Shecky’s

You’ve got the outfit, you’ve got the soundtrack—now all you need is the party! Summertime’s the best time to invite the friends over for a fun, festive gathering, especially as our backyards basically double as dining rooms. Whether you’re looking to host a large crew or an intimate group of close friends, we’ve got great ideas for giving your party a fun, summery theme, from tiki-themed bashes to s’mores-roasting bonfires, pretty picnics to haute hoedowns. With these fun summer party ideas, your friends will be gabbing about your fabulous backyard bash all the way ‘till fall!

-Casey Schmieder

Tiki Party

Even if a trip to Hawaii isn’t on the horizon, you can still be a Hawaiian hostess if you plan a show-stopping tiki-themed party! Since we just love going all out with party themes, there are many ways to spice up your space to make it feel like you’re lounging with the locals.

Decor: First, you’re going to want to start pimping your pad, and this DIY Tissue Tassel Garland (on greenweddingshoes.com) is the perfect way to do it! Simply cut strips of tissue paper (whatever color you love), and bunch them together around a rope cord and twist. You should be left with the twisted top portion wrapped around the rope and the frayed edges dangling.

Drinks: Dazzle your guests with a Blue Hawaiian (the cocktail, not the Elvis movie!), which shakes up light rum, pineapple juice, Blue Curacao liqueur and cream of coconut. Give your guests oversized leaves that double as coasters and obviously cute decor.

Food: When those stomachs start grumbling, place Fruity Grilled Shrimp Skewers (from allyou.com) on the ‘cue, with yummy alternative pieces of shrimp and pineapple!

Image credit: homeandparty.blogspot.com , theneotraditionalist.com, taramaso.seesaa.net, allyou.com