35 Sizzling Themes for an Outdoor Summer Party

With long sunny days that melt into warm starry nights, summer is the best time of year to host an alfresco celebration, big or small. We’re sharing 35 unique outdoor party themes to help you plan the most beautiful (and fun!) social event of the season. Read on to find recipes, cocktails and decoration inspiration for our favorite summer party themes, including a Lowcountry crab boil, a glamping sleepover, a French Riviera fête, a farmers market brunch and more.

Savor the flavors of summer with a bright-and-merry berry bonanza brunch. This laidback theme is easy to pull off solo with the help of our favorite berry recipes like a tasty strawberry shrub, lemon-blueberry cinnamon rolls and strawberry-rhubarb scones. Another idea? Make it a potluck event. Ask your guests to select different summer berries and bring a dish or drink that includes their pick. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are all summer staples sure to deliver tasty treats for all.

Shower the bride-to-be in your life with lots of love — and balloons — with a boho backyard brunch. Set the scene for the celebration (and photo ops aplenty) with a DIY balloon garland over your back door. A stocked-and-styled bar cart by the door, complete with a custom big-batch cocktail, will get the party going when guests arrive. Dress your patio table for the occasion with a vibrant tablecloth and fresh-clipped blooms from your garden. And for an extra special touch? Add a wicker armchair at the end to use as a throne for the lady of the hour.

No pool? No problem. Your kids can have just as much fun without splashing around the deep end with a backyard pool noodle extravaganza. Snag pool noodles from your go-to dollar spot and shape them into unique obstacle courses around your lawn. Throw a few inflatable sprinklers like this cactus into the mix to keep your pint-size party crew cool all afternoon.