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​Throw The Perfect End Of Summer Party

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? 

​In this article, we will guide you through the process of throwing the perfect end of summer party, complete with exciting themes, delectable treats, engaging activities, and cherished memories.

Throw The Perfect End Of Summer Party

Set The Date And Theme

Choosing the right date for your party is crucial. Aim for a weekend day when most of your guests are likely to be available, and be sure to give plenty of notice: summer is the season of travel, vacations and family getaways, so you'll want to make sure your guests are available to celebrate.

​Inviting guests to your party can be done in various ways, but here are some effective methods:
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  • Personalized Invitations: Send out traditional paper invitations with creative designs that match your party theme. Include all the essential details like date, time, location, and RSVP information.
  • Digital Invites: Use online platforms or social media to create digital invitations. You can add interactive elements and easily track RSVPs.
  • Group Messages or Emails: For a more casual gathering, you can send group messages or emails to your close friends and family, providing all the necessary information.
  • Event Page on Social Media: Create a Facebook event or use other social media platforms to create an event page where you can invite all your contacts and keep them updated about the party.
  • Verbal Invitations: For a small, informal gathering, personally invite your guests through phone calls or face-to-face interactions. This adds a personal touch to the invitation.

No matter the invite, include a friendly and enthusiastic message in the invitation that will make your guests even more excited to attend the end of summer bash!
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Planning The Venue And Decorations

Selecting the perfect venue can set the tone for your end of summer extravaganza. If you have a spacious backyard, that's the ideal location. Otherwise, local parks or community centers could also work, just be sure to contact your town or city to double check if a reservation or permit is required.

Consider a fun theme for your party to make it more exciting and memorable. 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:
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  • 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.
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95 Pc. "Back To The 80s" Party Decor, amazon.com

Pajama Party Decorations, amazon.com

Delicious Summer-Inspired Menu Ideas

The heart of any party lies in the food. Prepare a menu that reflects the essence of summer and delights the taste buds of your guests. Here are some mouthwatering ideas to consider:
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Appetizers And Finger Foods

  • Fresh fruit platter with a tangy dip
  • Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil
  • Crispy vegetable spring rolls with sweet chili sauce

Refreshing Beverages

Grilled Delights

Scrumptious Side Dishes

Irresistible Desserts

  • S'mores station with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate
  • Tropical fruit sorbet with a medley of fresh fruits
  • Lemon bars with a dusting of powdered sugar
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Engaging Activities And Games

To keep the party spirits high, organize a range of exciting activities and games suitable for guests of all ages.  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!
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Water Balloon Frenzy

Cool off with an exhilarating water balloon fight. Divide the guests into teams and let the splashing begin!
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Backyard Movie Night

Create a cozy outdoor movie theater by setting up a large screen and playing classic or summer-themed films, like:
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  • Finding Nemo (2003) - Join Marlin and Dory on an epic underwater adventure to find Marlin's son, Nemo.
  • The Parent Trap (1998) - Watch as identical twins Annie and Hallie meet for the first time at summer camp and decide to switch places to reunite their long-lost parents.
  • The Sandlot (1993) - Follow a group of young baseball enthusiasts as they navigate the joys and challenges of summer in the 1960s.
  • Moana (2016) - Embark on a journey with Moana, a brave Polynesian princess, as she sets sail across the ocean to save her people.
  • Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018) - Join Dracula and his monster family as they embark on a cruise vacation filled with hilarious mishaps and surprises.
  • The Goonies (1985) - Follow a group of kids on a thrilling treasure hunt during their summer break.
  • Frozen (2013) - Enjoy the magical tale of Elsa and Anna as they discover the true meaning of sisterhood and love.
  • Mamma Mia! (2008) - Sing and dance along with this musical set on a beautiful Greek island.
  • Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) - Get ready for a wild adventure when four teenagers find themselves trapped inside a video game.
  • The Karate Kid (1984) - Witness the inspirational story of a young boy who learns martial arts from his wise mentor during summer break.
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DIY Craft Stations

Engage the creative side of your guests with DIY craft stations where they can make their own summer-inspired keepsakes, like bracelets, key chains, tie-dyed tees or sand art bottles. 
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32 Colours All-in-1 Tie Dye Set, amazon.com

Sand Art Bottle Necklaces (Sand Sold Separately), amazon.com

Curating The Perfect Playlist

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.  Here's some other popular summer tunes to include in your playlist:

Upbeat Summer Anthems:
  • "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves
  • "Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake
  • "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams
  • "California Gurls" by Katy Perry
  • "Rock Lobster" by The B-52s
  • "Summer Nights" by Olivia Newton-John (Grease Soundtrack)
  • "Steal My Sunshine" by Len
  • "Vacation" by The Go-Gos
  • "Surfin' USA" by The Beach Boys

Laid-back Tunes For Sunset Vibes:
  • "Island in the Sun" by Weezer
  • "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley
  • "Budapest" by George Ezra
  • "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffett
  • "Suddenly Last Summer" by The Motels
  • "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama
  • "Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding
  • "Summer Breeze" by Seals & Croft
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Safety Precautions And Comfort

While enjoying the festivities, it's essential to prioritize safety and comfort for your guests.  You'll want to be sure that there is adequate protection from the sun and mosquitoes, so consider setting up a spot where guests can apply sunscreen, bug spray and even a heat protectant spray for their hair.  Additionally, make sure ​there are plenty of shaded areas with tents, retractable awnings or umbrellas and offer ample seating options for relaxation.

Gratitude And Farewell: End Of Summer Party Favors

​As the party comes to a close, express gratitude to your guests for joining in the celebration. Offer them thoughtful end-of-summer party favors like personalized mementos or small gift bags filled with sweet treats.
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Plastic Drink Pouches With Straws, amazon.com

Summer Goodie Drawstring Bags, amazon.com
A well-planned end of summer party is a delightful way to bid farewell to the season and welcome the upcoming autumn with joy and contentment. By incorporating a fun theme, delectable food, engaging activities, and soul-stirring music, you can create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

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.
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