How to Throw a Successful Summer Party

The dog days of summer, it’s hot, humid….and the perfect time to throw a party. Here are a few helpful hints to make your next summer party a success.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fun People
• Good times
• Drinks
• Food

1. The first thing you should do is determine, when and why you are having a party. It’s important to give yourself enough time to prepare the day before. Also with a little luck, hopefully the weather is cooperative on that day. When I say why you are having a party, I mean give your party a theme and feel to it, so that it’s more memorable. Whether it’s a birthday party, or a party for the sake of having one, creating a fun theme will get more people involved in the atmosphere of the party.

2. Make sure to invite the right amount of people to the party. You don’t want to have too many people there or to few. This is very important because no one likes to be a sardine or the only person at a party. Also having a good ratio of guys and gals will help. Inviting everyone a few weeks ahead of time, helps make sure that they will actually set time off to attend your party. Using networking tools like Facebook can help invite people or just calling or sending invites in the mail works too.

3. What is a party without a good drink? Make sure you state in your invite whether people should bring their own booze or not. If you are offering some sort of drink, which as a host is always a nice gesture. Find a drink that fits the weather and occasion. In the summer I like to use something refreshing, fruity, and cold. Things like Margaritas and spiked punch and lemonade work perfect for this. It is important that you purchase or make enough ice before hand. Clear out room before hand in your refrigerator for drinks or even throw some ice in a few coolers for people that brought their own drinks. For some ideas on drink recipes go to http://www.alcoholicdrinks.net/ or any other website or drink book for ideas. Also I found that the liquor store usually has tips for what is popular each summer.

4. Food is just as important as the drink. If you plan on serving food, tell everyone you want to serve what time food is ready to eat. This is a great time to show off your grilling skills because meat is a great way to go. Ask your local grocer or butcher about a few tips. They are always willing to help out. Light snacks are good too. Remember that it is summer and a party, so you don’t everyone stuffed off of heavy food.

5. Activities are a must. Think of a few good games everyone can play or participate in. Things like a good card game that gets as many people involved as possible are an excellent choice to help break the ice that can be there when the party is first starting and everyone is first meeting each other. Other games like bean bags, horseshoes, beer pong, or tippy cup, work as well. Most of these games, you might want to set up outside to help cut down on cleaning the next day, when you have that awful hangover. The easier and catchier games are best. You want to find something that anyone can participate in and have a blast.

6. Try to find music that fits your theme. I like to set up a nice play list on my computer that runs all night long, but is open for anyone to add to. Getting music that everyone likes is always hard but I will give you the most obvious hint, which is to get music that gets people dancing and upbeat. Also having an area for dancing is always good for when the party really gets hoping.

7. Lighting is key, if you are having an outdoor party, set up a few tiki torches or other nice background lights that aren’t to bright but set the mood and has enough lighting for everyone to see each other and participate in all the games without issue. The most lighting should go towards the areas where the games are located. Having a bonfire is always an awesome idea but make sure to be cautious that no drunks fall into the fire.

8. Warn or invite the neighbors! Make sure that they are all aware that you are having a party ahead of time. This will prevent an argument from possibly happening and cops being called because of the noise. If you simply tell your neighbors ahead of time usually they are more willing to be accepting to the party and if they aren’t maybe they will end up making plans to go out of town for the weekend.

9. The most important thing obviously is to have fun. Be a good host and make sure to do your social rounds and get to know a few new people. Also make sure that no one drives home if they have been drinking. A few designated drivers or calling a taxi service or a few people passed out on the couch, makes sure that you can make sure that a good night doesn’t turn into a tragedy. Please don’t let others drink and drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Hope this helps with throwing your own party. Share any extra ideas in the comments section for others!
• Be responsible with alcohol and fire, if you do have a campfire.

[alltrails]

on 9/7/2009 Terrific article. Some really nice tips. 5 stars - thanks!

[nanamusicgirl]

on 8/19/2009 Love this articles, you write well!

[greatnews]

on 8/15/2009 Great tips! 5 *'s and a recommend, of course.

[igislandgirl]

on 8/15/2009 Good tips!!!!