Summer is the ideal time to invite friends and neighbors over for a get-together. Here are six tips to guarantee your summer gatherings will be a hit.

1. Break out the party games

If some of your guests don’t know each other, set up a few backyard games to help break the ice. Croquet, badminton, bocce ball, spike ball and horseshoes are all good choices. For an easy DIY project, paint a wood pallet and cut a circular hole in the middle for a fun beanbag-toss game, also called cornhole. 

2. Fire up the grill

Nothing says summer like a casual barbeque in your backyard. Be sure to include classic fare like burgers and hot dogs, but feel free to get creative with salads, side dishes, appetizers and other fun bites. Try to prepare as many dishes as you can the night before your get-together — you want to enjoy the party too.

3. Host a luau

Treat your friends and family to a night in the tropics with a Hawaiian-themed luau. Set up some tiki torches, sport your best Hawaiian shirt and serve tropical drinks. Make a playlist of island-themed music to set the perfect mood for the evening. For an additional treat, wrap up your get-together with a blazing bonfire.

4. Hit the pool

A pool party is a great way to stay cool and comfortable when you’re entertaining in the summer. Light foods, like salads, chicken and fish are perfect choices when guests will be doing a lot of swimming. Always keep plenty of water bottles and other refreshing drinks on hand to keep guests properly hydrated. Pool floaties are always fun to have on hand when you want to relax and get some sun in the pool!

5. Show a movie

The days of drive-in movies are in the past. But, it’s still possible to enjoy an outdoor movie on a warm summer evening. Get some sturdy wire and a blackout shade and set up your own DIY screen. All you need is a standard film projector and you’re ready to screen your favorite movies in the comfort of your own backyard. If you’re feeling really creative, you can serve snacks that match the theme of the movie.

6.Set up a popcorn bar

Between food allergies, picky eaters and other dietary restrictions, it can be tough to come up with a menu that pleases a crowd. Popcorn is a low-calorie, gluten-free and budget-friendly treat that’s likely to work with most people’s diets. Set up a variety of seasonings and toppings and let your guests create their own savory combinations.

Conclusion

Summertime entertaining doesn’t require a lot of work to be successful. With these easy ideas in mind, you’ll be ready to plan fun get-togethers all summer long