Transform your backyard this summer to transfix your guests.
This year, aim high with your summer party. Leave behind typical grilled steak, beer and lawn chairs for flaming hula hoops, high-stakes card games or a rowdy contra dance. Whether your guests are ready to make costumes for an exquisite theme party or just want to show up and boogie down, summer is the perfect time for a party, and your backyard is the perfect place. Does this Spark an idea?
Folk Dance
A bit of live music will liven up your dance.
Hold a folk dance party in your backyard on a summer afternoon. Folk dancing can require a lot of space, making this favorable as an outdoor event. Choose the type of folk dancing you want according to your interests: Israeli folk dancing, square dancing and contra dancing are all distinct and forms of folk dancing that your friends can learn on the spot. For your first folk dance party, hire a dance instructor or caller to help you learn dance steps. Have guests bring dishes and drinks that match the folk theme you choose. For example, whiskey and pie might be suitable for a contra dance. Finding live musicians to play at your dance will give guests an event to remember.
Sunshine Party
Decorate with yellow flowers.
Have a summer sunshine themed party. Have guests wear yellow clothes and bring yellow dishes to share at the party, such as lemonade, summer squash, fried plantains and yellow cake. Decorate with bunches of daffodils and yellow paper lanterns for after the sun sets. Ahead of time, create a music mix for the party of songs containing the words "sun" or "sunshine," such as The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun," De La Soul's "Sunshine" or Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love."
Regency Garden Party
Card games were a favorite in
Bring guests back to the days of Jane Austen with a Regency era garden party. Set up a long table outside. Serve tea, cakes with jam, cheeses, small sandwiches, oysters, and, for an alcoholic beverage, port wine. Show off the best flowers of your garden, or set abundant amounts of flowers on the table. For entertainment, play card games such as vingt-et-un and piquet. Gambling can be part of the fun---it was popular during the Regency era. Play music by composers such as Schubert and Beethoven. If your friends are up for it, ask guests to dress in regency style, with ladies' Empire-waist gowns and gentlemen's cutaway jackets.
Tiki Barbeque
Fancy drinks can add to the Tiki party vibe.
Turn your backyard into an island paradise with a tiki themed barbeque. Set up tiki torches around your backyard, string lights from your porch or around trees, and decorate with colorful flowers. At the barbeque, prepare dishes with Polynesian flavor such as grilled pineapple, fire-roasted taro root and yucca, and ginger-marinated tofu. Drinks for the party can include mai tais and pina coladas. For exciting entertainment, hire a professional hula hooper---a professional's ability to dance with a flaming hula hoop is sure to astound.
Tags: your backyard, card games, contra dance, dance party, flaming hula