Planning a Summer Themed Party

Summertime brings to mind kids running through sprinklers, graduations, and picnics. Summer is also the perfect time for a party. Whether you are looking for a graduation party, a barbecue, or a child's birthday party, I have some of the best ideas to make your party a hit!

Big hair, neon colors, slap bracelets... The nineteen eighties are back in a big way. Add a hint of your favorite decade to your next party. Break out the old boom box and your Devo and Boy George cassette tapes. Neon shades and hair scruchies make totally rad accessories. Pop Rocks, Bubble Tape, and Ring Pops bring the flavor of the eighties. Video game retro style with Mario and Mike Tyson's Punchout. Take the Wheel of Fortune for a spin, or get into trouble with Pop-O-Matic Trouble.

The drive-in combines two of America's favorite things: movies and the outdoors. For a fun get-together or family movie night, enjoy your next movie night under the stars. Add some popcorn, hot dogs, and movie style candy for an authentic drive-in feast. Relive the drive-in hay-day by dressing as a nineteen fifties bobby-sockser or greaser: poodle skirts and pony tails for girls and t-shirts and cuffed jeans for boys. Just don't forget the citronella candles!

If you are going to do the cliche'd luau or beach theme, make sure to do it big and add your own spin! Guests wear coconut bras, grass skirts, and leis. Fringe tables with grass skirts to match the guests' ensembles, and let them drink from coconuts a'la Gilligan's Island. Palm trees and surf boards make excellent decor. Candles and tiki torches make the perfect ambient light for evening parties.

Play up your average picnic by exaggerating the typical picnic details. Depending on the number of guests, have more than one basket or a giant basket. Use gingham everywhere: tablecloths, cups, plates, napkins, and signs. Ants are usually unwanted guests, but not all ants have to be. Use ant themed decorations to lighten the mood of your festivities.