Summer is synonymous with outdoor parties, barbecues, and family gatherings.

Whether you’re an event planner, a seasoned host, or someone who loves to entertain, this blog post aims to provide you with the best summer party ideas. From seating arrangements to weather precautions, we’ve got you covered.

Create a Comfortable Seating Area

Comfort is critical at outdoor events. No one wants to stand all night or sit in uncomfortable chairs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when figuring out your party’s seating arrangements:

  • Opt for chairs with cushions or padded seating to ensure comfort during long events. If rented seating doesn’t include padding, consider renting or purchasing cushions separately.
  • Don’t make your guests feel cramped. Arrange seating with ample space between chairs so guests have room to move and socialize freely.
  • Renting outdoor furniture is a great way to entertain your guests comfortably. You’ll have various seating options, and you can save some money to boot.
  • Align your seating arrangement with the event’s theme. For instance, a beach party could benefit from low seating and colorful cushions, while a garden party would look great with vintage-inspired furniture.

Provide Shade with Canopies or Tents

Summer sun can be relentless. If you want your guests to be comfortable (you’re reading this article, so why wouldn’t you!), consider canopies or other shade options. Here are some suggestions:

  • Pop-Up Canopies: These are versatile and easy-to-erect options, perfect for small gatherings like casual backyard barbecues or birthday parties.
  • Gazebo Tents: Gazebo tents provide a more permanent and aesthetically pleasing option and are ideal for larger events such as weddings. These structures offer ample shade and offer a lot of space for decorations.
  • Sail Shades: These are an excellent choice for backyard BBQs or pool parties. They create cool zones where guests can get out of the sun while still in the pool if the shade sails are over the pool or a shaded area for tables and food.
  • Pergolas with Retractable Canopy: These are perfect for garden parties or intimate dinners. The retractable feature allows for flexible shading, adapting to the changing angle of the sun.
  • Beach Umbrellas: Ideal for coastal or beach parties, they keep the setting casual while providing sun protection, especially for daytime events on the sand.

Keep Guests Warm in the Evenings

While summer days are warm, evenings can get chilly in certain climates. If you live in an area like that, your guests will need shade in the afternoon and something to keep them warm when it cools down in the evening. Here are a few ways to keep your guests comfortable when the sun goes down:

  • Outdoor heating lamps are perfect for keeping guests warm while enjoying the outdoors. They are easy to set up and provide enough warmth for a large group.
  • Fire pits are a popular option for outdoor entertaining. They offer warmth and ambiance and are the perfect place for guests to gather and socialize.
  • Cozy blankets or throws are also simple, inexpensive options. They can be placed in seating areas ahead of time for when guests may need them.

Choose the Right Lighting

Lighting sets the mood for your event. The proper lighting should be practical so guests can see when the sun goes down while providing a little ambiance.

  • String or fairy lights offer a whimsical element and can be easily draped across trees, fences, or pergolas to add charm.
  • Lanterns, whether hanging or placed on tabletops, provide a soft glow and can illuminate pathways or dining areas.
  • LED candles are a safe and convenient lighting choice that can mimic the flicker of real flames without the risk of fire. These can be especially handy if you live in a dryer climate.
  • Solar-powered garden lights are an eco-friendly option for lining pathways or highlighting garden features. They charge during the day and automatically illuminate at night.

Serve Summery Food and Drinks

What’s a summer party without delicious food and refreshing drinks? Here are some classic dishes and drinks to serve at your summer party:

  • Grilled Meats and Vegetables: Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken skewers, and grilled corn are staple items. If you want to go all out, fire up the smoker and prepare some ribs, pulled pork, or another of your favorite BBQ dishes.
  • Fresh Salads: Consider serving a variety of salads for sides, such as a classic Caesar, vibrant Greek salad, or a refreshing watermelon and feta salad.
  • Fruit Platters: An arrangement of seasonal fruits like watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, and grapes is a good choice. Just don’t leave the platters uncovered for flies to feast on. (Who wants flies on their food?!).
  • Iced Tea and Lemonade: A true summer party isn’t complete without iced tea or lemonade. Try adding mint or raspberry for a little twist.
  • Cocktails and Mocktails: Serve crowd-pleasers like margaritas, mojitos, or non-alcoholic options like virgin piña coladas to cater to all preferences.

Plan for Weather Changes

Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always wise to have a Plan B.

As we mentioned previously, it’s a good idea to use tents or canopies for your guests during the day and some heaters or other ways to keep them warm in the evening. In addition, you should also prepare for other, more drastic weather changes, just in case. Certain parts of the country can experience sudden weather changes, such as thunderstorms in Florida or monsoons in Arizona. If you live in an area like that, your Plan B should likely involve a backup indoor space, like your home, if that party is in your backyard, or an indoor venue near your outdoor party.

Set Up Fun Activity Areas

Set up dedicated areas for activities to keep your guests entertained and encourage mingling.

  • Set up areas for games like corn hole, giant Jenga, or a photo booth.
  • Renting game boards, lounge furniture, and outdoor bars can help create these zones.
  • Interactive elements like a DIY cocktail station or a s’mores bar can also be a hit.

Create a Playlist in Advance

This may not be at the top of your mind, but music can really add to the ambiance of your party, and creating a playlist ahead of time can remove some stress

  • Top 40 Hits: Create a playlist of popular songs to keep the energy lively and cater to a broad audience’s taste.
  • Classic Rock: For a more nostalgic vibe, compile tracks from iconic rock bands that older and younger guests can enjoy.
  • Relaxing Acoustic: Use soothing acoustic tracks to create a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for dinner or casual conversation.
  • Dance Anthems: Prepare a playlist of energetic dance tunes for when guests are ready to hit the dance floor.
  • Streaming Service Playlists: Platforms like Spotify or Apple Music offer ready-made playlists to suit any mood or theme.
  • Customized Playlist: If you’re a really trusting host, utilize streaming services to build a custom list of favorite songs suggested by your guests.

Conclusion

A successful summer party requires planning and creativity. Focusing on comfortable seating, ample shade, evening warmth, proper lighting, summery food, weather preparedness, and engaging activities can make your event a hit.

Live in the Los Angeles area? Contact us at Pico Party Rentals, and we will help you make your summer party memorable. We have been in business for over 90 years and offer an extensive selection of rental items and expert event-planning services.