Make it easy, make it bright and make it fun.  Here are some ideas for fun Summer Parties that you can easily plan and not break the bank.

Easy Breezy Luau
Tiki Torches, colorful leis from the party goods store, barbecued pork ribs with a sweet glaze and lots of fruit, what a wonderful way to create a party!  Use real pineapples for centerpieces and download Don Ho on the I-pod. Use colorful plastic beverage ware and serve up a great tropical punch. One of our favorite websites, Oriental Trading, has a slew of party accessories to choose from.  You can get raffia fringe to create a tropical look with a table skirt. They even have grass skirts for your guests.  Don’t forget the camera for the Hula Contest!

Sand Castle Party
Don’t have a beach nearby?  Create a sand box big enough to build a couple of sand castles.  Have some water and sand pails and other sand box toys and divide the guests into teams and let them design the winning sand castle. This is great for families, friends and companies.  This party encourages a little team building.  Keep the grill going and end the evening with sparklers and S ‘mores!  Put the Beach Boys music on.

Summer Surf Party
This is one is easy. Put on some surf music and hand out the flip flops and sunglasses.  Use a near-by beach and rent surf boards. Or create that beach in the back yard and hire a local photographer to use a “green screen” with a surfing background.  You might be able to find a local student to do this.  If the budget allows, perhaps you could rent a “virtual surf” machine from a party rental company.  Grill hot dogs and hamburgers and don’t forget to toast marshmallows.

Survivor Party
Here is a great one for the company picnic.  Gather plenty of tiki torches and divide the staff into tribes. Come up with some tasks that can be done around the office. Or create a scavenger hunt. Give everyone points.  You wouldn’t really want to be the one to vote the boss “off the island”!  A gummy worm (or other gummy creatures) eating contest might be just the thing to get everyone into act. If adult beverages are appropriate serve tropical rum punches and have lots of finger foods.  There really isn’t silverware on the island!

Summer Solstice Party
Celebrate the longest day of the year by hosting a stylish Summer Solstice Party this June. The Summer Solstice typically falls at the end of June, and it also marks the last official day of Spring. You could have your party on the last day of Spring and count down to the Summer like you would on New Year’s Eve. Hang elegant paper Chinese lanterns from trees. You can buy some now that are battery operated, but if you can hang lights, look for small market bulb lights.  Lighting makes for dramatic décor in the backyard at night time. Use candles if weather permits. Serve wine spritzers and cheeses, shrimp cocktail, kabobs and lots of veggies to keep the menus and beverage simple and light.  Create centerpieces with summer flowers in small baskets.  Give your guests a recyclable goody bags with suntan lotion, insect repellent and other summer items to kick off the start of the season. Bring out a telescope and gaze at the stars and sky.

And don’t forget the 4^th of July.  It is the time to bring out the hot dogs, baked beans and potato salad. Remember the sunscreen and take the time to enjoy your guests. No matter how you decide to celebrate Summer, make it easy, make it bright and make it fun!