40 Simple Summer Party Ideas
We're officially in a summer state of mind.
The first cloudless 70-degree day always puts us in the mood for a summer party. Give us a glimpse of the new season ahead with its clear blue skies and light breezes, and we get absolutely giddy to plan that first outdoor gathering. Not that summer parties should take a lot of planning—in fact, our favorite summer parties are often the simplest ones. So if you’re preparing to host your own summer soiree, big or small, we've got lots of creative, low-key inspiration for you. These fun summer party ideas will make your guests feel welcome, at ease, and entertained whether they love to play games long into the night or just linger on a backyard patio with lots of comfy seating.
Summer is all about relaxing, so we stuck to simple, achievable party themes and decorations. No one wants to feel stressed out about flower arrangements or table settings when they're outdoor entertaining. These party ideas make fun the priority, whether it's a classic backyard barbecue, s'mores around a campfire, a movie night under the stars, ice pops for kids, or adults-only aperitifs. Rest assured our DIYs and recipes are practically effortless to pull off.
Whatever your party personality is, you deserve to let loose and unwind a little. So keep scrolling to get inspired by our fun-in-the-sun summer party ideas that will make you the most laid-back hostess, whether your party is happening lakeside, poolside, or on your own patio.
Lawn Games for Everyone
Usher in the unofficial start of summer on Memorial Day weekend by setting up fun-for-all-ages yard games, like ladder ball or cornhole.
BUY NOW Ladder toss set, $64, wayfair.com
Sophisticated Shade
Whether you're hosting a small gathering on your patio or taking your get-together to the beach, offering guests respite from the sun is a must. A fringed umbrella adds a feminine touch.
Single-Serve Portions
A little bit of prep goes a long way in making mealtime and cleanup faster and easier.
Cozy Campfire
You can't beat a classic fireside setting complete with s'mores and ghost stories. (Lakeside view not required but strongly encouraged.)
BUY NOW Roasting forks, $17, rei.com
Classic Cookout
Is it even summer unless you've fired up the grill for your fam and friends? Grilled corn, burgers, and farmer's market fresh tomatoes make the ideal alfresco meal.
Cottagecore Picnic
Showcase an heirloom quilt or source a vintage one to add quaint charm to your next picnic on the lawn. Keep the spread simple with sandwiches, tea, and fresh fruit.
Italian Inspiration
Even if an Italian summer getaway isn't in your future, you can bring the laid-back charm of the Mediterranean to your own backyard. Serve Aperol spritzes, charcuterie, and single-serve gelato or granita.
BUY NOW The wine glass by Molly Baz, $15, crateandbarrel.com
Moonlight Movies
If you have a projector (or know someone who does), invite your crew for a movie night under the full moon. Don't forget the popcorn—and bug spray.
BUY NOW Movie screening kit, $17, target.com
Star-Spangled Bash
Incorporate festive touches of red, white, and blue into every detail, from whimsical decor down to drink mixes and garnishes.
See more at Sugar & Charm.
Iconic Pool Party
Don't have a pool in your backyard? Go all out by renting a hotel or local pool for the day. Or research which hotels in your areas have pools and see if any of them host parties, then round up a group of friends to purchase tickets and dive in together.
BUY NOW Tropical pool float, $10, target.com
Garden-Grown Cocktails
The best use for your homegrown herbs yet. Rosemary, lavender, sage, and other bumper crops look beautiful on your bar and in everyone's glasses.
See more at Sugar & Charm.
Romantic Lighting
String lights serve as both a practical and pretty element, bringing cozy ambiance and a soft glow.
Cool Poptails
Combine dessert and drinks into one frozen treat with these adults-only popsicles.
Get the recipe from Bakers Royale.
BUY NOW Silicone popsicle mold, $13, target.com
Casual Garden Party
Pack in extra seating at a picnic table with rustic benches.
Lake Living
Cool off on the water with a group of friends by renting a boat for the day. The more, the merrier (and less expensive).
Spiked Lemonade Bar
Upgrade your childhood lemonade stand with adults-only mixers and garnishes.
See more at Sugar & Charm.
BUY NOW Pitcher, $52, anthropologie.com
Wine Night
Host a wine-tasting event in your own backyard or round up your friends and rent a bus or limo to tour local vineyards.
Mini Cheese Boards
Perfect for an outdoor summer picnic.
Get the tutorial from Sugar & Cloth.
Beach Picnic
There's a picnic, and then there's a beach picnic. Gather up some friends for a bring-your-own-basket lunch with an oceanfront view for an unforgettable summer Saturday.
Improvised Vases
A hollowed-out pineapple is the summer vase you never knew you needed. Just add tropical flowers to turn it into a centerpiece.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.
Hadley Mendelsohn is the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House. When she's not busy writing about interiors, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, researching ghost stories, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again. Along with interior design, she writes about everything from travel to entertainment, beauty, social issues, relationships, fashion, food, and on very special occasions, witches, ghosts, and other Halloween haunts. Her work has also been published in MyDomaine, Who What Wear, Man Repeller, Matches Fashion, Byrdie, and more.
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