Summer might be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still make the most of what's left of the warm summer nights, and throwing an end-of-summer party is a great way to send off the season. Before the kids go back to school and we trade in the lawn mower for the snow blower, how about inviting a few of your closest friends over to celebrate the last of the summer season? Here's a few ideas for throwing the perfect end of summer party.
Throw The Perfect End Of Summer Party
Set The Weather-Appropriate Scene
A sudden rain shower is common in summer, so plan ahead if you’re going to use the garden by checking the weather in advance. If your outdoor area isn't covered, consider installing a motorized retractable awning. This will allow you to make the most of your outdoor space regardless of the rain. Not only will this help when it comes to entertaining, but a covered space will allow you to grill outside in less-than-perfect weather, too.
At the very least, make sure your guests have access to the indoors should things get too stormy.
Choose The Right Foods
An end of summer party should be more about spending time with friends while enjoying beautiful weather than it is about impressing them with fancy food and cocktails, so don't be pressed about putting on a fancy spread. Charcuterie boards (sweet and savory), salads like pasta salad and fruit salad and easy peasy appetizers like caprese skewers are the perfect foods for any summer party. Canned and bottled beverages instead of mixed drinks are easy to serve in a rolling ice chest.
Set The Weather-Appropriate Scene
A sudden rain shower is common in summer, so plan ahead if you’re going to use the garden by checking the weather in advance. If your outdoor area isn't covered, consider installing a motorized retractable awning. This will allow you to make the most of your outdoor space regardless of the rain. Not only will this help when it comes to entertaining, but a covered space will allow you to grill outside in less-than-perfect weather, too.
At the very least, make sure your guests have access to the indoors should things get too stormy.
Choose The Right Foods
An end of summer party should be more about spending time with friends while enjoying beautiful weather than it is about impressing them with fancy food and cocktails, so don't be pressed about putting on a fancy spread. Charcuterie boards (sweet and savory), salads like pasta salad and fruit salad and easy peasy appetizers like caprese skewers are the perfect foods for any summer party. Canned and bottled beverages instead of mixed drinks are easy to serve in a rolling ice chest.
Make It Different
You can make your end of summer party a little different by throwing a themed party. There's lots of different party themes to choose from, so try and find one that you think your guest would enjoy the most. Here's some great ideas for a themed summer party:
You can make your end of summer party a little different by throwing a themed party. There's lots of different party themes to choose from, so try and find one that you think your guest would enjoy the most. Here's some great ideas for a themed summer party:
- Pajama Party: Invite your guests to wear their comfiest pajamas and bring a sleeping bag. Serve popcorn, candy and other theater treats and watch a movie under the stars on an outdoor movie screen.
- Casino Night: Turn your deck or patio into a casino by setting up blackjack, poker and roulette tables. Play for real money or prizes! Keep the menu simple by serving a buffet of finger foods and other apps.
- 70s Disco Party: Keep the summer stayin' alive with a fun disco themed party. Keep the disco tunes pumping all night, and serve yummy food popular from the decade like fondue, quiche, Swedish meatballs and a pineapple upside down cake for dessert. Costumes optional!
- I Love The 80s: Give the summer a gnarly send off by hosting a bitchin' 80s themed party. You can ask your guests to come dressed as their favorite 80s character and have a fun air guitar or moon walking competition.
- Clambake On The Beach: Spend a late afternoon / early evening on the beach with friends and indulge in a delicious clambake and possible bonfire, if allowed. If you live on the coast, you find some wonderful caterers that specialize in clambakes and seafood boils.
Add Some Entertainment
Background music sets the mood for any soiree, and an end of summer party is no exception. Choose music that fits your theme, like a disco or 80s playlist, if you decide to go that route. Otherwise, "Yacht Rock Radio" is where it's at. These soft rock hits of the 70s and early 80s will make you feel as if you're part of an endless summer.
To keep guests occupied and engaged, keep easy to play games scattered about your entertaining area. Playing cards, Jenga, Connect 4 and horse shoes are just a few examples. This oversized checkers / tic tac toe game is perfect for the beach, too!
Background music sets the mood for any soiree, and an end of summer party is no exception. Choose music that fits your theme, like a disco or 80s playlist, if you decide to go that route. Otherwise, "Yacht Rock Radio" is where it's at. These soft rock hits of the 70s and early 80s will make you feel as if you're part of an endless summer.
To keep guests occupied and engaged, keep easy to play games scattered about your entertaining area. Playing cards, Jenga, Connect 4 and horse shoes are just a few examples. This oversized checkers / tic tac toe game is perfect for the beach, too!
Are you throwing an end of summer party this year? If you have any tips or ideas you'd like to share, let us know in the comments below!
Comment Box is loading comments...
