Summer’s Here, Time to Party! Ahh, the joys of summer. The smell of fresh blooming flowers mixed with irresistible aroma of smoking charcoal briquettes. The gleeful sounds of children playing games, whizzing around on their bikes or chasing butterflies. And the refreshing flavor of a glass of frosty homemade lemonade or an ice-cold adult beverage or two, all beneath the warm summer sun. It seems everyone is happy during summertime. Summer is a break from the stress of the school year and the harsher weather of winter. It’s a time when you can put on your shorts and flip-flops, be carefree and have fun. And one of the best ways to celebrate this time of year is by throwing a backyard party to enjoy the summer weather with friends and family. Here are a few ideas to try: Setting: No matter what type of summer party you choose to throw, make sure the setting is warm and inviting. The glow of soft white string lights hung from trees and fences can create a romantic atmosphere, while colored bulbs are more festive. European spheres can be programmed to celebrate the 4th of July holiday with changing red, white, and blue colors. And exotic twinkling lights of fuchsia, lime green, aqua and mango colors are perfect for a luau. Permanent lighting from Mobile Illumination can make your ordinary backyard or patio into a party-ready space with the flip of a switch. We have dozens of options to choose from. Give us a call today. And get ready for some hot fun in the summertime. Food: One of the best parts of any summer party is barbecuing outdoors. But a cookout is only as good as food served. So, in addition to standbys like hamburgers and hot dogs, pick up some choices like tri-tip, baby back ribs and chicken, and slather them in mouthwatering barbecue sauce. And don’t forget to grill up veggies like eggplant, squash, corn and asparagus to enjoy as side dishes. If you don’t want to break the budget, throw a potluck party and have your guests bring their own favorites to toss on the grill. You can always provide a salad and dessert. And speaking of dessert, don’t forget to get some summer berry pie and ice cream, and marshmallows for the kids to roast over the dying embers of the grill. Drinks: People are going to be thirsty, so be sure to have plenty of ice, soft drinks and cold beer on hand to meet the demand. Nothing says summer like a fruity frozen cocktail, especially a crowd-pleasing Strawberry Daiquiri. Make yours with real fresh strawberries, rum and sweet and sour, mixed with crushed ice in your blender. Or whip up some frosty pina coladas, made with fresh pineapple, coconut and rum. You can even make fun-filled grown-up popsicles in your freezer with fruit juice and your favorite liquors. Entertainment: Good music is essential to set the mood. So if you haven’t already, bring your stereo speakers outside. Be sure to play a variety of summer favorites, from Motown to the Beach Boys. And don’t forget to provide some entertainment for the kids. Yard games like horseshoes, Frisbee and Twister are always fun, as well as squirt guns and bubbles blown from a giant bubble wand. Theme: If you want your party to really stand out, give it a fun theme. How about a Hawaiian luau, with guests wearing their favorite aloha shirt or summer dress? Some inexpensive plastic leis and paper flowers together with tiki torches and a limbo pole are all you need. Or here’s an idea: Christmas in July. Buy some Styrofoam balls from the craft store to use as snowballs. Wrap some empty boxes with holiday wrapping paper and break out the Christmas dishes and mistletoe while playing holiday music and wishing everyone a “Happy Half-Year” to come. The kids will love it! If an outdoor summer party sounds like a big production, it doesn’t have to be. With just a little bit of creativity, you can put together a clever and fun-filled summer party everyone will love.