Enjoy Your Family and Friends!

Celebrate the Season with These Party Ideas

There’s just something about the starry nights and fresh air that make summer the perfect time for parties. From a friendly neighborhood gathering to an afternoon pool party, here are five themed ideas to get you started.

Movie Under the Stars — Turn your backyard into an outdoor movie theater. All you need for an evening filled with your favorite Hollywood stars is an inflatable screen and projector, a cozy area for seating or sleeping bags and, of course, popcorn.

Neighborhood Block Party — Host a summertime gathering on your street, inviting the neighbors to bring chairs and potluck dishes to share. Arrange games for the kids and invite your local fire or police department. And while you’re planning, don’t forget to apply for a permit to set up roadblocks.

Elegant Garden Party — Invite your friends over for a traditional garden party. While the setting is casual, a garden party is anything but. Give your gathering an air of sophistication with crisp white linens and extravagant centerpieces.

Old-Fashioned Campout — Experience the great outdoors in your own backyard by setting up camp. Sleeping bags, a tent, lawn chairs and a backyard fire pit create the perfect setting for telling ghost stories and enjoying late-night marshmallow roasts.

Backyard Pool Party — Make a splash with your next pool party by designing games, food and decorations around a theme. Adults can socialize while kids enjoy swimming pool games like sponge tag or noodle jousting.

John Homan