Seasonal changes give us a whole new selection of party ideas to choose from. Whether you're planning a wedding, a bridal or baby shower, a birthday party, Fourth of July Party, or a "just because" party, there are so many fun ways to get outdoors and enjoy the season with your family and friends. No pool, no fireworks, and not even a reason are needed to host one of these soirees!
Ice Cream Social
When the weather turns hot, who can resist a delicious, cool, creamy ice cream treat? There's nothing more casual and fun than a good old-fashioned ice cream social. Stock up on different flavors of ice cream, cones and dishes, and all the toppings and head outside! Fill an old bathtub (no chipping paint, of course) or a big metal tub with ice to keep your fears from melting, and voila!
Set up a build-your-own sundae station and let the good times roll! Make sure to have plenty of sauces and sprinkles, and do not forget the cherry for the top!
If you're feeling particularly festive, you can ask your friends to dress in early 1900's attire like handlebar mustaches, bow ties, suspenders, and derby hats for the men. Women can sport long dresses and gloves with their hair swept up. You can provide lovely decorative fans to stay cool. They work great as a party favor!
You can even send your guests home with some adorable ice cream theme party thanks to say "thanks for coming!"
English Garden Tea
If you have a green thumb and have a beautiful garden, why not share it with your friends and family? Host an English Garden Tea Party right out in the middle of the fruits of your labor. Pull out a table and chairs, use your prettiest tablecloth, and set it with the fanciest dishes you have!
There are plenty of opportunities for sending your guests home with party favors to thank them for coming. You can even send them home with the cup and saucer! Edible and drinkable party favors such as personalized tea bags and jars of jam or honey are perfect!
Mad Hatter Tea Party
It's like regular tea party, but a little more twisted! Set your table with a striking black and white checked or other bright-patterned table cloth. Make sure your dishes and cups do not match! We're all mad here!
Use as many off-sized items as you can such as oversized or undersized utensils, cups, and refreshments. Get one of the cupcake-shaped cake pans to make a cake that looks like an oversized cupcake. Do not forget to mark everything with "eat me" or "drink me"!
Drive-In Movie
This one is best for those of you who live in rural areas. Rent a giant inflatable movie screen and DVD projector and set up an old-fashioned drive-in right in your own back yard!
Make it a theme with showing musicals where you invite everyone to dress as their favorite musical character and incorporate a sing-along. Or you can show old classics and everyone can dress in 1940's era clothing. Or have a zombie theme, if you dare, and view classic zombie thrillers. Guests can show up dressed as "the dead"!
Whatever theme you choose, make sure to set up a refresh stand complete with popcorn (you can even get personalized bags of popcorn as party favors), hot dogs, and plenty of soft drinks!
Country BBQ
This is a good 'ole type of party we've all been to before. But put a little creativity into it and host a corn hole toss tournament, complete with prizes. Make sure to put out bails of hay for seating. Set around pitchers of ice-cold homemade lemonade and frosty drinking jars. And do not forget the red checked tablecloths!
Karaoke Night
If your friends are brave enough, rent a Karaoke machine and turn your porch into a stage! A floodlight can make a good spotlight, if you have one.
Make it a contest! Let everyone vote for their favorite performer and present them with a prize!
Just add a little creativity and you can turn your backyard into a magical land, a theater, a stage, or an old-timey soda fountain. Your friends will not be able to wait to see what surprises are in store for them at your next get-together!