As we near the end of summer, it’s the perfect time to gather your friends and family for one last celebration before the fall season sets in. Why not celebrate the end of the season with a party? It’s a great way to make the most of these final sunny days!
Why Throw a Party for the End of Summer?
Hosting an end-of-summer party isn’t just about throwing an event; it’s a wonderful excuse to create lasting memories with those closest to you! An end-of-summer gathering allows you to showcase your creativity and hosting skills, from the decorations to the seasonal menus. It’s an ideal time to gather your loved ones, exchange stories, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s your chance to slow down for a bit and appreciate the past few months before the pace of life picks up again. Organizing an end-of-summer event gives your guests a good reason to look back on the season!
Tropical Luau
What would this list be without a classic summer luau?
Decorate your space with tropical-themed elements like flamingos, bamboo features, and soft lighting to recreate the serene atmosphere of a Hawaiian evening. If you complement the night with some soothing island music or ukulele tunes, these can help create a relaxing space for your guests.
Consider this menu: teriyaki chicken skewers, mango salsa, and pineapple-coconut cocktails. For an interactive twist, provide a taco bar with various fillings like spiced fish and slow-cooked pulled pork that could cater to everyone’s tastes.
Consider hosting a limbo contest or offering hula dancing lessons. For those aiming to bring a more genuine feel to the event and have more of a budget to work with, consider options such as hiring a live band, hula dancers, or a fire performer who could provide memorable highlights as the evening approaches.
Create an immersive experience where every detail is thoughtfully chosen, from a lei at their entrance to the tropical punch served in coconuts.
Garden Tea Party
If you want a reason to get a bit fancy, consider hosting a garden tea party! Decorate with floral arrangements, pastel tablecloths, and delicate china, with strings of lights and some lanterns decorating the space above the area. Invite guests to wear their best cocktail outfits, which helps add a touch of charm to the event. Serve an assortment of teas, from refreshing herbal blends to Earl Grey, alongside a menu of finger sandwiches, scones, and light desserts like macarons and lemon tarts.
Find or rent vintage-style furniture to create your seating arrangements throughout the space, and offer guests personalized tea cups as favors to remember the day! Incorporating classical or soft music can add an extra layer of elegance, creating a serene backdrop as your guests mingle.
Outdoor Movie Night
Transform your backyard into a movie theater under the stars with an outdoor movie night theme! This setup is perfect for those perfect evenings when it’s hard to picture yourself sitting inside. Start by choosing a spot to set up your movie screen; this could mean the wall of your house, a white sheet hung up with a clothesline or a rented inflatable movie screen. Create a cozy spot using blankets, pillows, and bean bags for seating, allowing every guest to have the best seat in the house. Choose crowd-pleasers that give a classic summer feel, or thrilling adventures that keep everyone on the edge of their picnic blankets. Another option is to involve your guests: have them write a movie choice or two on paper and put it into a bowl- then choose!
Popcorn is a must, but take it up a notch by offering gourmet flavors like truffle parmesan or sweet cinnamon sugar. Alongside, serve up candy, a nacho bar complete with toppings, homemade lemonade or crafted sodas to quench that movie-time thirst. Consider renting a snow cone machine for an extra touch of fun! For an added touch of magic, string fairy lights above and around your viewing area to mimic the stars above, creating an enchanting ambiance. And remember, the quality of your film night can be dramatically enhanced with a professional-grade projector and sound system rental, bringing the magic of the movies right into your own backyard.
Classic BBQ Bash
There’s always the option of a summer classic—a Barbecue! Transform your backyard into an area where the grill becomes the heart of the celebration. Cook up some burgers, hot dogs, and ribs that are perfectly grilled, accompanied by an array of sides like grilled vegetables, baked beans, and corn. Set up a DIY condiment station where guests can find an assortment of sauces, pickles, and other toppings.
Quench the thirst of your attendees with coolers filled with iced tea, lemonade, and craft beers, ensuring a refreshing sip for every palate. To bring your BBQ to the next level, consider using a smoker to infuse your meats with that unparalleled deep, woody flavor. Alternatively, hire a professional grill master who can take the reigns, allowing you to mingle and enjoy the party to its fullest. Although, the grill master of the house might not be a fan of this idea!
Engage your guests with lawn games like cornhole or a friendly volleyball match to keep the energy high. A classic BBQ Bash captures the essence of summer—laid-back vibes, great food, and even better company that sets the stage for an unforgettable farewell to the season.
Take a Field Trip for a Beach Bonfire
Get a group of friends and family and head to the coast for a beach bonfire theme! It’s a great reason to relax around a fire with sand under your feet and stories to share. Bring some marshmallows to roast, simple snacks, and refreshing drinks that add to the relaxed atmosphere. Set up a cozy seating area with rented beach chairs or a portable fire pit to make the evening more comfortable and inviting. A beach bonfire is a way to mark the end of summer by bringing people together in a scenic coastal setting, combining the relaxed feeling of sitting around the fire with the added benefit of an impressive ocean view.
Celebrate the End of Summer with Parties to Go
Whether you prefer the sophistication of a garden tea party or the classic summer feel of a BBQ Bash, each theme offers a fun way to celebrate the end of summer. So, gather your loved ones, choose your theme, and throw an event that will be the highlight of the season.
If you’re in the Eugene/Springfield area, stop by Parties to Go for all the supplies to make your end-of-summer party everything you hope for! We have what you need, whether it’s concession stand rentals, decorations, or wearable party favors.
