30 Fun Summer Party Ideas for a Memorable Time

Gather friends and family around the pool to stay cool on a hot summer day. Make sure to pick up plenty of cute pool floats and keep everyone hydrated.

Whether you end the night roasting marshmallows or sharing ghost stories, huddled around the fire pit is a great way to spend a summer evening. Just make sure to have as many seats as there are guests.

RELATED: Eye-Catching Fire Pits to Illuminate Your Yard

No great party is complete without good music, whether you hire a live musician or curate the perfect playlist. Reserve a space on your deck or lawn for a dance floor.

If you don’t have an outdoor dining set, take an untraditional approach by organizing on the floor. Use mismatched cushions and throw pillows as seats for a boho feel.

Rugs, pillows and poufs (and picnic blankets, of course!) will create a casual conversation spot that plays into a laid back party vibe.

Stick to tradition while highlighting the season’s best with a fresh take on a pizza pie. It’s seriously easy to make: Spread a layer of ricotta on frozen puff pastry before topping it with an array of tomatoes, herbs and other spices.

Get the recipe for Herbed Ricotta and Fresh Tomato Tart »

Position your buffet under an overhang or umbrella to protect it from the elements. Then, order its contents this way for easy cruising: plates, sides, buns, meats, fixings and flatware. (Note: If perishable foods aren’t gobbled up in an hour, swap them out with a fresh supply.) Come sundown, have lights nearby so folks can see as they serve.

Toast a pack of waffles and use them to sandwich ice creams, gelatos and sorbets. Set up a serve-yourself station for guests, allowing them to roll each sandwich in their choice of melted chocolate, coconut, nuts or chocolate chips.

Invite guests — plus their pets — to lounge on your decorated patio. Instead of splashing out on single-use party decor, affix flat-backed planters to siding or fence panel for an added touch.