Summer is here and the party potential is coming in hot…but so is the weather! It’s real. Don’t let the heat and humidity put a damper on your party plans. Sure, hosting fun and memorable events during hot summer days can seem like a daunting task— but it’s SO worth it. With a good theme and a solid pre-party strategy, you’ll earn your host-with-the-most award fair and square this summer.
How to Make Your Summer Party Cool & Comfortable
First and foremost, it’s essential to consider ways to keep your guests cool and comfortable. Make sure to have plenty of shade options, fans, and cooling stations available, such as misters or portable air conditioning units, to ensure your guests stay comfortable throughout the party. Of course, hydration is crucial, so provide an abundance of chilled water, refreshing beverages, and water-infused fruits to keep everyone hydrated.
Prep Your House by Routinely Changing Your Water & AC Filters
Checking and replacing your refrigerator water filters as well as your air conditioning filters will provide a solid foundation for summer hosting, too. Clean, clear water is important year-round, but it’s especially important during the summer. An HVAC system that is running smoothly and efficiently is also an underappreciated crucial component of any summer party plans, too!
Here are some ideas to make your summer hosting enjoyable despite the heat:
Summer Hosting Idea #1: Host a pool party!
If you have access to a pool, host a pool party! It’s a good way for guests to cool off and have fun. Provide pool toys, floats, and games to keep everyone entertained. If it’s your pool, do some pre-party pool prep by making sure the pool filter is fresh and the pool water chemicals are balanced before the party starts.
Summer Hosting Idea #2: Offer outdoor water games
Add outdoor water games to any summertime cookout to take it up a notch. Plan some water activities like a slip ‘n slide, water balloon toss, or water gun fight, and not just for the kids! These fun ideas are not only refreshing but also bring out the inner child in all of your guests.
Summer Hosting Idea #3: Plan an ice cream social
Beat the heat with a delicious ice cream social. Set up an ice cream station with various flavors, toppings, and cones. This is a fun way for your guests to create their own ice cream masterpieces.
Summer Hosting Idea #4: Set up a backyard movie night
Create an outdoor theater in your backyard. Set up a large screen, projector, and comfortable seating. To enjoy the full experience, provide blankets, pillows, and refreshments perfect for the summer weather. Select movies suitable for all ages, and enjoy a summertime movie night under the stars.
Summer Hosting Idea #5: Create a DIY water park
Transform your backyard into a mini water park! Set up sprinklers, water slides, and water misters. Provide water-themed activities like water limbo or water balloon piñata to keep everyone entertained and refreshed.
Summer Hosting Idea #6: Have a picnic in the shade
Host a shaded picnic in a park or under a large tree in your backyard. Set up picnic blankets, umbrellas, and comfortable seating. Prepare refreshing drinks and a variety of cold, easy-to-eat foods like salads, sandwiches, and fruit.
Summer Hosting Idea #7: Host a tropical-themed party
Create a tropical paradise in your own backyard. Decorate with vibrant colors, tropical flowers, and tiki torches. Serve tropical drinks, fresh fruits, and light, refreshing appetizers. Play lively music and encourage guests to dress in Hawaiian shirts or summer dresses to match the theme.
Summer Hosting Idea #8: Create a DIY lemonade stand
Set up a DIY lemonade stand where guests can create their own customized lemonade. Provide lemonades with different flavors, fruits, and garnishes like mint leaves, berries, or citrus slices. It’s a fun and interactive way to stay hydrated and cool. With your clean, clear refrigerator water, thanks to a fresh ClearChoice filter, your lemonade will be the best in the neighborhood this summer!
Summer Hosting Idea #9: Plan an outdoor spa day
Pamper your guests with an outdoor spa day. Set up shaded relaxation areas with comfortable loungers, umbrellas, and soothing music. Offer refreshing facial mists, cool cucumber slices for the eyes, and foot soaks. Provide chilled infused water and healthy snacks for a complete spa experience. If you have a hot tub, set the water temperature to a cooler than normal, refreshing temperature for soaking in. Refresh the hot tub as needed with a new pool or spa filter to ensure a sparkling clean experience.
Summer Hosting Idea #10: Throw a watermelon party this summer
Celebrate summer’s iconic fruit with a watermelon-themed party! Serve watermelon-based dishes like salads, sorbets, and drinks. Have watermelon carving contests or seed-spitting competitions. It’s a refreshing and creative way to enjoy the summer vibes.
Ready to Host Your Summer Party?
These 10 fun ideas for summer hosting should now launch you into party-planning mode! In the midst of the fun, don’t forget to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. An alternate indoor location is a good idea. Tidy up your house just enough to entertain if storm clouds roll in, and have some games or movies on hand so the transition indoors is a smooth one.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What food is good for hot weather?
Cold food is always a good suggestion for hot weather. Experts recommend eating foods with high water content, such as berries, watermelon, cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, and more. Consider eating dark greens like kale and spinach as well, as they can be hydrating.
What is the best theme for a summer party?
The list of party theme ideas perfect for summertime is nearly endless, but a few popular ideas include a carnival theme, a backyard BBQ party, a beach or pool party, a summer camp theme, a garden party, an 80s/90s throwback, and a nautical soiree.
What is needed for an outdoor party?
For a well-prepared outdoor party, consider having items such as drinks, food, shelter, eating utensils, plates, napkins, decor, seating, and music thought out in advance and ready in time for the party.
What makes a good summer party playlist?
To keep your summer party alive and fun, add peppy songs to the playlist. Songs that have a positive, fun energy will keep your audience entertained – and don’t forget to mix genres to cater to everyone!