5 Inexpensive Summer Party Ideas
Summer is a great time to celebrate with friends and family. You don’t need a special occasion to have a party. I’ve got 5 Inexpensive Summer Party Ideas that are fun and will make you look forward to having a party this weekend.
1. Movie Night. A beautiful summer night is perfect for enjoying some time outside. Why not watch a movie under the stars? Grab some lawn chairs (and ask your guests to bring a few too), lay some blankets on the grass, hang a sheet between some trees and enjoy a great night out.
You’ll need an LCD projector for this party. If you don’t have one and can’t find one to borrow, any Audio Visual rental place will have one, usually for under $100. Just hook it up to your laptop computer. Play a DVD on your laptop and the LCD projector will project it onto the hanging sheet. If your wifi access extends to your back yard you could stream Netflix Movies or Movies from Amazon Prime.
Offer your guests a popcorn and ice cream station with an assortment of toppings. Cheese, caramel and Old Bay Seasoning are always great popcorn toppings. Candies, nuts, whipped cream, a variety of sauces and fruit make great ice cream toppings. Go the extra mile and provide donuts, waffles and cookies to make ice cream sandwiches.
2. Afternoon Tea. Host a few friends on your deck or in your backyard for a late afternoon social. Afternoon Tea usually includes an assortment of finger sandwiches, cookies and desserts. You can find a nice assortment of teas at your local grocery store and most bakeries carry an assortment of finger desserts.
Decorate your table with fresh flowers in a teapot. You can find inexpensive teapots along with plates, cups and saucers at flea markets, Goodwill and eBay. Get a matching set or decorate with a variety of china.
3. Burger Bash. Everyone loves a good burger and everyone has their own “favorite” way of eating it. Enjoy a backyard cookout with a buffet table of assorted burger toppings. In addition to the usual lettuce, tomato, pickle and cheese, try some unusual items like jalapenos, flavored bacon, guacamole, French fries, coleslaw and ramen noodles. The possibilities are endless. Have a contest for “the most unusual burger” and “the best burger” at the party.
4. Fiesta. Enjoy a summer taco party with some spicy music, colorful decorations and a piñata! There are as many possibilities for building great tacos as burgers. Ever had a potato taco made with shredded potatoes and green chilis? How about tacos filled with pulled pork or beef BBQ or fried eggs? Get creative! Ask your guests to bring their favorite taco topping to share.
5. Hawaiian Luau. If you can’t get to Hawaii, why not bring Hawaii to your backyard? Break out the tiki torches and welcome your guests with fruity cocktails served in pineapples or coconuts. Don’t forget the little umbrella! Tropical fruits make great centerpieces too. You can find grass skirting (for both you and your table) online. Serve up a menu with tropical flare like grilled shrimp and pineapple, potstickers and ahi tuna.
Whatever party theme you decide to try, spending time with friends and family while enjoying a warm summer day is always a great idea.