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Hosting A Summer Event? No Problem!

by Andréa Vaccarelli

A late summer backyard bash is the perfect excuse to squeeze every last drop out of the warm season. Here’s a list of clever and cute ideas and themes—ranging from laid-back to slightly extra—depending on your crowd:

🌴 1. “Endless Summer” Luau

Decor: Tiki torches, tropical flowers, grass skirts for tables.
Food: Pineapple skewers, pulled pork sliders, coconut shrimp.
Drinks: Mai Tais, mocktail punch with umbrellas.
Activities: Limbo contest, hula hoop games, lei-making station.

🌽 2. Backyard Boil or Barn Bash

Decor: Burlap table runners, mason jars, string lights.
Food: Crawfish boil or low country shrimp boil, corn on the cob, cornbread.
Drinks: Spiked lemonade, iced tea bar.
Activities: Cornhole, horseshoes, line dancing.

🎬 3. Backyard Movie Night

Decor: Blankets, pillows, string lights, DIY screen or projector wall.
Food: Popcorn bar, candy buffet, hot dogs in baskets.
Drinks: Soda floats, mini wine bottles, slushies.
Movie Ideas: The Sandlot, Dirty Dancing, or Mama Mia!

🧺 4. Sunset Picnic Party

Decor: Wicker baskets, gingham blankets, floral centerpieces.
Food: Charcuterie boards, finger sandwiches, fresh berries.
Drinks: Canned rosé, sparkling lemonade.
Activities: Lawn games, acoustic music, Polaroid photo station.

🌻 5. Sunflower Social

Decor: Sunflower bouquets, yellow and green palette, burlap.
Food: Summer salads, BBQ sliders, peach cobbler.
Drinks: Iced tea in dispensers, white sangria.
Activities: DIY flower crown station, photo booth with a sunflower arch.

🎡 6. Summer Carnival

Decor: Bright colors, paper pinwheels, carnival signs.
Food: Corn dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones.
Drinks: Lemonade, beer buckets, soda in glass bottles.
Activities: Ring toss, dunk tank, face painting.

🔥 7. Fireside Fiesta

Decor: Mexican blankets, lanterns, string lights.
Food: Street tacos, chips and guac, elote.
Drinks: Margaritas, micheladas, agua frescas.
Activities: Piñata, DIY salsa bar, fire pit for s’mores.

🌙 8. “Last Light” Glow Party

Decor: Glow sticks, neon lights, LED balloons.
Food: Easy finger foods (think party apps), cupcakes with glow toppers.
Drinks: Glow-in-the-dark cocktails (tonic water + UV lights).
Activities: Dance party, glow ring toss, glow-in-the-dark face paint.

🧃 9. Throwback Kidult Party

Decor: ’90s or early 2000s-themed decor, nostalgic colors.
Food: Pizza bagels, Lunchables-style platters, popsicles.
Drinks: Boozy Capri Suns, adult root beer floats.
Activities: Slip ’n slide, water balloon dodgeball, karaoke.

🌅 10. Golden Hour Garden Party

Decor: Floral garlands, vintage teacups, pastel linens.
Food: Mini quiches, lavender shortbread, berry tarts.
Drinks: Rosé spritz, cucumber mint water.
Activities: Lawn croquet, poetry reading, painting station.