Are you planning a house party this summer? This is a fantastic way to enjoy the warm weather and good company and create lasting memories. But it’s easier said than done. Throwing the perfect party requires planning and execution. But don’t worry. This guide will take you through the steps to plan a summer house party.
Summer weather is perfect for hanging out with friends and family. You can do this by throwing a house party. Follow the above steps to plan a summer house party that your friends and family will look forward to every year.
Select a Date and Time
The most important part of planning a party is selecting a date. You don’t want to choose a date because most invitees will not attend because they have other engagements. People may go on holidays, to concerts, or host parties.
Start by choosing multiple dates to host the party. Contact a couple of people you intend to invite and ask which day works for them. Expect everyone to choose a different date. Pick a date that is convenient for most guests.
Create a Guest List
With the date set, it’s time to decide how many people you want to invite. This list will be heavily influenced by the size of your space and your budget. Is it an adult-only party, or can children attend? You can invite a mix of friends, family, and neighbours to create a diverse and lively atmosphere.
Send invitations at least three weeks in advance. This will allow everyone to adjust their schedules. You can distribute the invitations through social media or emails or print them out if you prefer a personal touch. Remember to send reminders two days before the party.
Choose a Theme
Choosing a theme is much harder than it sounds, so most people will not have one. However, a theme makes a party fun and cohesive. It will also help you plan other aspects of the party, such as food, drinks, and decorations.
You can choose a theme depending on why you are throwing the party. You can also choose a popular summer theme like a Hawaii Luau, beach party, tropical fiesta, garden party, or BBQ cookout.
Plan the Menu
Food and drink are the heart of any party. You want your guests to stay home hungry and avoid rushing to the store mid-party because you are out of drinks. The party theme will help you choose what to serve.
For instance, if it’s a BBQ cookout, you can serve burgers, sausages, chicken drumsticks or wings, pork chops, ribs, and steaks served alongside salads, bread buns, and sauces. All you need are charcoal grills. If you don’t have BBQ grills, buy disposable, single-use barbecues from the supermarket.
Remember to include vegetarian options like vegetable skewers, barbecued corn on the comb, tofu strips, and dessert. Have a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Work with a catering company if you expect many guests to avoid burnout.
Set Up the Space
As the party date approaches, start setting up indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate guests. Mow the yard two or three days before the party to let the clippings settle.
Make sure you have enough seats. Arrange the seating area and set up tables for food and drinks, and you can also create a dance floor. It’s summer, so remember shade and cooling options like umbrellas, fans, or misting systems.
Decorating is easy. For example, beach party decor can include beach balls, seashells, and surfboards. Use colourful tablecloths, string lights, balloons, and themed centrepieces.
Don’t Forget Entertainment
No one wants to attend a boring party. So, if you don’t want your guests leaving an hour or two into the party, you better have fun activities to keep them engaged. For the kids, you can have a slide or bouncy castle, a magician, and obstacle courses for older kids.
Also, include family or adult games for an adult-only party and good music. You can also have a photo booth with props or hire a professional photographer.
Engage with Guests
You can plan an ideal party but fail to enjoy it because you make sure everyone is well catered for and forget you are the most significant guest. Ask some of your friends or family to help so that you have time to enjoy yourself. Ensure you greet each guest and introduce them to each other to encourage mingling and ensure everyone feels welcome.
Clean Up
The party is over, but before you have the time to reflect on its success, you need to clean up. Ask a few friends or family members to help. Dispose of trash, pack away decorations, and clean any spills to restore your home to its pre-party state.
