7 Summer Party Hacks For The Perfect Party

This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

It’s time, we are sharing our 7 summer party hacks just in time for the season. We don’t let summertime put a damper on our fun, in fact, it’s one of the best times to throw a party… and in our house we’ve got quite a few birthdays to celebrate in the hottest months of the year! Read on for a few tips to throw the best of parties, and how to capitalize on the outdoors, even when you’re sharing it with summer’s heatwaves.

Summer Party Hacks

Hydration is key, have lots of water handy. We all know that summer can zap you of moisture in an instant, so make it easy for your guests to stay refreshed and hydrated. Have a few places with chilled water at the ready, and you can even take it to the next level and add fruit to infuse some flavor. While on the subject of water, it’s a summer party, so have a few other ways for your guests to cool off as well! A pool, kiddie pool, sprinkler or water balloons are all fun ways to get cooled off.

Tip number one, set up hydration stations.

Keep bugs and sun at bay. Don’t let summer’s other elements take your soiree from fun to freakish by an unwelcome swarm. Light some bug-repelling candles and have an area where you’ve shown your guests you’re ready for a day of fun in the sun with sunscreen in an easy-to-access spot. While you’re at it, keep insects off your food, too, with food tents covering your platters.

Here’s a new addition to our back patio — these wall-mounted tiki torches are not only gorgeous but with the right fuel, are also great at keeping the bugs away!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tabitha Blue | Mom + Travel + DIY Home Creator (@tabithablue)

Give yourself a break with an easy, seasonal food menu. If you’re outside for a party, you might as well fire up the grill and use the great outdoors for your inspiration. Keep the heat out of the kitchen and display a rainbow of your favorite veggies and meats; everything from starters to main courses can be done on the grill. With the fun of being outside, you can skip the flatware and opt for finger foods that will impress your guests, too. Check out our summer grilling season post for some recipe inspo.

Easy grilling recipes are key for stress free summer hosting

Serve a signature drink. Keep the conversations flowing as you pour a drink that will entertain as much as quench a thirst! For that matter, pull out a bar cart and set up your own tiki bar for the occasion, or decorate it to match your own fete. Our sparkling punch recipe is one of our go-to’s for a summer party.

Summer sparkling drink recipe perfect for summer entertaining

Set the atmosphere with music… it plays such a critical part in any party! Think about how you want your guests to feel or where you want to “take them”. It’s fun to choose or set up a playlist that has a great mix of well-known tunes for everyone to sing along to as well as some obscure or little-known bands to mix it up and keep everyone discovering together.

Don’t let the ice cream get you in a sticky situation! Pre-scoop ice cream into reusable cupcake liners and freeze for easy serving when it’s time to sing birthday wishes. Set up a toppings bar and let your guests create their own masterpiece… your work is already done. Check out our homemade strawberry ice cream recipe.

Cool everyone down this summer with homemade ice cream

The fun of an outdoor party is being able to mix it up with lighting! Be ready for your party to twinkle as the sun sets with summer lighting. Tiki torches, string lights hanging over the table, lanterns and other candles, a fire pit or even glow sticks in the pool can make your party sparkle as the night plays out. We love our DIY planter light boxes.

Lighting is everything, it sets the mood

Shop some of our entertaining faves on Amazon.

So there you have it, our 7 summer party hacks to ensure your next sunny soirée is a hit! With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to throw an unforgettable bash, no matter how high the heat rises. Remember, summer is all about embracing the outdoors. From your hydration stations to your twinkling nighttime ambiance, every detail shows you’re a host who knows how to beat the heat in style. So go ahead, fire up that grill, mix up that signature drink, and let the good times roll. Here’s to a season filled with laughter, memories, and perfectly planned parties. Cheers to you, summer party pro!