There’s nothing like an outdoor summer party. As the aroma of backyard BBQs and fire pits fill the air, it’s time to start thinking about your next backyard party. Whether you’re celebrating a specific event or life in general, these top three backyard party themes are certain to provide inspiration.
Beach party
Any summer backyard party that involves water is sure to be a hit. The good news is that you don’t have to live by the shore to take advantage of this party theme; just get a little creative.
Entertainment
If you have a swimming pool, that’s great. They’re always a great addition to a summer party, offering hours of fun, relaxation and a place for your guests to cool off throughout the day. However, a swimming pool isn’t a necessity for hosting a backyard beach party. Grab some water guns, water balloons and sprinklers, or lay out a long slip-n-slide. Even adult guests will be channeling their inner child as they splash around with the younger partygoers.
Food
Even without any water-related entertainment, you can still host a sea-inspired backyard party because it’s all about the menu. Swap out the usual burgers and hot dogs for salmon, scallops and seafood skewers. Trade in the vegetable platter for a shrimp platter; serve summer cocktails decorated with tiny umbrellas and roll out coolers full of ice cold beverages.
Decorations
Anything that has to do with the sea is a go-ahead. Just be sure to stick with a common color scheme.
Hawaiian luau party
A Hawaiian luau is perfect for summer. The Aloha State is the epitome of fun in the sun, and you can recreate a similar appeal within your backyard sans an expensive plane ticket.
Food
A traditional Hawaiian luau involves a celebration with lots of food. Start planning your backyard party by crafting the menu. Cook up some classic Hawaiian recipes such as pineapple and poi.
Decorations
Use vibrant flowers to light up the space, stage surfboards across the yard, string tiki lights from tree to tree, opt for tropical prints for all your fabrics, and use coconuts and pineapples as centerpieces. Voila! Your backyard is complete.
Entertainment
If you want to take your backyard party decorating skills (and entertainment) a notch higher, use your guests! Ask everyone on your guest list to wear their best Hawaiian outfit and hand out raffia grass skirts and leis as each guest arrives. Turn up the music, host a hula hoop contest and your party will be one people won’t forget. Aloha!
Outdoor camp night party
Schedule your party to start a little later in the day and extend it into the night. One of the best things about the summer season is exploring the great outdoors and everything it has to offer. From the star-speckled nights to fields glowing with fireflies, plus campfires, marshmallows and ghost stories, an outdoor camp night is a must.
Decorations
Since this party’s theme will extend into the darker hours, the most important feature is the lighting. It’s crucial to have enough lighting for your guests to safely navigate your backyard. However, you don’t want so much light that it takes away from the appeal of the night sky. String some lights along a fence and from tree to tree, and line the walkways with solar powered path lights for the perfect amount of ambiance.
Food
Planning a camp night party is incredibly easy, which is why it’s one of the best backyard party ideas for summer. All you need are some hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, salads, and condiments to feed your guests.
Entertainment
Create a s’mores bar, complete with all the necessities to make this staple campfire treat, and arrange camping chairs around the fire pit. Let the flicker of the flame and the scent of the burning wood provide all the entertainment you need for an awesome backyard party – everyone loves a campfire.
Hosting a backyard party this summer doesn’t have to break the bank. Be creative and have fun!