30 Outdoor Summer Party Ideas That Guarantee Fun for Everyone
From summer party themes to fresh recipes, your guests will leave impressed.
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As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, we look forward to spending time outdoors with friends and family. Think projector movie nights, poolside hangs and casual dinner parties. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or an epic summer bash, we've rounded up summer party ideas that'll make your backyard the place to be.
Sunny days and warm nights call for backyard barbecues, fit pit parties and last-minute picnics. If you're hunting for a party theme, consider some of our backyard decorating ideas — there's a summer luau filled with leis and tropical decor, a boho garden party that involves sitting on outdoor cushions and a flower-filled outdoor date night. But that's not all, we've also included ideas for refreshing summer cocktails, delicious summer recipes and crowd-pleasing party summer activities (like flower arranging or an ice cream bar).
You'll find all the best tips and tricks to host the ultimate summer gathering at home, no matter if you're entertaining kids, teens, adults or seniors. And no reason to have an expansive backyard, a small garden or well-decorated patio can provide plenty of space for guests. Our guess: Your friends and family will keep coming back for more.
Garden Party
Move an outdoor table into the garden, so you and your guests can dine amongst nature. Scatter throw pillows on wicker chairs, then fill the table with summer linens and fresh florals.
Backyard BBQ Party
Nothing screams summertime quite like a backyard barbecue. Host the ultimate cookout by grilling up chicken and veggies on a coal fire grill.
Luau Party
Try a tropical theme by decorating your space with flower leis, tiki torches, palm trees and lush flowers. Whip up some tropical cocktails and encourage party guests to arrive dressed in Hawaiian and floral prints.
Flower Arranging Party
Keep guests entertained by planning an activity, such as DIY floral arrangements. Set up vases filled with different flowers and fillers, then encourage guests to create custom bouquets to take home. Our advice? Spend the weeks prior collecting vases from local thrift stores to show off the blooms.
Outdoor Movie Party
Whether for a group of kids, teens or adults, an outdoor movie night is great way to celebrate a special occasion. Set up a screen and projector, then fill the lawn with blankets, pillows or outdoor seating so guests can lounge.
Backyard Games
Strike up a friendly competition at any backyard party with lawn games, like corn hole, ring toss or giant dice for Yahtzee. Take it serious by setting up a bracket and keeping score, or let everyone play for fun.
RELATED: Backyard Games for Kids That Will Get the Whole Family up and Moving
Summer Salad Party
Serve up a bright, refreshing salad that's defined by thin slices of aromatic honeydew. Topped with a simple sambal dressing, guests will be chatting about this tangy-sweet salad for weeks.
Outdoor Dinner Party
Host a candle-lit dinner party on the patio. Decorate the table with patterned dishes and colorful glassware, plus vibrant bouquets and pretty pink candlesticks.
RELATED: Inspiring Patio Decorating Ideas to Reinvent Your Outdoor Space
Pool Party
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.
Fire Pit Party
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.
Brunch Party
Invite the girls over for Sunday brunch in the backyard. Set up a smorgasbord of pancakes, waffles, breakfast meats, eggs and fruits. Don't forget to break out your prettiest dishes to serve.
RELATED: Best Brunch Recipes to Host a Weekend Feast Everyone Will Love
Dance Party
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.
Boho Garden Party
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.
Beach Party
If you don't have the backyard space for a large gathering, invite your friends and family to a public beach. Bring plenty of seating and pack a cooler with delicious snacks.
RELATED: These Healthy Beach Snack Ideas Are Nutritionist-Approved and Travel Easily
Summer Cocktail Party
Load up a portable bar cart with all the makings for boozy summer cocktails, plus some ready-to-drink options for the kids on the run. Keep cups, stirrers and garnishes on the top shelf for easy access.
RELATED: Small Backyard Ideas That'll Transform Your Space Into a Dreamy Oasis
Picnic Party
Rugs, pillows and poufs (and picnic blankets, of course!) will create a casual conversation spot that plays into a laid back party vibe.
Summer Pizza Party
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.
Potluck Buffet
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.
Ice Cream Sandwich Bar Party
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.
Dog-Friendly Party
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.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
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