5 Fun Backyard Summer Party Ideas For Adults

The warm weather and sunshine are great reasons to celebrate- you don’t need a special occasion! If you have an outdoor space, it can be the perfect spot to enjoy food, fun, family, and friends. Outdoor events are a great way to let people be boisterous and active and really let loose. With these fun backyard summer party ideas, you’ll be ready for a summer celebration to remember. These backyard party themes are all special enough to be extra fun but doable enough to be accessible to everyone.

Outdoor Summer Party Ideas

Here are some party theme ideas to turn your own backyard into a setting for the best summer party ever. Think about the mood you are going for to help you select which of these summer event themes is perfect for your ideal fun summer party. Do you want a relaxing and restful afternoon tea? Or do you want an exotic and wild Hawaiian Luau?

Afternoon Tea

Invite a few friends for an afternoon tea party in your backyard. Prepare a variety of finger sandwiches like these cucumber sandwiches. Make or purchase some bit-size desserts and jam sandwich cookies. You can find a nice assortment of teas at your local grocery store. If you don’t have a teapot for everyone, just keep the water hot in your kitchen or in a thermos and pour each guest a cup.

Fresh flowers arranged in a teapot make a lovely table centerpiece. And if you’d like to find inexpensive teapots, plates, and cups and saucers, check flea markets, Goodwill and eBay. You could even pick up extras and try some fun backyard craft projects with them. This is a great option for getting together with your girl friends and having a some meaningful time to share gossip and details about your what has been going on in each other’s lives.

Movie Night

A movie under the stars is a perfect way to spend a warm summer night. This one is my husband’s favorite of these backyard summer party ideas. He just loves movies. Set up some lawn chairs, lay a few blankets and pillows on the grass, and enjoy a night under the stars. Hang some string lights around the refreshment area for an extra welcoming feel. Outdoor parties need plenty of lighting to create an inviting atmosphere for the summer season.

You’ll need an LCD projector to play the movie from your laptop. If you don’t have one and can’t find one to borrow, any Audio-Visual rental company will have one you can rent, usually for under $100. If you don’t have a screen you can hang a sheet between some trees to project your movie on. But really, if you are into enjoying movie nights, you may want to go ahead and buy a family theater kit that can be used outdoors during good weather or moved indoors during the winter. They are pretty reasonable and I got an outdoor movie theater kit for my husband for Father’s Day. They make it so easy to set up and we are loving this fun new outdoor activity.

Enhance your party with creative ideas for snacking such smores snack mix. Or try popcorn and ice cream sundae stations with an assortment of toppings. Cheese, caramel and cinnamon are always great popcorn toppings. Candies, whipped cream, and a variety of sauces make great ice cream toppings. 

Hawaiian Luau

If your budget doesn’t include a trip to Hawaii this year, bring Hawaii to you. Break out the tiki torches and create a guest list of people with the “Aloha Spirit”.

A fun way to make the most of your impromptu Tiki Bar is to serve fruity cocktails in pineapples or coconuts with paper umbrellas! Tropical fruits make great table centerpieces too. You can find grass skirts (for both you and your table) online. Additionally, serve up grilled shrimp and pineapple, marinated chicken kebobs, kalua pork, and ahi tuna.

One of the best ways to ensure your outdoor parties are a hit is to throw a block party. In this way, you can get to know your neighbors and their friends too. Ask everyone to bring a fun beach-themed party dish to contribute to the food table. Have hula hoops available for those that want to give shaking their hips a whirl.

Cook-Out

The backyard BBQ party is a classic summer party for a reason. It is easy, delicious, and always fun. There’s nothing better than hamburgers, hot dogs, and fresh corn on the grill in the summertime. Invite your friends for a backyard cookout and set up a summer BBQ buffet table with assorted burger and hot dog toppings. In addition to the usual toppings, try some fun toppings like jalapenos, flavored bacon, guacamole, French fries, coleslaw and ramen noodles. The possibilities are endless. Have a contest for “the most unusual burger” and “the best burger.”

This is a great opportunity for a low pressure gathering of friends over good food. Picnic tables can include a self service drink station with mason jars and soft drinks. Hard alcohol can be made available too if guests would like to mix their own drinks. Enjoy conversation and backyard games. Fun outdoor activities can include frisbee and cornhole.

Fiesta

This is always one of my favorites of the backyard summer party ideas because Mexican food is such an easy way to make everyone happy! Margaritas and a nacho bar are the perfect way to celebrate summer. Add in some colorful decorations, spicy music, and a piñata to get the party started! There are so many possibilities for taco toppings. Ever had a potato taco with shredded potatoes and green chilis? How about tacos filled with pulled pork, beef BBQ, or fried eggs? Get creative!

Let’s face it. Any party is a great idea if you want to have a good time. But with all these great ideas for a summer party, you can entertain your friends and family every weekend, all summer long! For every type of party, be sure to have plenty of refreshments for hungry guests. Summer parties are a great way to make the most of your free time. Which one of these backyard party ideas for adults and families is your favorite?

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