15 Party Themes to Make You the Hostess with the Mostess This Summer
Dinner parties come with the summertime terrain and everyone wants their soiree to be the most memorable of the season. So bookmark this article right now because when you start planning your own party, you’re going to want these ideas. We’re taking things waaaaay past the spinach artichoke appetizer. In fact, I’ll guarantee that the secrets here will make your shindig the talk of the neighborhood until Christmas. Don’t believe me? Take a look at these 15 party themes that will make you the hostess with the mostess.
1. Grill Party
What’s so special about grilled hot dogs you ask? It’s the variety that is the star of this party. Plan your menu around what you can grill. Hamburgers, frozen pizza, donuts, watermelon, if it can be cooked over charcoal then you cook it over charcoal. Not only will your guests enjoy sampling all the grilled foods, they’ll find some new favorites to try at home. (via Hostess with the Mostess)
2. Fiesta
If you’re looking for a party that’s fun and relaxed, you’ve got to look to the Mexican fiesta. Deck out your dining room in colored streamers, chop up all the taco toppings you can think of and don’t forget to surprise guests with a piñata full of candy. It promises to be a night of color and spice for everyone. (via Wedding Chicks)
3. Movie Night
It’s movie time! Guests will love mingling while munching on the popcorn bar and theater candy. Project a movie on a hanging sheet in your backyard and if you choose a popular flick, play the “Fill In The Blank” game where you pause the movie and let someone finish the quote. Good old fashioned fun. (via Kara’s Party Ideas)
4. Popsicle Party
Some days, it’s all you can do to get out of the heat. Invite guests over for a popsicle party in the air conditioning! You can let them create interesting popsicle creations, decorate with popsicle garlands like these, and even play games with popsicle sticks. If you’re looking for a grownup twist, serve up cocktail popsicles that have a little zip. (via Oh Happy Day)
5. Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is the perfect time to pull all the party stops. Cover your home in stars and stripes, blast the John Philip Sousa station on Pandora and make sure you have plenty of sparklers and firecrackers for everyone to make their own noise. (via Style Me Pretty)
6. Hawaiian Luau
You’re going to want to head to Party City for this party and buy them out of bright leis. Now is the time for grilled shrimp and sliced pineapple and cocktails served from a coconut. Take the party up a notch with a hula teacher who can teach guests some traditional Hawaiian hula moves. (via Hostess with the Mostess)
7. Wine and Cheese
Are you looking for a more grownup party theme? Take a hint from the vineyards and have a wine tasting soiree. Guests can sample several different wines and snack on a large cheese plate. Don’t forget to string up lights to make it feel like you’ve been transported straight to Italy. (via Hostess with the Mostess)
8. Minions
The new Minions movie comes out in July and kids or no kids, who can resist a good laugh? Host a party featuring these little yellow guys and feel free to cover your food in googly eyes. You could even show the Despicable Me movie. (via Hostess with the Mostess)
9. Brunch
I’ll bet that not many people are serving brunch parties, so that’s why you should! There is so many good breakfast recipes, not to mention that you can hold your party outdoors while taking advantage of the cooler morning hours. Then everyone can be indoors again by lunch time. (via Camille Styles)
10. Flamingo Pool Party
If you have a pool, take advantage of it by hosting a pink flamingo pool party. We’re talking pink food, pink napkins, pink plastic flamingoes covering your yard and if you can manage it, sport a pink swimsuit too. (via Best Friends for Frosting)
11. Garden Party
Since summer is a time when we are more aware of growing things, having a garden party in your backyard seems appropriate. Provide enough plant pots for each guest and let them decorate to their hearts content. Then after you serve the rosewater cocktails and edible flower encrusted cake, let them take home a flower for their pot. (via Hunted Interior)
12. Safari
Break out all your animal print and let out the tigress within for this safari themed party. You’ll get awful good at fondu leopard spots by the time you’re done preparing. Whoever has the best animal costume wins a trip to the zoo. (via Kara’s Party Ideas)
13. County Fair
Summertime is county fair time. Go the extra mile and rent the cotton candy machine and the pony for this party. Then scour Pinterest for all the classic fair games and don’t forget to have prizes for guests! You can also feature all your cooking skills with the classic fair foods like corn dogs, elephant ears and grilled corn on the cob. (via Style Me Pretty)
14. Mario Bros Party
If you happen to live in a place that’s really just too hot to go outdoors, you have to get creative with indoor activities. Which means it’s time for a Mario Bros tournament. Pull out your Mario games and invite your friends for an evening of themed food and good competition. The winner gets a Princess Peach crown. (via Cake Paper Party)
15. Glamping
Camping is a wonderful summer activity, but if you’re a lover of the indoor comforts, try a glamping party in your backyard. Set up your tents and bring all your indoor frills with you, plus some. Then fire up the bonfire and roast traditional camp food and sleep in the great out doors, all in the comfort of your backyard. (via Domaine)