Outdoor Summer Party Essentials Guide for Your Next Party

We are in the middle of summer with plenty of time left for outdoor parties. Do you want to have friends and neighbors over for an outdoor summer party, but don’t feel you have all the tools to do so? Here is an Outdoor Summer Party Essentials Guide to help you be a party-animal hostess.

Summer is the perfect time to bring friends and family together for a fun and memorable party.

Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, pool party, or picnic in the park, there are endless possibilities for entertaining guests during the warm months.

Do you cringe at the thought of having a party at your house? Do you want to have friends and neighbors over, but aren’t sure you can pull it off? Stick around because I have some lists, tips, and ideas to make summer parties less stressful and more fun.

We all can use some help planning and hosting a party. One of the most important items on your party planning list is the outdoor summer party supplies you will need to make entertaining more enjoyable.

Summer entertaining, or hosting any time of year, is more fun when you have a plan. I started thinking about summer party supplies, tips and ideas, especially for outdoor entertaining.

Be sure to get your Outdoor Summer Party Essentials Checklist BELOW. 👇🏻

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Party Ideas

Looking for some fun summer party ideas? Look no further! Before we look at outdoor party supplies, let’s look at some fun outdoor party ideas.

10 Outdoor Party Theme Ideas

There’s nothing quite like an outdoor party in the summer. Summer party planning begins with what type of party you are hosting. Here are ten ideas for your outdoor party.

NOTE: I’ve bolded any outdoor party essentials, tools, serving pieces, and cookware items for your list.

• BBQ Party: Fire up the outdoor grill and cook up some burgers, hot dogs, and veggies. Don’t forget the condiments and sides!

What is more iconic in the summer than a barbecue? A party where barbecue is the main attraction will always be a hit. Use this article to compile a barbecue menu your guests will love. Choose from appetizers, salads, sides, mains, and desserts.

Here is a great collection of summer party food that your guests will love.

• Lawn games party: Set up some lawn games like cornhole, frisbee, or volleyball to keep your guests entertained.
• S’mores bar party: Set up a s’mores bar with different types of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows for your guests to make their own delicious treats.
• Tropical luau party: This is one of the most popular summer dinner party themes. You can include tiki torches, hula skirts, leis, tropical floral arrangements, and an aloha sign to welcome your guests.
• Summer tropical party: include tiki torches, beach balls, or beach towels for decorations, dishes, and table settings. Are a tropical party and a luau the same?

• French garden party: If you like something elegant, a summer party for adults with a French garden theme is so tré chic. To fully embrace a garden party theme, you will want to include a variety of wines and light refreshments, hors d‘oeuvres to snack on, and of course a beautiful array of flowers in a light and summery color scheme throughout the party.

source: BHG

• Beach party: If you can’t go to the beach, bring the beach to you and your guests. All you need are some key touches to make your party just as fun and relaxing as a day at the beach. A fun way to incorporate details of a beach-themed party is by including decor that fits the setting, such as seashells, sand-based centerpieces, and a combination of neutral and blue hues throughout the event. Have buckets of sand and shovels and bright beach towels.
•  Pool party: If you have a backyard pool, you are a popular neighbor. You have a ready-made party theme in place. Fill the pool with fun pool floats (We have a unicorn and flamingo floats.) and pool noodles. If you don’t have a pool, set out inflatable kiddie pools – grown-ups will love sitting in a little pool to stay cool.

source: HGTV

• Picnic party: This is a great outdoor gathering idea to bring friends and loved ones together. It is also one of the easiest parties to plan. Picnic baskets, large blankets or quilts, and coolers full of cold drinks are some of the essential materials you will need for this outdoor party. Besides layering a few blankets, add outdoor pillows for extra comfort for you and your guests. Once you have the seating arrangement set up, all you will need is cutlery, napkins, and drinkware that match the picnic theme. Here’s an easy and delicious picnic salad.

• Kid parties: You may have one with a summer birthday (like me, my brother, brother-in-law, my son, stepson, and grandson). Maybe you just want a reason to get your child’s friends together, like an after-baseball game. If you need ideas and tips for a summer party for your kids, then see these 10 cool summer party theme ideas.

source: Cool Mom Picks

What other outdoor party themes can you think of?

Just in Case – Four Indoor Summer Party Ideas

If bugs are biting or it’s raining, you might prefer an indoor party, don’t worry! There are plenty of fun ideas for a great party indoors:

• Movie night: Set up a cozy area with blankets and pillows and have a movie night with your friends. Don’t forget the popcorn!
• Game night: Have a game night with board games, card games, or video games. Provide some snacks and drinks for your guests to enjoy.
• DIY cocktail bar: Create a DIY cocktail bar with different types of alcohol, mixers, and garnishes for your guests to make their own drinks.
• Dessert party: Have a dessert party with a variety of sweet treats like cupcakes, cookies, s’mores, and brownies.

No matter what type of summer party you choose to have, make sure to have fun and enjoy the company of your guests.

Budget-Friendly Summer Party Tips

Now that you have a party theme in mind, it’s time to think about how to make your party fun for you and your guests.

It’s easy to get carried away with decorations, food, and drinks when you are planning a party. First and foremost, I always make sure to set a budget for my party. It’s important to stick to a budget so you don’t overspend.

To save money, I like to:

• Make my own decorations using items I already have at home. If you’ve followed Bluesky at Home, you know I love to make party decorations, centerpieces, or place cards. These 3 Easy Party Decorations were one of my favorite projects.
• Serve simple, homemade snacks, appetizers or dinner instead of catering.
• Ask guests to bring a dish or contribute to a communal drink station. This is very common in our circle of friends.

Food and Drink Tips

No party is complete without delicious food and drinks. Sweet Shark is in charge of the bar at our parties. Here’s how we like to keep our guests happy:

• Offer a mix of sweet and savory dishes, like fruit skewers, charcuterie boards, or chips and dips. Use a crockpot or slow cooker for meatballs. Small sandwiches or cooked and peeled shrimp on ice are always a hit. Finger foods are the easiest to serve and eat.
• Make a signature cocktail or mocktail for guests to enjoy.
• Set out plenty of wine glasses next to a big punch bowl with ice. Guests can put their wine bottles in it and then serve themselves.
• Provide plenty of water and non-alcoholic options for guests who don’t drink. Personally, I like to have a big pitcher of iced water rather than plastic water bottles.

And while you are at it, check out these 5 Refreshing Summer Cocktails.

Here are 5 simple ways to have a party on a budget and have fun, too.

Comprehensive List of Outdoor Summer Party Essentials

I brainstormed and racked my brain for every outdoor party supply I could think of.

🍽️ Food & Beverage Essentials:

• Large coolers with plenty of ice
• Ice buckets
• Insulated beverage dispensers to keep drinks cold
• Grilling equipment (grill, charcoal/propane, utensils)
• Outdoor-friendly serving platters
• Disposable plates, cups, and utensils (either heavy-duty paper or melamine; non-breakable is key)
• Napkins and paper towels
• Bottle opener and corkscrew
• Trash can, bags and recycling bins
• Food covers to keep bugs away
• Wet wipes for easy cleanup

🪑 Seating & Tables:

• Outdoor folding dining table
• Folding chairs or patio furniture
• Picnic blankets for extra seating
• Side tables for drinks and snacks
• Outdoor cushions and pillows
• Portable stools

☂️ Shade & Weather Protection:

• Patio umbrellas or market umbrellas
• Pop-up canopy or tent
• Outdoor curtains or privacy screens
• Portable fans or misting fans
• Throws or blankets for chilly evenings

💡 Lighting & Ambiance:

• String lights or bistro lights
• Solar lanterns or battery-powered lights
• Citronella candles or torches
• Outdoor extension cords
• Portable Bluetooth speakers
• Playlist ready on your phone

🦟 Bug Control:

• Citronella candles
• Bug spray
• Tiki torches
• Mosquito netting
• Outdoor fans (bugs hate moving air)

🎮 Entertainment:

• Outdoor games (cornhole, frisbee, cards)
• Portable speaker system
• Extension cords for electronics

🧽 Cleanup Essentials:

• Paper towels and cleaning supplies
• Hand sanitizer
• First aid kit
• Extra trash bags
• Dish soap for quick washing
• Outdoor hose for easy cleanup

🌡️ Comfort Items:

• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Portable phone chargers
• Extra ice

I really had fun shopping for these summer party essentials.

You’ll love this list of my favorite must-have party essentials.

I would also check out my post, 30 Super Tips for a Summer Picnic. It’s packed with great ideas.

Outdoor Summer Party Essentials and Resources Recap

• summer tips for a successful party
• outdoor summer essentials
• summer party food
• kid summer party ideas
• summer shopping suggestions
• barbecue party menu ideas
• tropical or luau party ideas
• summer pool party ideas
• summer backyard picnic
• summer French garden theme

Be sure to PIN to keep these ideas handy.

Want more summer party ideas? Check out these Pinterest Boards: Party Ideas, Summer Party Ideas, Summer Party Food.