Party Planning Ideas – Summertime!

Photo courtesy of gliuoo on flickr

Are you one of those people who absolutely love party planning? Do you get excited at the thought of plotting out your ideas and visions of the who, what, where, when and how while planning the next great event for your family and friends? Do you have the need and desire to apply your creative juices and make sure every party is unique and exciting each time? Well, you’re in luck! There are so many fun party planning ideas for these “dog days of summer”. We all wish summer could last forever… well it can! Throw caution to the wind and try some of these great warm weather party planning ideas.

It’s Always the Perfect Time for a Picnic – Let’s Eat!

After making it through the cold, snow and rain, it’s the time of year we’ve all been waiting for. Nothing shouts warm weather loud and clear like a Picnic Party. Whether you’re planning for an adult or kid’s party, there are so many ways to create the perfect picnic party.

First, start with the food. When throwing a picnic party one of the easiest areas to shine is the menu. Unlike the days of our youth, we can simply avoid the long line of uninvited ants and other creepy crawlies by setting up picnic tables (or portable tables and chairs) and throw on a checked tablecloth. Ta-da, now you have a picture perfect (and bug free) place to feature all the delicious picnic food.

Having and eating yummy foods are the highlight of any party. The word picnic comes from a French word that’s basically defined as “pot luck”. Utilize the outdoors for your food matching ideas and create a menu that will please everyone’s palates. Summer brings to mind fresh, in season foods and when planning your menu there is a lot to choose from. Scrumptious fruits and vegetables, delectable party sandwiches, fresh salads and barbecue make for some mouth-watering options. Delicious food always adds to the party!

How Does it Look?

Decor can be effortless and stylish. If you just think picnic party a multitude of ideas come to mind.

You already have your tables dressed with checked table cloths and most people have on hand or can easily pick-up picnic “like” décor items that can quickly be put in to action. Take those picnic baskets, colorful towels and fabrics, vibrant balloons, streamers and decorations and use them to beautify the party area. And don’t forget the stand-by and always great fun for, adults and kids alike, the piñata. Regardless of age, a piñata adds that extra bit of sugar and spice to your picnic party.

You Say Games, I Say Diversions…Tomato, Tomatoe

I love nothing better than one thing that counts as two. A piñata is both décor and a game. A twofer if you will. Every time I showed up at my niece’s picnic birthday party with a piñata, I became the star of the party. I don’t know anyone, child or adult, that doesn’t love getting out all their energy and frustration by bashing a piñata filled with goodies. And scrambling to become the one with the most loot collected is part of the fun! Definitely a good time for all.

For a picnic party, interactive games are enjoyed by kids and adults of all ages and are a must. They get the guests actively participating and, most importantly, having fun. Use the outdoors to put on some of the most fun, entertaining and amusing games. Don’t forget about the good old standards (the names say it all) like spit the watermelon seeds, water balloon toss, three legged races, sack races, bubble gum blowing contest and the always popular ice cream licking contest. Depending on the ages and number of guests, you can easily organize and set-up sports games like volleyball, badminton, team Frisbee or even baseball. There is so much to choose from that will add to the joy of the party!