35 Sizzling Themes for an Outdoor Summer Party

Throw a fun-filled outdoor summer party with one of these easy and creative party themes that your guests won't soon forget.

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June 16, 2022

By: Maria Conti and Farima Alavi

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Pick the Perfect Outdoor Summer Party Theme

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.

Get More Ideas: Outdoor Party Ideas for Summer

Berry Bonanza Brunch

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.

See More Photos: Brunch Like a Boss With Our 25 Top Tips

From: H. Camille Smith

Boho Bridal Shower

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.

Get the How-To: Budget-Friendly Outdoor Bridal Shower Decor

Pool Noodle Party

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.

See More Photos: 10 Ways to Turn Pool Noodles Into Almost-Free Backyard Kids' Games

Summer Camp

Invite your closest pals (and their kiddos) for some old-fashioned fun with a backyard summer camp-themed party. Keep your campers entertained all afternoon with classic crafts like DIY sun prints, rope tassel keychains and Perler bead drink covers. Yard games, rope pulls and relay races add a healthy dose of competition to get the party going. Offer guests refreshing beverages like boozy berry patch lemonade, boozy juice pouches and orange creamsicle floats. And don’t forget some tasty campfire eats: Serve hot dogs, cheeseburgers or grilled cheese sandwiches with a potato chip bar and veggie cups for your main dish, then whip up our delicious campfire apple pie recipe for dessert.

learn more: The Best Adult Summer Camps

Make a Splash

You’re never too old to enjoy water balloon games on a steamy summer afternoon. Get your friends together (with or without kids) to battle it out with splashy yard games like our DIY water balloon Kerplunk. Just be sure guests bring a change of clothes for after the event.

See More Photos: Summer Backyard Water Games for Kids

Blue-and-White Bash

Make your beloved blue-and-white plates your muse when designing your next alfresco event. Not sure you have enough plates for the crowd? Not to fret, friend. The timeless transferware is accessible on the cheap at your local thrift store and estate sales. Take cues from the summery color combination and dress your outdoor table with a French blue tablecloth, a striped or tie-dye baby-blue runner and navy napkins. Finally, polish off your table with white (citronella) pillar candles and whimsical garden blooms.

Shop Our Favorites: 12 Ways to Bring Spring's Blue + White Trend Home

From: H. Camille Smith

Ice Cream Social

What better way to beat the heat this summer than with an ice cream social? Guide guests to your backyard with a sweet ice cream balloon path and greet them with a build-your-own sundae bar. Serve classics like vanilla and strawberry ice cream, as well as unique flavors like grilled peach or peanut butter cookie. And don’t forget the toppings! Lay out the homemade chocolate sauce and our orange-caramel drizzle along with chopped nuts, crumbled cookies, fresh berries, sprinkles, chocolate chips, potato chips and whipped cream.

Pro tip: Ask guests to inform you of any allergies ahead of time to ensure everyone’s safety at your event. In the same vein, offer dairy-free and sugar-free ice cream and toppings to serve guests with dietary restrictions or intolerances.

learn more: 30 Sweet Ideas for Throwing the Best Ice Cream Social

Palm Beach Party

A retro Palm Beach party is the perfect excuse for your crew to throw on colorful kaftans and toss back a Bellini ... or two ... or even five. Deck out your patio with Palm Beach design staples like bamboo and rattan furniture, kicky-colored pillows, pink blooms, palm frond centerpieces and glam gold details. And for your Palm Beach party menu, coastal favorites like zesty mole shrimp, oyster Rockefeller or creamy lump crab and corn dip are sure to be a hit.

Get More Ideas: 15 Ways to Add Palm Beach Style to an Outdoor Room

Build-Your-Own Pizza Party

Fire up your pizza oven and have your favorite people over for a make-your-own pizza party. The ambiance is everything, so dress your outdoor table for the occasion with a classic red-and-white checkered tablecloth and white tapered candles. Serve partygoers Italian beer and classic citrus spritz cocktails. Supply each guest with pre-rolled pizza dough and a selection of sauces, including classic marinara, barbecue sauce or homemade pesto. For toppings, offer a wide variety like buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, pepperoni, shredded rotisserie chicken, onions, peppers, arugula and fresh basil.

Get the How-To: Perfect Pizza at Home

Glamping à Go Go

On the hunt for party inspiration for your teen’s birthday, graduation or homecoming soirée? Give glamping a go. This backyard bash is perfect for kids who have outgrown their sleeping bags but still enjoy sleeping under the stars with friends. Use classic camping tents or waterproof tarps to shelter air mattresses from the elements. Make the beds with cozy sheets, quilts and piles of pillows to bring indoor comfort out. Last but not least, pull up your patio side tables to use as makeshift nightstands, use string lights for after-hours and put the outdoor movie projector to work on the side of the house for a late-night showing of their favorite summer flick.

Get the How-To: Turn Camping Into Glamping

Say Cheese

Skip the prosciutto and soppressata and make our crowd-pleasing vegetarian cheese board for your upcoming neighborhood happy hour. Serve your guests a spread of fresh seasonal cheeses like fresh goat cheese, mozzarella, English Stilton and Italian pecorino. Pair your cheese with honeycomb, berry chutneys, crispy crackers, salted nuts and crunchy vegetables.

Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Vegetarian Cheese Board

From: Heather Baird

Roses + Rosé

Roses and rosé is a crowd-pleasing outdoor summer party theme fitting for any occasion. Baby shower? Check. Birthday soirée? Check. Random Saturday afternoon boozin’ it up with your mom friends? Triple check. Here’s how to pull it off at home: Decorate your patio table with a classic white tablecloth and a dreamy pink rose centerpiece. Fill your favorite champagne bucket with ice aplenty and load it with bottles of your favorite still and sparkling rosé. Keep your current bottle cold and add beauty to your tablescape with our edible floral ice bucket. Plan your menu with items that pair well with rosés like crisp salads, smoked salmon cups, crunchy toasts, berry salsas and crunchy vegetable side dishes.

Dog Days of Summer

Make the most of the dog days of summer with a backyard paw-ty for all your favorite pups. Treat your loved ones and their four-legged friends to an early-evening, outdoor get-together. Grill burgers and hot dogs for the humans and treat the pooches to some slice-and-bake biscuits paired with yummy frozen treats. And, if you're feeling extra, set up a DIY floral harness station where the pup-parents can make a summery accessory for Fido.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Flower Harness and Leash for Your Dog

Backyard Barbecue

Our #1 rule of thumb when planning a last-minute summer party? Don’t overthink it. Skip the kitschy themes and embrace all the makings of a classic backyard barbecue. A simple menu of hot dogs, cheeseburgers and potato salad will win over any crowd. Follow our step-by-step tutorial, below, to create an upcycled charcoal grill cooler, then stock it with ice, beer and bottles of bubbly. Decorations can be simple, too; stick to solid outdoor tablecloths, a few foraged floral arrangements and citronella candles lining the perimeter of your patio. And let the good times roll into the night with a few sparkling strands of string lights.

get the how-to: Upcycle an Old Charcoal Grill Into a Chill Patio Bar Cart

Magical Mermaid Party

Mermaid parties are magical no matter your age or the occasion. Host an under-the-sea mermaid extravaganza for a birthday, bridal shower or baby shower. Use this ethereal event by Jenny Reimold as your muse and incorporate a pastel color palette including mint, aqua, blue and blush.

From: Jenny Reimold

Farmers Market Brunch

Celebrate the fresh summer fare by hosting an alfresco farmer’s market lunch for family and friends. For this outdoor party theme, source all your produce and florals from local farmers to serve guests a feast for their eyes and stomachs. And for your menu du jour, serve our vegetable frittata, herb-roasted new potatoes and a bright arugula salad topped with a poppy seed vinaigrette. Set your patio table with charming farm-inspired accents like cabbage plates, lemon linens, wood-handled cutlery and cheerful tulip centerpieces.

See More Photos: Turn Your Farmers Market Haul Into the Ultimate Vegetarian Spring Brunch

From: H. Camille Smith

Flower Crown Festival

Flower crowns, fresh food and funky music guarantee fun for all at your backyard festival party. This theme is perfect for many of life’s big moments like this “Mamapalooza” baby shower. Follow cues from the hip event; ask guests to don their grooviest get-ups and create laidback bohemian seating with pattern-clad pillows and mats. You can premake flower crowns or set up a spread of vibrant blooms and invite partygoers to craft their crowns upon arrival. Serve a spread of handheld apps, wood-fired pizzas and big batch cocktails to keep guests fueled for moving and grooving all night long.

learn more: Throw a Boho Festival Baby Shower

French Riviera Fête

Oui, you should host your friends for a fancy French Riviera-inspired fête this summer. Bring Cannes to your backyard with crisp white parasols, weathered-wood dining chairs, raw-edge table linens and lush blue-and-white florals. Pass around baskets of fresh-baked baguettes with salad Niçoise and champagne on ice. Finally, light some white pillar candles and laissez les bons temps rouler.

See More Photos: 50 Tips for Planning the Ultimate Backyard Get-Together

Summer Spa Day

Beat the heat with a summer spa day pool party. Spend the day swapping stories and sipping smoothies while dangling your toes in the water. Be sure to provide a fruit-infused water bar to stay hydrated throughout the day, then roll out a big-batch cocktail to kick the party up a notch after lunch.

See More Photos: 20 Pool Party Ideas to Copy This Summer

Summer Sweet Tooth Party

Invite guests over for post-dinner sweets and sips on your back patio. Create an indulgent spread of nostalgic summer sweets (read: donut pyramid), fresh fruit and cocktails. This low-key and all-around fun party is a great way to entertain friends without sweating over the grill all afternoon.

See More Photos: 10 Ways to Take Your Outdoor Party to the Next Level

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Tropical Luau

Toasty temps call for tasty tropical drinks with family and friends. Host a Hawaiian luau in your backyard, complete with beachy blooms, bold hues and our tipsy pineapple aqua fresca cocktail. Prepare the big-batch cocktail ahead of time and serve with a festive umbrella, orange and pineapple garnish for an extra special touch.

Get the How-To: How to Throw a Tropical Backyard Luau

From: H. Camille Smith

Flower Arranging Party

Gather a group of friends and throw a fun-filled, flower-arranging party where guests can design and create their own fresh floral display. Perfect for a bridal shower or birthday gathering, this party is a true celebration of the season's abundant flowers and produce.

Get the How-To: Celebrate Spring With a Flower-Arranging Party

Splash of Citrus

Bring joy to your alfresco dining space with a spirited citrus-themed gathering. Layer the center of the table with ivory tealight candles and fresh oranges, lemons and grapefruit. Anchor the display with a bold, fruit-and-floral centerpiece featuring white and orange ranunculus, parrot tulips, white hydrangea blooms and fresh-cut oranges.

Get the Recipe: Inviting Table Settings Made for Outdoor Entertaining

Bring the Beach to Your Backyard

Treat family and friends to a beach trip without leaving your backyard. Recreate this coastal-inspired buffet by layering fishnet material over a solid linen tablecloth and a burlap runner. Create a movement-rich centerpiece with natural beach details such as driftwood, starfish, coral, seashells or succulents.

Get the How-To: How to Host a Beach-Themed Backyard Dinner Party

Outdoor Game Night

Treat friends and family to a night of fun by setting up an extravaganza of exciting outdoor games such as cornhole, yard Yahtzee, oversized Tic-Tac-Toe and bocce ball. Create a buffet station with self-serve snacks, drinks and desserts for easy entertaining.

See More Photos: 50 Ultra-Fun DIY Backyard Games for All Ages

Lowcountry Crab Boil

If you're looking for a theme that's guaranteed to excite your guest list weeks in advance, it's this one. A southern-style crab boil is universally loved because it's unfussy, interactive and, most importantly, revolves around dipping all of your food in vats of melted butter.

White Out

Host a legendary Hamptons-inspired white party to send off the season in style. Invite guests to show off their favorite white outfits, and dress your outdoor table with white linens, ivory pillar candles, creamy-white blooms and white ceramic serveware. Take cues from interior designer Marie Flanigan and use rattan accessories and clipped backyard greenery to warm up your otherwise snowy tablescape.

15 Best Outdoor Dining Sets Under $600

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Red, White + Blue

Don't reserve red, white and blue for just the Fourth of July. Put your patriotic accessories to use for your next outdoor shindig by using blue and white dinner plates, woven rattan chargers and classic red bandana napkins. Layer unexpected textures and mix contrasting serveware to create an inspired tablescape.

Get the How-To: Party Patriotically With a Red, White + Blue Backyard Bash

From: H. Camille Smith

Under the Tuscan Sun

Host loved ones for a rustic and elegant alfresco soirée inspired by Italian summers. Keep tables understated with crisp-white linens, minimal blooms and lush foliage garlands. Serve fancy cheese, cured meats, fruit and fresh-baked bread on rustic wooden boards, and keep your bar stocked with red and white vino.

Get the How-To: Create Your Own Party-Perfect Charcuterie + Cheese Board

Boozy Backyard Brunch

Invite friends over to enjoy a boozy brunch on your back deck or patio. Offer a mouthwatering spread with brunch favorites such as a savory quiche, honey-drizzled fruit and yogurt granola parfaits. Don't forget to create a serve-yourself mimosa, iced Irish coffee and Bloody Mary bar to get the party started.

Get the How-To: Brunch Like a Boss With Our 25 Top Tips

From: H. Camille Smith

Bohemian Nights

Bring your besties together for a boho-themed night under the stars. Prep your outdoor space with layered rugs, gauzy drapes, Shibori toss pillows and string lights aplenty. Enliven the entertaining area with pops of green; a festive potted palm or vertical garden wall will add instant height and drama to the display.

Party After Dark

For a low-key, no-fuss outdoor gathering, use candelabras as centerpieces. Take notes from this dreamy deck and choose bold hues to bring some color to your outdoor space. The best part? The candles will illuminate the space so the party can keep going even after dark.

See More Photos: 25 Outdoor Lighting Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Garden Tea Party

Gather up your girlfriends for an elaborate garden tea party. Use natural elements such as moss and fresh flowers to dress up the table. Dangle pastel paper lanterns from tree branches to create an instant photo op and bring a touch of whimsy to your outdoor space.

Get the How-To: How to Throw a Garden Party

Rainbow Dinner Party

Can't settle on a color palette for your upcoming outdoor party? Choose them all. Make this rainbow tablescape your inspiration by setting the table with red, yellow, blue, green and purple color sections designated by fabric napkins and floral arrangements. Create a seating chart and ask guests to wear the color that coordinates with their assigned seat.

See More Photos: Love Wins: Wow Guests With a Rainbow-Themed Vintage Table Setting

From: H. Camille Smith

Retro-Inspired Pool Party

Crank up your '50s playlist, grab some vintage sunnies and get ready to have a good time with a retro-inspired beach party. Get the retro vibes flowing before guests arrive by sending out vintage-style invitations, and embrace the theme by asking guests to dress in their best vintage beach attire.

Get the How-To: Throw A Retro-Inspired Beach Party This Summer

35 Sizzling Themes for an Outdoor Summer Party

Related To:

Shop This Look

Pick the Perfect Outdoor Summer Party Theme

Berry Bonanza Brunch

Boho Bridal Shower

Pool Noodle Party

Summer Camp

Make a Splash

Blue-and-White Bash

Ice Cream Social

Palm Beach Party

Build-Your-Own Pizza Party

Glamping à Go Go

Say Cheese

Roses + Rosé

Dog Days of Summer

Backyard Barbecue

Magical Mermaid Party

Farmers Market Brunch

Flower Crown Festival

French Riviera Fête

Summer Spa Day

Summer Sweet Tooth Party

Tropical Luau

Flower Arranging Party

Splash of Citrus

Bring the Beach to Your Backyard

Outdoor Game Night

Lowcountry Crab Boil

White Out

Red, White + Blue

Under the Tuscan Sun

Boozy Backyard Brunch

Bohemian Nights

Party After Dark

Garden Tea Party

Rainbow Dinner Party

Retro-Inspired Pool Party

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