Summer Party Ideas

Celebrate the warm weather and the long summer holiday with your children by holding a fabulous summer party. A DIY summer party is one of the easiest parties to throw for family and friends. From a backyard BBQ to a fun packed kids outdoor party there are loads of party ideas here to keep everyone having fun in the sun.

Summer party decorations

Make your backyard or garden look the part with these gorgeous (and easy) decor ideas.

Teepee Picnic

Set up a simple picnic spot for your guests with a shady teepee, picnic blanket and hamper with some lovely treats inside. Add a few comfy pillows or low seating to make a lovely restful spot for your guests to chill in.

Lanterns and hot pink

This hot pink and orange party table is perfect for a fun summer vibe. The contrasting tableware and chairs are illuminated by the low hanging paper lanterns to bring a bit of light and fun to the early evening.

Fresh (or faux) flowers

Bring the garden to the table with a lovely fresh bouquet of flowers in your party colours. If you don’t have any fresh flowers, go for faux instead and they can be used for your next party or in the house. Pick colours to match your glassware (or pretty plasticware to avoid breakages).

Tiki Pool Party

This totally tropical pool party has a fun summer feel and simple decorations that make a big impact. A big balloon arch in bright pastels, some funky inflatables and grass skirts on the tables gives this party a relaxed and fun feel.

Floating flowers

Go for a more elegant pool theme with some floating paper flowers and lots of artificial candles or lanterns to give off a welcoming glow. A bit of draped fabric makes it look even more gorgeous.

Summer Party Games

Get the kids burning off some energy with some of these great party games and activities that are just perfect for an outdoor garden party.

Bounce, bounce, bounce

What garden party isn’t made better with a bouncy castle or a trampoline? Just for the pure joy kids young and old get bouncing around on them they’re worth the outlay if you have the space. If you’re kids are a bit older there’s even loads of ideas for fun games that you can play on the trampoline. Just make sure they have loads of water to drink when they get all hot and sweaty!

Human ring toss

A great variation on the simple ring toss game, this one gets children acting in pairs to be the quickest to successfully throw all the rings. One child acts as the ‘pole’ for the rings and the other has to throw their inflatable rings onto the ‘pole’. Loads of fun!

Bean bag ladder toss

Easy to create if you have a ladder already, just add scores onto each rung and then give your kids some bean bags so they can try to make the highest score.

Summer Party Food

The most important bit of any party is the food and a summer garden party is no different. All you need to think about is making sure it will keep in a hot garden all day, or just set up the buffet table inside so people can pop in and out and the food will keep fresh.

Savoury snack platter

Keep all your guests happy in the garden with this tasty (and healthy) snack platter. Lots of savoury treats and vegetables to dip. Set up a few different platters depending on your guests likes and dislikes and choose your favourite dip pairings. Really quick and easy as well as filling.

Pinwheel wraps

Pinwheel sandwiches are a big crowd pleaser at a summer party as you can make lots of different fillings and they are really easy to hold and eat. Go for classic ham and cheese for fussy children, then make some more intriguing combos for foodies.

Tortellini kebabs

Well don’t these look super tasty? A variation on the summer party favourtie, these tortellini kebabs are sure to get gobbled up. Just loads onto skewers some filled tortellini, cheese, tomatoes, peppers etc. Choose different flvours and combos depending on what you enjoy.

Mini fruit pizzas

These mini fruit pizzas are a real hit with parents and kids alike. Either use a plain cookie or pancake for the base, then layer a bit of cream cheese on the top. Let your guests choose their own fruit toppings for a tasty dessert.

Unicorn crispie cake pops

Children will love these unicorn inspired crispie cake pops and they are super easy to make. Just melt together butter and marshmallows, stir in some fruit loops cereal (or other brightly coloured cereal) and leave to set in a tin. Once they’ve hardened, cut into squares and pop a lolly stick on them.

Sprinkle dipped strawberries

Nothing says ‘summer’ more than a lovely, juicy, fragrant strawberry. Pimp them up for a bit of party sparkle by dipping them in white icing or melted chocolate and then coat them in sprinkles. Tasty!

Summer in a cake

End your party with a delicious and beautiful summery cake. This gorgeous peach melba cake takes advantage of the soft stone fruits that are perfect at this time of year. The sweet and tart taste of peaches and raspberries contrast with the soft vanilla sponge to delight at every bite.