8 fun summer party ideas to soak up the sun
One of the best things about throwing a party in the summertime is that there are so many great summer party themes to choose from. From pools to picnics to a Parisian brunch, we compiled the hottest ideas for a cool summer party in one list. Find inspiration with one of these suggestions that include matching summer party invitations, summer party food and refreshments, and of course, summer party decorations from the one-and-only Paperless Post Party Shop!
Table of Contents
1. Luau party
Traditionally rooted in Hawaiian culture, luau parties are a great summer party idea to make the most out of the season. Although your party may not actually take place in Hawaii at sunset, you can still create an atmosphere that makes everyone feel like Ohana.
- Invitation: Set the party tone with the luau-themed “Ala Moana” or “Hula Doll” invitation by Paperless Post. Include whether guests should wear Hawaiian shirts (we vote yes).
- Food and drinks: Hollow out pineapples or coconuts and pour in your favorite Hawaiian-themed cocktails or mocktails to serve alongside delicious pineapple upside-down cupcakes by Christy Denney at The Girl Who Ate Everything.
- Decorations: Set out tiki torches, hula skirts, leis, and tropical décor, as well as an Aloha sign to welcome your guests.
- Activities: Can you even call it a luau if no one does the hula? Get a party-wide dance contest going and give prizes to the best dancers.
2. French garden party
One of our favorite themes for a summer party is a French garden party. Perfect for a backyard bursting with summer blossoms, this party idea makes guests feel like they’re in a village outside Paris—and they don’t even need their passports.
- Invitation: Invite guests to your déjeuner français with the floral “Orchid Bloom” invitation by Stephanie Fishwick or “Hawthorne” by Rifle Paper Co.
- Food and drinks: Set out a selection of croissants, fresh seasonal fruit, or French baguettes with a cheese board by Everyday Parisian. Serve a selection of French white wine and rosé for a chic midday summer treat.
- Decorations: Choose French party decorations by Ladurée for centerpieces, garlands, and tableware that match the occasion. Set up a display of summer flowers, including irises, the national flower of France, to hit the French garden theme home.
- Activities: Add a game fit for a French garden party, like croquet or pétanque—an outdoor game similar to bocce ball.
3. Beach party
Whether you live close to a beach, or you’re channeling that surf-party vibe in a landlocked backyard, all you need are some key touches to make your beach party just as fun and relaxing as an actual day on the water.
- Invitation: Guests will reach for the sunscreen when you send themed invitations like “Beach” by Gray Malin or “SPF 15” by Paperless Post. Indicate whether they should bring swimsuits, surfboards, or any other beach-appropriate gear.
- Food and drinks: From burgers and grilled chicken to seasonal vegetables alongside a crisp summer salad, you can’t go wrong with a summer BBQ that’ll be just as tasty as it is easy to serve. At the bar, serve beach-themed party cocktails like Malibu sunset cocktails by Averie Cooks.
- Decorations: Incorporate details from the ocean with beach party supplies, seashells, sand-based centerpieces, and a combination of neutral and blue hues throughout the event.
- Activities: Beach volleyball, sandcastle contests, and paddleball are just a few delightful activities for a beach party. If you’re hosting in your backyard, some lawn volleyball, Play-Doh castle contests, and ping pong tournaments might work better.
4. Pool party
“Floats Go By” by Paperless Post; Image via KoolShooters
One of the most common summer party themes is a pool party—but how do you make your pool party stand out from the rest? Whether you have a built-in pool, an inflatable pool, or you’re taking everyone to the public pool, add these special touches to make it memorable.
- Invitation: Evoke those day-by-the-pool vibes with invitations like “Perfect Day” or “Splashy Chair” by Paperless Post.
- Food and drinks: Prepare appetizers and tasty finger foods that guests can grab between dips in the pool. Garlic pizza wedges by Taste of Home are a delicious treat for both kids and adults alike, as are chips and dip, a fruit spread, and mini sandwiches.
- Decorations: Load up your party with pool floats and toys that work as both decoration and party activities (don’t skimp on the flamingos!).
- Activities: Between floating on rafts, swimming, and sunbathing, a pool party has activities built right in. Add a few exciting games like cannonball contests (or belly flop contests for the bold), pool float races, and Marco Polo.
5. Picnic party
A picnic party brings friends and loved ones together—and just so happens to be one of the easiest parties to plan. You’ll just need a picnic basket, a large blanket, and a few other simple items to plan a picnic-themed party that can come together fairly easily.
- Invitation: Use picnic-themed invitations like “Painted Strawberry” by kate spade new york or “Petite Perch” by Stephanie Fishwick to bring everyone to your party.
- Food and drinks: Picnic parties make for great potlucks! Ask guests to bring their favorite picnic foods, such as fresh fruits, veggies, and handmade sandwiches like turkey, apple, and brie by Southern Living. Add a spreadsheet for food sign-ups via a Link Block in your invitation to ensure there’s plenty to go around.
- Decorations: Find picnic-perfect decorations, tableware, and party supplies in patterns like stripes and checks. Layer a few blankets and outdoor pillows on the grass for extra comfort for you and your guests.
- Activities: Now’s the perfect time for a game of Ultimate! Break out the frisbee for the showdown of the season, or try other picnic games like sack races or water balloon fights.
6. Backyard Bohemian BBQ party
Bohemian or “boho” themed parties are trendy, easy to organize, and hard to forget. This outdoor party idea combines the best summer party food ideas (think barbecue and shared plates) with natural decorations, such as textured table runners and warm-colored rugs.
- Invitation: Send guests the pretty “Under the Lights” invitation by Paperless Post or the bold “Ikat ODLR” invitation by Oscar de la Renta.
- Food and drinks: Man the grill with your favorite smoked meats, and prepare a platter of tapas like tomatillo toasts with prosciutto and manchego by Food & Wine for guests to share.
- Decorations: Layer rugs on top of one another in the outdoor grass space. Place wood pallets on top to create a long floor table for your guests to sit around, and put backyard cookout decorations on top. Include unique boho-style pillows in woven or macrame styles, string lights, tapestry blankets, and earthy outdoor dining decorations by Meri Meri.
- Activities: Eating, drinking, and plain old hanging out takes up a lot of your time at a boho BBQ—but that’s not all you can do. Set up outdoor games like cornhole or badminton to pass the time before the next round of food is ready.
7. Camping party
If you didn’t get a chance to take the camper out this summer—or if you’re looking for one more camping opportunity—a camping party is a great way to do it. Set up this summer theme party in your backyard, take it to the park, or even rent a nearby campsite for the ultimate camping party experience.
- Invitation: Bring the outdoors to your invitation with “Vichy Floral” by kate spade new york or “Faience Chinois” by John Derian.
- Food and drinks: While hot dogs over the campfire are always a classic choice, spice things up a bit by cooking these campfire-friendly chipotle chicken tacos by Fresh Off the Grid on your firepit, outdoor oven, or actual campfire. Don’t forget the s’mores for dessert!
- Decorations: Drape summer linens and table covers over picnic tables or folding tables for a tent-like feel. You can even use them to set up mini tents in your backyard!
- Activities: If you have a campfire, encourage guests to sing campfire songs or perform skits from their youth.
8. Ice cream party
Need a delicious way to cool off? Escape the dog days of summer with a full-service ice cream party. All you need are a few tables and lawn chairs, ice cream (don’t forget dairy-free for vegan guests), and all the toppings you can imagine.
- Invitation: Invite guests to the sweetest party of the season with the “Ice Cream Party” invitation by kate spade new york or the “Sundae Split” invitation by Happy Menocal.
- Food and drinks: Alongside an array of ice cream and toppings, serve creamy drinks like root beer floats or rainbow sherbet punch by My Incredible Recipes.
- Decorations: Find centerpieces and tableware that feature ice cream right in the decorations.
- Activities: What can you do between building the perfect sundae and eating it? Take a picture! Have guests photograph their confectionery creations and vote on the winner. Give awards for Most Toppings, Most Original Design, Most Classic, and any other fun superlatives you can think up.
Summer living is easy with Paperless Post
Whichever summer party theme you choose, Paperless Post has what you need for a sizzling celebration. Follow our tips for summer party invitation wording to craft the perfect message. Then, when it’s time to host the next one—whether it’s a 4th of July bash or a back-to-school soirée—you can rely on Paperless Post to handle the details while you sit back, soak up the summer sun, and enjoy a party that you and your guests will love!
Customizable designs for having fun in the sun, made to email, text, or share.
