6 Unique Summer Party Ideas That Will Wow Your Guests
So, it’s summer––if you aren’t chronically outside (or online), you’re spending the season incorrectly. It would be remiss to limit “outside” to putting up with sweltering 100 degree temperatures and an oversaturation of overpriced events, which is why we’re redefining “outside” to include spending time with the people who make life feel like the sun is shining constantly. Whether you prefer staying indoors or partying on your patio, below are some not-your-average-family-BBQ party ideas that encourage you to step into your host era this summer, and become the driver of the buzzing anticipation that this season brings every year.
DIY Dinner Party
A “DIY dining experience” elevates the traditional millennial dinner party to an evening that not only encourages true community, but takes the pressure off of the host to prepare the perfect menu. Think of it as a cooking class; guests participating in a night of trial-and-error invites humor into the space and allows for a more intimate gathering. Try theming the evening according to your favorite cuisine. Into Italian? Let the homemade fettuccine, pizza crusts, and cannoli commence while keeping limoncello on hand to keep the excitement going.
For a Tuscany-inspired dinner party, you need: a pasta machine to craft homemade pasta, a bottle of limoncello for the bit, cute aprons for everyone to cook in style, tuscan-inspired plateware, wine glasses, and tuscan decorations to bring a bit of Italy to your backyard. Shop our picks below…
Editor’s Picks For A Tuscany Outdoor Dinner Party
Movie Night Under The Stars
Freezing movie theaters––so cold that you have to bring a jacket or shiver until your date feels compelled to share theirs––are out. Enjoying films outdoors are in. Leave the undesired side chatter and the occasional blaring unsilenced ringtone for the pros to deal with, while you invite as few as your closest friends or as many as your apartment building to enjoy a selection of queued flicks on a warm summer night.
You need: a portable screen, a projector (and something to mount it on), picnic blankets, lawn chairs, 3D glasses (for aesthetics), and a popcorn basket.
Editor’s Picks For Outdoor Movie Night
Backyard Boiler Room
If you’re in for a little something more upbeat, a backyard boiler room––inspired by the global collective that connects DJs and their dance floor to the realm of popular culture—may be your style. No cover fee needed––just friends with good music taste as your DJs, a curated playlist, an audience, and proof that it happened. Theme your day (or night) party by genre, but make sure you know your crowd.
You need: an enclosed tent to give off the boiler room vibe, a digital camera for aesthetic pics, a dance floor, mixing equipment (for any professional DJs in your circle), large speakers, and any additional props to bring the energy of the night to your space.
Editor’s Picks For Outdoor Boiler Room Party
Paint and Sip Party
For artists at heart, the paint and sip party fuels social interaction between even the shyest of guests. Put on some subtle tunes to drive creativity, and the rest is history––all you need are the supplies, a willing group of people to show up, and a few wine selections that bring class to the art lesson.
You need: a muse! Whether it’s a bowl of fruit, a beautiful handbag, or someone’s half nude boyfriend, whichever medium sparks the most conversation and provides a good artistic challenge for the guests, art supplies: paint, brushes, canvas, easel, a long table and accompanying chairs, wine glasses (and the wine), and aprons.
Pool Party
The pool party is a classic across generations, perfect for sunny days and enjoyed by both friends who love getting soaking wet and others who prefer tanning on the sidelines. Don’t feel restricted by the need for a traditional chlorine pool, and pick a body of water that best suits your location. This could be a nearby beach for those on the west coast, or an open, secluded lake for those who live near green spaces. The unbearable hot weather is usually an indication for a successful pool day––bring plenty of snacks and water to keep everyone hydrated and healthy.
You need: speaker, towels, popsicles (or any other icy treat), lemonade, cooler, sunglasses.
Editor’s Picks For Pool Party
Game Night / Mafia Night
Both mysterious, but not that serious, a mafia themed night transports the fun from any board game to IRL. You can always count on UNO to get your guests riled up, but to throw a twist in the traditional game night, mafia presents a little role play situation that, for the first time, thrives on inciting the most drama possible to make the night fantastic. First rule is to know how to play the game, but I’m not your girl for that, so consult the world wide web to gain maximum mafia knowledge.
You need: the rules (of course), masks/props to designate roles, a candle, mood lighting, the winner’s prize (free drinks on you?), and maybe a singular stack of UNO cards to occupy the pool of people who are consecutively “killed” each round.
Editor’s Picks For Game Night
