two seasons. Now that the warmth has finally arrived and your once-sleepy neighborhood is finally buzzing with activity, consider throwing a bash to celebrate.

If you’re wondering how to get the party started, reach out to the party people you know for ideas and support. Think about it: We all have that one friend who’s expert at throwing shindigs and making every bash look effortless, so why not enlist her to sit down with you, give you some tips and help you organize things? (That’s half your battle right there.) Maybe you know someone who can arrange photo-worthy appetizer trays and another who loves to bake the best cookies and cakes. Delegating planning and cooking responsibilities not only makes your job easier, but can also highlight the contributions of those who helped out. And everyone loves to be acknowledged for something they’re good at.

As long as we’re on the topic of delegating, try giving a few party attendees a job to do. Nine times out of 10 that person will be delighted to help grill, put out the plates and napkins, play bartender, rally the kids for some activities or serve as DJ. To keep the party momentum going, here are 10 inspiring ways to add panache to any hot-weather celebration. Your attention to detail will be appreciated and discussed well beyond Labor Day if you follow a few of these suggestions.

1. Light it up. Whether you go with flameless candles scattered among the tabletops or outdoor strands of lights draped overhead, lighting creates the mood and sets the stage for a great party.  Nestle the candles into some sand to give your decor a beachy effect or, if it’s a windless night, light FlashPoint candles (decorative candle bowls with multiple wicks) and place them in the center of your outdoor dining table. If you have a fire pit, stock up on extra firewood and stack it within easy reach.

Hang pretty string lights to create a warm glow—and atmosphere—for your summer party.

2. Delegate bar duty. Think about hiring someone to tend bar for you. The last thing you need to worry about is pouring wine, beer or a fun, signature cocktail like mojitos or sangria for everyone. Let the bartender allow you to focus on more important things, like relaxing and chatting with your guests.

3. Serve savory and simple. As a fun appetizer, serve flatbread with different options for toppings like bacon and Prosciutto or herbed goat cheese sprinkled with thyme and rosemary. For the main course, grill beef medallions, lemon-marinated chicken and shrimp on skewers. Make potato salad a day in advance and serve in small, capped Mason jars. For dessert, keep it bite-sized so guests can continue drinking without filling up too much. Small key lime tarts, lemon squares and mini cheesecakes are good summer choices and easy to pick up from your local grocer or bakery. Don’t forget to reserve a discreet place for people to dispose of their plates, like the Suncast resin Wicker Trash Hideaway, available at Walmart for $49.

4. Buzz off. Bug spray is not exactly sexy and citronella candles aren’t the most effective way to eliminate mosquitoes and other bugs from crashing your party. Instead, put out a couple of fans set on low or medium, so those winged insects aren’t able to fly anywhere near you or your guests.

5. Create a cozy ambience. Add a striped outdoor rug, throw in some colorful quatrefoil-printed pillows and toss a few lightweight throws over some chairs for those chillier summer nights. Check out Target’s Threshold collection, or find other cute, inexpensive options at Cost Plus World Market or HomeGoods.

Invite a friend to play bartender so you can relax.

6. Size it down for kids. If children will be present, set up a few stations with activities such as a bean bag toss, an arts-and-craft project or a piñata. If you’re feeling ambitious, hang a white bed sheet between two trees, rent a projector and play a favorite summer movie like Indiana Jones. Keep individualized drinks like mini bottled waters and juice boxes in a small cooler placed low enough for little ones to help themselves. For a more earth-conscious approach, serve bug juice or lemonade out of big plastic jugs and have kids serve themselves into compostable paper cups, but again, put the beverage station at kid height. For a fun dessert, serve mini popsicles or ice cream cones.

7. Target the teens. If you’ll have teenage or college-age kids at the party, and you’re lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, take idea #6, but turn up the suspense factor with a viewing of Jaws. Be prepared for lots of shrieks while they float on inner tubes watching the film in the water.

8. Don easy, breezy hostess duds. A maxi-dress or wide-legged jumpsuit paired with a bib necklace and sandals looks chic and effortless. Wear your hair down in beachy waves or in a loose bun. Keep makeup soft and natural, focusing on the cheeks with a cream blush and a pop of color on the lips in coral or pink. (See Red Typewriter’s Rompers/Jumpsuits Pinterest page for hostess outfit ideas.)

Little kids will appreciate popsicles and other summery treats.

9. Crank up the music. Start off your party playlist with something lively like “Float On” by Modest Mouse or “Home” by Edward Sharpe, but save the familiar singalong tunes and dance music for later in the party. Pandora and Spotify are two great Internet radio apps to have on your smart device. You can type in a song or a particular type of music and they’ll create a customized radio station based off your choice.

10. Thank them for coming. Make sure every guest grabs a take-home gift on their way out. Party favors can be as simple as a votive candle, a beach ball, a glow necklace or a digital photo taken at the party. For a parting that’s literally sweet sorrow, purchase an assortment of nostalgic candy like Swedish fish, Dots and red rope licorice and place in favor bags tied with a gingham ribbon.

Get the ball rolling and check out our Outdoor Parties Pinterest page for more ideas. What’s your favorite way to celebrate summer?