Suggestions for a Summer Party

One of the highlights of the summer are the parties we both host and attend. My parents love throwing parties, I grew up the same way. I’m used to agonizing over the weather (too hot? Rain?), RSVPs (some people never get back to you) and what food to serve in the face of a variety of dietary restrictions. So even if you don’t have a pool, don’t despair. Here is some advice for throwing the perfect summer party.

• Tie balloons to the mailbox. Not only does this let your guests know which house is the right one (it can be embarrassing for them if they bang on a neighbors door) it also invites a festive feeling right off the bat.

• Have a spread of appetizers and drinks to put your guests at ease. Make sure you include non alcoholic options in case there are people who don’t feel like drinking. A party could always benefit from chips (in my opinion) or quac but put out some veggies for people who feel like eating healthier.

• Make a playlist (obviously prior to the party). You don’t want to leave your tunes to chance or some radio channel. When putting together the playlist keep in mind one thing: crowdpleasers. No one likes sitting through six songs they’ve never heard of. Your playlist needs to keep the guests bopping their heads all night long.

• You should have one or two activities for the guest. At my birthday party we did karaoke. At my Halloween party we played Werewolf and dressed in costume. At my Christmas party we did Secret Santa. For my summer party we had a variety of activities. First off we had ping pong and corn hole which my friends got way too competitive at. Then we had a chalk art competition on the driveway. We all went to stand by the illustration we thought was the best (the drawing with the most people would win). I drew a self portrait. My mom was loyal enough to be the only one standing next to it. 

• We also had a pinata of a shark which we named Shasper (the friendly shark) and pin the fish in the shark’s belly, which we were all blindfolded for and more  than half of us almost crashed into the trash cans. 

• When you are prepared for the party to wind down, that is  when you offer coffee and dessert. Don’t be offended if people leave after dessert. Actually, don’t be offended if people leave at all. If they came, they made time for you and your party. They wanted to celebrate your birthday/ Halloween/ Christmas/ summer with you. They took time out of their busy lives to make time for you. Feel flattered, give them a big hug and walk them to their car.

• Also be prepared that the party will not immediately end after dessert. In fact, much to my delight, it usually goes a few more hours, a more intimate party. At my party we had a fire pit. My dad lit tiki torches. Even though we all got eaten alive by chiggers, it was definitely worth it. My guests left around 11:30 just as it started raining.

• The next day take the time to text/ write a note to the friends that came to your party thanking them for coming. If it is your birthday or they brought presents, you should handwrite your card, its the polite thing to do.

• Be prepared to be stressed out. Also be prepared that things will go wrong. No party is perfect- people get sick, the speaker breaks, two people fight. Don’t miss a beat. You are a hostess and your job is to not sweat the small stuff (I need to take my own advice).