Party time!
Are you planning a party? If there’s a special occasion looming and you’re looking for inspiration for special party venues, we’ve got you covered. Here are some suggestions for the perfect summer party.
The beach
If you’re lucky enough to live within easy reach of the beach, and you’re blessed with warm weather, this is a no-brainer. Set up a day of games and a giant picnic for children’s parties. Try out some water sports, swim, and splash around. Or wait until sundown, crack open some drinks and gather around a fire for a more sophisticated adult gathering. For an exclusive bash, you could also consider chartering a boat and hosting a shindig out at sea. Remember to bring blankets and warm layers if you’re planning to party into the early hours.
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Your favorite restaurant
If the thought of mass catering makes you feel anxious before you’ve even started thinking about numbers or menus, don’t panic. This is where your favorite local restaurants come in handy. Call up and see if you reserve a private area. If it’s sunny and warm, why not book some tables outside? If you are part of a large party, don’t forget to book well in advance. You may be able to order from a set menu or enjoy al fresco seafood buffet or barbecue.
Public parks
If you’re hosting a laid back daytime affair, a park or public garden will be ideal. Gather a crowd together and get the frisbee flying. Lay down some blankets, rugs, and beanbags. Set up mini cricket or some football goals. Or chill out and enjoy catching up with friends over a chilled beer or a glass of white. Take some portable speakers with you and pack some snacks.
Garden party
If you love entertaining, summer is the ideal time to get everybody around and enjoy hazy, hot days in the garden. Set up a bar with ice buckets so that people can help themselves. Fire up the barbecue and put some tunes on. Set out tables and chairs and use disposable cutlery and tableware to save on tidying. Create a comfy chill-out area on your decking with giant cushions and lanterns.
A rooftop bar
If you live in the city, a rooftop bar is a fresh idea for an elegant soiree. Look out for bars where you can hire the rooftop exclusively and set the tone with a smart dress code. Send out invitations a few weeks before, so you have an idea of numbers. Enjoy the sunset with a glass of bubbles in hand and get ready to dance the night away.
If you’re hosting a party this summer and you’re looking to make the most of long days and warm weather, bear these ideas in mind. You can tailor plans to suit your budget and the size of your party. Have fun and try and be as organized as possible. Once you’ve booked a venue and confirmed numbers, you can relax and enjoy the rest of the planning process.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I am all about the beach! I am there all summer long anyways, so why not party there, too!
Dana says
I’m with you Robin!
Lawrence Hamilton says
Either the beach or a rooftop bar. Preferably located on or by a beach!
Dana says
A rooftop bar by the beach would be such an AMAZING party – good call Lawrence!
Trish Delgado says
These are great options. I live in south Florida so beaches are plentiful. Another option we have where I am is at a zoo/ or botanical garden. Places like jungle island and Miami zoo are branching out to bring in more business by holding catered events.
Dana says
Trish, where are you in South Florida – that’s where I am as well!
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
My home is my favorite place to throw a party. I just feel best when everything possible is within my control.
Dana says
House parties are a blast too!
Ana De- Jesus says
I wish I lived nearer the beach it would make life so much easier having a stroll down the beach or swimming in the sea!
Dana says
I understand, but you know what Ana? I live somewhat close to the beach and I never go 🙁 I wish I did though!
Elizabeth O. says
Awesome ideas! I wouldn’t mind having a party in all of these venues! Lol. It’s summer anyway and it’s time to relax and have fun with the people we love being with.
michelle mink says
i love to have bonfires at the beach for summer celebrations. nothing like a good sunset and s’more
Amy Jones says
I love the rooftop bars, the view is incredible and the temperature is really nice.
Laura Starner says
I love a party at the beach. The last time I went to the beach, there were two weddings. Great ideas in this post.
Dana says
Laura, I got married on the beach and it was fabulous! The sun was setting in front of us…it was so nice.
Christine - Jar Of Lemons says
So fun! These are great tips. I’m super ready for fun summer parties!
Dana says
I am as well Christine! Summertime is always the time for lazy days and relaxing, fun parties that go into the evening!
Katy says
I think the beach or a rooftop bar would be my top 2 picks. All are great ideas for parties!
Dana says
Thanks Katy!
Lauren Bellows says
We LOVE to use state parks. My husband and in laws have worked at them for years, so we get extra help when it comes time ;)! I don’t think we have any rooftop bars in the area though…that one sound particularly awesome.
Dana says
State parks are amazing venues for parties – I’m so jealous that you get the extra help!! It is a lot of work to prepare,, but the scenery makes it worth it!
Ana Fernandez says
I would love to have a party in the roof! Just to try something different!
Dana says
I agree! I think rooftops are the new “in place” to have parties, especially in great weather. There aren’t too many where I live, but I hope to scope some out for my 40th!
Melissa @ Now You're Cookin' says
Great ideas!! I’m in the midst of planning my 30th birthday!
Dana says
Thanks Melissa and happy birthday!!!
Zan says
I can’t believe we are already thinking summer!! But beach parties are always welcome! A party on a rooftop would definitely be awesome, too:)
Dana says
Zan, I know…I feel like media is always at least one summer ahead of the rest!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
While I dig the beach, it gets mess and expensive in NJ, since there are a lot of rules about parties on the beach. We like to do parties at the park near my house!
Dana says
Park parties are a lot of fun too! Lots of space to spread out and have fun! Do you BBQ at the park?
Jessica Harlow says
I love the idea of a garden party! It really seems like a simple theme that makes for a fun get-together!
Dana says
I think it is a different setting for a party too! Thanks for stopping by Jessica!
Hollie || Little Goldfish Invitations & Stationery says
Great post Dana! I’m longing for summer already, we’ve only been out of daylight savings for six days now, so still another six months to go until it’s summer again.
My favourite part of summer is hanging out with friends long into the evening on a balmy evening. It doesn’t matter what the setting is, so long as we’re all together.
Dana says
Hollie, come here where it’s Summertime now! 🙂 I love your favorite part of summer – it sounds perfect!
MichiganHousesOnline.Com@RonLeyba says
The beach will always be the top favorite. Amazing view and ambiance plus the relaxing and calming sound of waves. I so love it.
Melissa says
I love all of these recommendations so much! They are all such great spots and some I totally forget about. Now you’ve got me all excited for summer! I am so looking forward to being back near the beach 🙂 it’s been a few years and I missed it!
Dana says
I am so glad Melissa! Did you live far from the beach before and now you are back?
Patricia says
Gosh- beach is my place to go! I wish I live closer and can have all my parties there 🙂
Dana says
Beach parties are a lot of fun, I agree Patricia! Where do you live? If it’s too far from the beach, you could create a “beach like” atmosphere maybe?
Claudia Krusch says
I would love to live near the beach! I miss my country, Brazil!! Your pictures are so beautiful!!!
Mardene Carr says
Oh yeah…party in the air. Great places to hang out with friends or family
Dana says
Thanks for stopping by Mardene!
Colette S says
I love these venue ideas. I’d love the garden party and beach party most! For my kids, they’d definitely choose the park 🙂
Dana says
The park is perfect for kids! I’ve had a few of the boys’ birthday parties at parks…so accommodating in terms of size and “freedom” for the kids!
Melissa Bernardo says
The beach is my fave! I need to plan a summer party!
Dana says
I think you should totally plan a beach party Melissa!