Plan a Summer Party

 

Get your friends together for a laid-back cocktail party outside. We've got 3 glowing cocktails that are refreshing and light, plus some pretty and easy decor ideas.

 

 

We're big foodies here at Celebrations and nothing tickles us pink more than dessert. Which is why we've collected quite a few recipes for summer desserts. Click through our top 20 desserts for summer entertaining and let us know which one you'll be testing!

 

Our list of summer drinks are sure to cool you off on those hot summer days. From Watermelon Margaritas to Frozen Spiked Lemonade, these summer drinks are perfect for your party and easy to create - but most importantly they're super tasty!

Summer Party Ideas

Summer is the best season to plan a party. We have plenty of fun and creative ideas for a summer bash. The weather being warm and sunny, this is the perfect time of year to bring everyone together and enjoy each other's company ... Read More and the relaxing weather. School break, barbeques ,and vacations, the summer season calls for plenty of get-togethers with friends and family.

There are so many types of parties you can throw in the summer like luas, barbeques, beach parties, pool parties and more.

We have all sorts of summer themes that'll give your party a unique spin and impress all of your guests. With Memorial Day, Labor Day and Fourth of July happening in the summer, there are plenty of reasons to throw a summer party. We have ideas for these holidays as well as pool party ideas, barbeque ideas, and more. Celebrate the season by hosting a summertime bash everyone will remember.

Get recipes on the best summer foods to serve, what fruity cocktails to mix up and the tastiest sweet treats. Learn how to decorate cupcakes and cookies and bake up delicious desserts for all the sweet tooths are you summer party.

Decorating for your party is easy with our expert suggestions on how to make your event space have that summertime feel. Planning a summer party has never been easy with all of our great ideas and suggestions at your disposal.

So don't panic over what food to serve and what drinks to mix up, we have every aspect of summer party planning covered so you don't have to worry! Enjoy the warm weather and your loved ones at a memorable summer party.
Read Less

A Glowing Summer Cocktail Party

The summertime is ideal for heading out in the backyard to relax and enjoy the company of friends. And the best part of the season is that it's acceptable to host an impromptu celebration any night of the week. Read on for ideas on how to put together a fast, easy and glowing cocktail party!

Watermelon Theme Party Ideas for Summer

Keep your summer party or family reunion laid-back and simple to put together. Our watermelon theme party serves up some delicious foods and looks pretty fantastic with minimal effort. The best part is that all of our ideas keep transport and outdoor eating in mind.

Stress-Free Summer Cocktail Parties

Temperatures are rising but don't sweat, Expert Lara Shriftman has six refreshingly that will help you keep your cool as you lounge by the pool. From bold watermelon mint coolers to light orange summer teas, there's a cocktail for everyone's taste.

Fresh Summer Recipes

If you're like me, then when mid-summer hits you're looking to change things up in the kitchen. Instead of the same old burgers, dogs or grilled steak that seem to dominate outdoor grill fests, why not try one of these fresh recipes' Courtesy of Chef Rande Gerber they're all infused with a Mexican flavor and super light - perfect for summer dining!

Family Reunion Fun For All

Summer is family reunion time for lots of families. Whether you're planning yours outdoors or in, we've got some great ideas to keep the kids busy and entertained, a recipe for a killer cake everyone will love and a party centerpiece that really is all about the fam!

Summer S'mores Sweets & Treats

No summer party is complete without s'mores! Well, ours isn't at least. And over the many years of trying out new ways to indulge in our favorite summer treat, we've found a few scrumptious s'more ideas that we had to share with you - try one or all - these recipes are sure to sweeten your party!

Pool Fun: Pool Party Games

There's nothing quite as fun as a pool party during the summer. Though it's easy to have fun without any structured games, we've put together a list of age appropriate pool party fun, perfect for the entire family.

Mark's Top 10 Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Entertaining outdoors may look easy, but sometimes it can prove challenging. Avoid the unnecessary drama of hosting a fete outside this summer with these expert entertaining tips from Celebrations.com Expert Mark Addison.

Ice Cream Soda Bar

Wow your guests by putting together a gourmet ice cream soda bar! Use unique sodas and flavorful ice cream to create a chic atmosphere!

20 Summer Desserts

Choose from twenty different summer-themed desserts, inspired by all of the flavors of summer: s'mores, sno cones, ice cream, churros, cherries, BBQs, pina coladas,watermelon, peanut butter, and more.

Labor Day End of Summer White Party

Send summer off with a bang by throwing a Labor Day End of Summer party for your closest family and friends. A cool, summery vibe paired with delicious drinks and delicacies is just the thing to lessen the impact of summer's departure.  

Margaritas for a Summer Party

The best part about a summer party is the refreshing, fruity drinks! Choose one of of these potent concoctions to serve at your summer soiree!

Watermelon Recipes for Summer Parties

Summer parties don't seem to be complete without tasty, colorful watermelon. It's a perennial favorite of young and old alike and always a welcome addition to any picnic or get together. It's also a very versatile fruit that you can use in salads, baked goods and drinks. Cool and refreshing, watermelon is perfect for cooling off or just nibbling on while enjoying some great conversation. Here are some creative and attractive ways to serve watermelon that will please even the pickiest guests!

Sand Castle Beach Theme Party

Dream of building a sandcastle in your own back yard? Well, now you can! Even if you don't live close to the ocean, host a sandcastle-themed party and put your construction and party planning skills to good use!

Summer Cupcakes

For all the summer parties you either attend or host, bake a batch of cupcakes decorated with summer themes to share at these many events! These cute and easy cupcakes will be a hit at any party you attend!

Ice Cream Social Party

Ice cream is the perfect summer treat! This summer host the best party by throwing an old fashioned ice cream social! Grab your best friends, favorite ice creams and plenty of toppings and your set for a sweet party!

5 Tips to Keep Your Yard Party Ready

Summer is the season for celebrating outside! Make sure your yard is ready to entertain expected and unexpected guests as soon as the temperatures start to climb. We have 5 easy tips that will help keep the backyard ready to go all summer long!

Top 10 Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Whether an early spring brunch, summer dinner party, or a backyard BBQ bash to welcome fall, outdoor entertaining should be fun and easy. Over the years, I've learned a thing or two, and below are my top ten tips for entertaining outdoors. Hopefully these tips will help make planning your party easi...

Labor Day Picnic

Throw away your boring Labor Day routine and replace it with an interactive potluck picnic idea from Jeanne Benedict. Find Jeanne's suggestions for organizing the party, choosing foods, and making your own decorations!

Summer Party Planning in 5 Simple Steps

Parties are all about fun so why stress out when you're planning your soiree? Since organization is the key to the success of any event you can decide on a few aspects that are most important to you and concentrate on those. Identify the one or two party chores that your dislike the most and home in on them, finding ways to delegate the tasks that give you a headache. Simplify the food, limit drinks to one or two varieties or buy appetizers instead of making them. Relax and enjoy your own party!

Sizzling Summer Clambakes

Clambakes are a summer tradition! Host this season's clambake and follow these great tips on menu items and decor in order to create the perfect summer party!

Theme Party: Bastille Day

Whether you enjoy French food or are just looking for a reason to host a Summer Party, you can't go wrong with a Bastille Day bash. Bastille Day is the French equivalent of Fourth of July and New Years rolled into one; a day-long celebration of nationality and joie de vivre. You can easily create your own version of the July 14th holiday with our help.

Summer Songs: Playlist and Tunes For Your Summer Soundtrack

Music plays a huge role when it comes to summer entertaining! To help you create your own personal summer soundtrack, we've pulled together a list of our favorite songs for summer.

Three Easy Summer Tables, Seasonal Centerpieces and Place Settings

If you want a fun, bright look to your summer party, check out the first decor scheme we put together for our table. For a more formal and sophisticated look, check out our white on white look. And if you're looking for an easy, welcoming tablescape our sunflower inspired table will be your pick.

Top Summer Dessert Recipes

Summer is the perfect time for cold and sweet desserts. Whether you choose to make strawberry shortcake with a twist or mocha ice cream pie, you will want to make sure your guests leave enough room for these refreshing concoctions.

Handmade Pool Party Invitations

Set the tone for a summer pool party by sending out a unique, handmade invitation. Tap into your inner creativity and think outside the box to come up with ideas that haven't been done before. If you're looking for some inspiration to start, consider our handmade pool party invitations. From sunglas...

Frozen Treats for Pool Parties

Lay out by the pool with friends as you munch on a frozen chocolate-dipped banana or sip a drink chilled with Pretty Herb & Flower ice cubes. You'll find the best pool party dessert and drink recipes right here!

Throw A Posh Pool Party

You're not a kid anymore, but how can you throw a pool party that's sophisticated and upscale? Follow these simple suggestions to execute a deliciously posh pool party.

Luau Family Fun

A Luau is a very popular theme for any age and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. This is especially fun during the warm summer months. You can plan a luau to be very inexpensive to more costly depending on the invitations, decorations, crafts, food, and goody bags that you have at the party. T...

Ice Cream Social Tips

Tis the season for trips to your favorite ice cream spot, and for ice cream socials! If you want some cool ice cream social party ideas for the upcoming summer season, check out these yummy ideas.

5 Cheap Summer Party Tips

Hosting a successful summer party is as easy as 1,2,3,,4,5! These five great party tips will help you throw a fabulous fiesta without breaking the bank!

Christmas in July Party

Christmas is one of our favorite holidays, which is why we look for an excuse to celebrate it all year round! This summer, mix up your traditional summer party with this Christmas in July theme!

Chic Beach Picnic

With the ocean as a backdrop for your Beach Picnic, adding a stylish touch is simple. Take your color cue from the coast and set up a spread with aqua and ecru accents. Elegance and ease are what we have in mind for this chic summer get-together at the shore.

Honor Our Troops: Memorial Day Party Ideas

Memorial Day unofficially marks the start of the summer season for many. The long weekend means barbecues, beach trips and summer parties, and while it's great to have some fun, it's also important to understand the real reason behind the holiday.

Memorial Day White Party

Memorial Day weekend presents us with may party invites. However, if you are hosting this year and need a thematic party idea, throw a white party! Welcome the summer in your best white apparel and dazzle your guests with white menu options and decorations!

Dog Days of Summer Party

Invite all of your friends and their four-legged pooches over for a relaxing day outdoors. From home-baked biscuits to puppy pools, we've outlined everything you will need to make your Dog Days of Summer party a huge hit with your guests.  

Fun and Easy Father's Day Recipes: Breakfast and Lunch

As the saying goes, the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach -- especially on Father's Day! This year, get the kids involved in creating an amazing meal for Dad. For your cooking convenience, we've rounded up a list of delicious recipes with easy prep that the kids will love.

Throwing A Prom Party: Making Both Students and Parents Happy

Hosting a prom party and making sure that both parents and prom-goers are happy with the experience is totally doable. A little bit of compromising and a lot of open communication goes a long way! Read on for prom party ideas that will make prom night memorable, safe, and fun for everyone.

Activities for Outdoor Entertaining

How to best while away those long summer evenings, after your BBQ but before it gets dark? Check out these great group outdoor summer party games like bocce ball, sprinklers, and horseshoes.

August Birthday Dinner Party

If you have a friend or family member born in the wonderful month of August, check out these great tips and recipes for making his or her birthday bash a huge summertime success!

S'mores Cupcake Ideas

S'mores are a summer staple and a campfire favorite. Use this sweet, chocolatey treat as inspiration to create some delicious cupcakes your guests can enjoy at your summer festivities!

Key West Staycation Summer party

Celebrate a Key West staycation party with these fabulous recipes for margaritas, ambrosia salad, sunset skewers and key lime pie! And don't forget our great music ideas either!

July Birthday Dinner Party

Once July begins, you know it's summer. If your friend or family member is celebrating a July birthday, make him or her feel extra special with these great July birthday party tips!

10 Tips For Your Summer Party

It's summer, and that means it's time for some fun in the sun. Summer is such an easy season for a kid's party for several reasons: good weather means you can take the fun outdoors, and summer vacations and school being out means there is less pressure to invite absolutely everyone.

Summer Recipe: Chicken Under a Brick

It's a cinch to grill a whole chicken with this Chicken Under a Brick method from Mark Addison. You'll have a juicy, spicy, North-African-inspired chicken in no time if you follow his recipe.

June Birthday Dinner Party

June is like a breath of fresh air! (Especially if you're the parents of school age kids ready for summer.) Celebrate a June birthday with a dinner menu full of bright ingredients like Cold Peach-Ginger Soup, Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Mint Coulis, and Lemon Meringue Pudding for a fresh and fabulou...

How to Make the Best Summer Punch Cocktails

Punches are easy, fun, and best of all, serve a lot of people with minimal effort. So, for your next barbeque, beach party, or when you're just hanging by the pool, serve up one of our specialties.

Everybody Must Get Sconed: A Ritzy Tea Affair

A summer tea party is great for a brunch and showers of all sorts! Great fresh tea flavors and sweet scones make a tea party a girl's best friend. Find out how to create a terrific tea time for all your guests!

Pool Party Menus

Pool parties are an essential part of summer. If you're hosting a poolside get together, make sure you have a menu that will satisfy your hungry guests after they've been playing in the pool for hours!

Summer Stargazing Party

A stargazing party is a great opportunity to take a break from the fast pace of daily life and pause to contemplate the grandeur of the universe. Invite your friends to look at the stars with you!

Garden Party Food and Drinks

Summer is a great season to spend outdoors in your garden. These delicious yet lite foods are great menu items and are perfect for a fabulous garden party!

Favorite Summer Games

Summer is a time of relaxation for all. The warm weather and lazy atmosphere that Mother Nature provides us with gives the perfect excuse to have some fun. It's hot out and the kids are cheerful, so it's a great time for some outdoor activities with the family. Fill your summer time with these games and activities for the ultimate fun in the sun

Grown Up Gourmet Banana Split Recipes

Banana splits are a classic, summertime treat! They combine cold ice cream and fresh fruit the summer offers! Put a grown up twist on this summer favorite to give your guests something new to try!

Throw a Tropical Stay-cation

Don't you wish your On-the-Go Mom would slow down enough to take a really nice tropical vacation' And if she could, don't you wish you could afford to take her on one' Well you could give her a one-day tropical stay-cation right in your own backyard or terrace. It can be so much fun! Get the whole f...

Bananagrams Party

Patti Allan describes her fun banana-themed weekend, from a game of Bananagrams with her friends to a recipe for scrumptious mini banana cakes. Read on to hear all about it!

Pool Party Games for the Family

There's nothing quite as fun as a pool party during the summer. Though it's easy to have fun without any structured games, we've put together a list of age appropriate pool party fun, perfect for the entire family.

Packing Tips for Quick Summer Trips

Thinking about getting away this summer? If so, you'll need to pack properly in order to enjoy your excursion! Use these checklists to ensure you have everything you need!

Potluck Picnic Tips

When everyone chips in it's easier to save on both time and money. For your picnic, ask each friend to contribute a dish, drink or supply for everyone attending. You'll carry less and not have to worry about spending too much.

Summer Recipes That Hold Up in the Heat

These two deliciously chilly soups that stand up against any summer heat and add a touch of sophisticated taste to any summer menu. Summer soups are easy to make and quick to please -- what more can you ask for'

Creamy Fruit & Tortellini Salad

Fruit and yogurt salads are a great snack because they are delicious, fresh, and a great healthy alternative to chips or sweets. Get your dairy and fruit servings all in one with this tasty fruit and tortellini salad. Buon Appetit!

Super Soaked Water Party

Spend this summer splashing around with your friends! Hosting a super soaked party is great for all ages! Kids love the freedom to get drenched and adults love reverting back to childhood! Grab the towels, you're going to need them after this splashing good time!

Music Festival Picnic Ideas

Summer festivals are a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. We even have a few sweet recipes that you can take with you on your journey! Go ahead and take the family out and have a picnic in at these great summer festivals, or just enjoy the fun!

Pool Party Games

It's summer! Given the rising temperatures, an outdoor water party for your child and his friends would be a perfect way to keep everyone cool!

Summer Entertaining Essentials

Summer is the best season for entertaining because you have the option of having an outdoor or indoor soiree! You should always be prepared for any unexpected guests who may want to stop by for a dip at the pool. Mark Addison shares some great tips on being prepared for Summer time entertaining.

Fiesta Party Playlist

A party is only as good as the weakest song on its playlist, or so the saying goes. Make sure your fiesta makes the cut with these sultry Latin hits.

Plan the Family Reunion Activities

Hosting a summer soire? Keep your guests entertained at your party with these fun activities-great for a variety of summer celebrations!

8 Creative and Cheap Pool Party Tips

Making the venue inviting and relaxing is the key to a successful pool party. This includes serving great food in unusual ways along with supplying everything people will need to enjoy themselves at your party. I hope these tips will help you enjoy your next pool party!

Fabulous Memorial Day Weekend Style

Going away for a long weekend this Memorial Day? Or just a day at the beach? Either way, read this article to make sure you pack the perfect things!

Luau Party Playlist

Drift away with this perfect, Luau playlist! You and your guests can party all night long with these tropical tunes!

Make it a Yearly Tradition: Family & Friends Picnic on the Beach

If you're fortunate enough to live near a beach or happen to be traveling to a tropical oasis, grab your family and head to the beach for a perfect picnic!

Olympics Party

The summer Olympics only come around once every for years, which calls for a huge celebration! Get some great tips for your Olympics party!

The Best Tips to Host the Best Summer Party on Your Block

Once the coolness of spring melts away it's time for summer parties! If you're tired of the same old barbeques and picnics you can plan a party that your friends and neighbors will remember as the best they've attended in years. Even on the hottest day there is a sense of energy and fun that we've carried over from our carefree childhoods and you can capitalize on that. With the proper planning, a fun theme and some creativity with the menu you'll enjoy the party just as much as your guests.

The Perfect Invitations for Summer

There is an art to summer parties, believe it or not. You can probably think of summer parties that you enjoyed and some that you merely suffered through until you could make your excuses to leave. The difference between a good party and a mediocre one is usually planning, which doesn't have to be time consuming or difficult. Whether you want to have a casual party or a more formal one, planning and your own creativity makes all the difference in its success.

Throw the Perfect Summertime Bash

Have your summer sioree be an event to remember with these fun and helpful tips on throwing the perfect summer bash. You may think lemonade by the poolside is enough, but if you really want to wow your guests, take a page out of our entertaining book!

Ice Cream Desserts for a Summer Party

Perfect Summer Party Playlists

Green Garden Party Tips

How to Pack the Perfect Picnic Basket

Weather heating up' Take advantage by packing a picnic lunch! It's a relaxing, old-fashioned way to enjoy time with friends and family and not have to worry about cooking an elaborate meal.

Summer Tablescape Ideas

There are plenty of summer holidays to keep you busy during the summer! if you're hosting a party, add some decorations to dress up your event space! Get inspired with these ideas!

The History of Father's Day

Father's Day celebration usually consists of barbecues, neckties and spending quality time with dad. It seems as if we've been celebrating this tradition forever. But did you know that the rose is the official flower of Father's Day? Here, other little-known facts about the history of Father's Day.

Bubbly and Berries After Dinner Drinks Party

Celebrate the summer by popping open a bottle of champagne! Pair your bubbly with some of the seasons best fruity drinks to give your champagne party a little something extra!

Celebrating Father's Day

Simple Father's Day Ideas

Western Party Playlist

We all love summer parties, celebrating the season by enjoying the beautiful weather and soaking up some sunshine. You can make your party different from the average get together by choosing a theme to build it around. One that you probably haven't thought of is a western theme, complete with music from western movies. While we don't usually associate westerns with music, there are some truly exceptional scores written for our favorite westerns that will liven up your party and keep people talking for weeks.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | View all »
Inspirations To Your Inbox
Sign up for our newsletter and receive recipes, party ideas and expert entertaining tips by email.
Summer Party Invites
Let loose this summer with the perfect summer party! Planning has never been easier with our parting planning and online invitations. Invite your friends and get back to enjoying the good weather in no time!

Start Planning

Hire a Wedding Professional

From photographers, to tent rentals, to party planners, search our party database to find the perfect vendor.



Are you a vendor?
Parties Made Easy