Photo Courtesy: Pinterest

By Claire Lewis

Summer is winding down, and now is the time to plan a fun get-together before the season ends. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or travel to exotic locations.  Enjoy a mini Staycation and invite family and friends to kick back and celebrate the end of summer.

Backyard ‘Beach’ Party:  Bring the beach to your friends!  Sprinkle a little sand over your patio, fire up the grill, plant some Tiki torches around the yard and set out towels and low-back chairs.  Even a kiddie pool to put your feet in will give off a beach vibe, and with a cool menu, your guests will have a party to remember.  Grill burgers, cut watermelon wedges and put them on Popsicle sticks, and put chips and other snacks in plastic sand buckets.  Whip up a fun summer punch, and get that party started!  Don’t forget to turn on Beach Boys music.

Sunset Party:  Short on time?  Invite guests over for a sunset-only party.  Set out chairs pointed in the direction of the sunset and serve a fun summer cocktail to toast the end of the day.  Have a fire pit?  Even better!  Serve S’mores with a wide variety of candy bars and different flavors of graham crackers to spice up your sunset.  Play a little cool jazz and you’ll have an elegant evening to remember.

Outdoor Movie Night:  If you have a white sheet and a projector, you can turn your back yard into a movie theater.  Set up chairs facing the screen or spread some blankets and pillows on the ground, and show a fun summer movie.  Serve gourmet popcorn (every try butter, parmesan cheese and a little fresh thyme? Amazing!), mini candy bars, and an ice bucket filled with old-time sodas in glass bottles.  You’ll be the hit of summer!  The movie can be changed toward your audience…Family Fun Night, or Adults Only.

Book a party now while the summer nights are still warm.  A fun event is just a backyard away!