All good things, even summer, must come to an end. While the end of summer is always bittersweet, it provides an opportunity for one last epic hurrah with all those you hold dear. If you’re looking to make the most out of the last few weeks of summer before the leaves start turning brown and begin to fall, you’ve come to the right place. Use the following guide to help you host the ultimate end of summer party.
1. Pick a Location and Date
Before doing anything else, you have to pick a location and date, especially if you want all of your favourite people to show up. Consider using a scheduling app to find out when your friends are available. From there, you can brainstorm where to host your event. During the summer there are tons of places that you can host your party, including the beach, a nearby park, or your backyard.
Once you have selected a location and date that works for everyone, you can begin to send out invitations. However, do not leave this to the last minute. You want to give your guests enough time to plan ahead and secure the date. We recommend you start inviting people a few days to three weeks in advance, depending on how casual it is.
2. Work Smarter, Not Harder
When hosting a party, it’s important to work smarter and not harder. This means looking for ways to reduce the time spent on certain tasks.
For example, you can schedule a food and cookie delivery right to your front door, so you don’t have to worry about going to the grocery store to gather the necessary items for your event. This way, you’re able to focus on other party planning elements that require your attention, such as getting your home ready for guests or decorating.
There are several party items you can get delivered to your home to help you prioritize the most important aspects of your end of summer party.
3. Decorate
How you decorate greatly depends on the theme of your party. If you’re having a summer fiesta, for instance, you’d opt for vibrant, colourful decorations like paper streamers and fun tablecloths. Alternatively, if you’re having a summer luau, you may decorate with grass skirts, leis, seashells, and tiki torches.
Along with your decorations, think about any party favors you may want to hand out to friends and family to commemorate the occasion.
4. Fire Up the Grill
A summer party isn’t a summer party without a bit of grilling. From classic burgers and hotdogs to steak and shrimp kabobs, the possibilities are endless. If vegan or vegetarian guests will be arriving to your party, make sure to provide a few food options for them as well. Here are a few vegan-friendly ideas for your event:
- Vegetable skewers
- Blackbean burgers
- Cauliflower steaks
However, in order to start grilling, you need the right gear. This includes high-quality barbecue tools, such as spatulas, tongs, and grilling forks, an apron, and gas or charcoal to start up the grill.
5. Include Party Games
Regardless of the age of your guests, party games are always welcome. After all, there’s nothing better than playing a few games with friends while enjoying the warm summer weather. Plus, it’ll keep your guests occupied as they wait for you to finish grilling the food.
Opt for simple yet popular summer party games, such as cornhole, horseshoe, lawn darts, outdoor bowling, and giant tumbling tower. You can also DIY your own summer games, if you have the time, to save some money.
Final Thoughts
While hosting an end of summer party may seem like a lot of work, you can ensure it goes smoothly by planning ahead. Get started by creating a list of the items you need using this guide as a reference point. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either!