1Garden Party
David TsayMove an outdoor table into the garden, so you and your guests can dine amongst nature. Scatter throw pillows on wicker chairs, then fill the table with summer linens and fresh florals.
RELATED: 40 Dreamy Small Garden Ideas to Try on a Budget
2Backyard BBQ Party
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3Luau Party
zoranm//Getty ImagesTry a tropical theme by decorating your space with flower leis, tiki torches, palm trees and lush flowers. Whip up some tropical cocktails and encourage party guests to arrive dressed in Hawaiian and floral prints.
4Flower Arranging Party
SusanGaryPhotography//Getty ImagesKeep guests entertained by planning an activity, such as DIY floral arrangements. Set up vases filled with different flowers and fillers, then encourage guests to create custom bouquets to take home. Our advice? Spend the weeks prior collecting vases from local thrift stores to show off the blooms.
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5Outdoor Movie Party
South_agency//Getty ImagesWhether for a group of kids, teens or adults, an outdoor movie night is great way to celebrate a special occasion. Set up a screen and projector, then fill the lawn with blankets, pillows or outdoor seating so guests can lounge.
RELATED: 33 Best Movies to Watch on the 4th of July
6Backyard Games
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7Summer Salad Party
mike gartenServe up a bright, refreshing salad that's defined by thin slices of aromatic honeydew. Topped with a simple sambal dressing, guests will be chatting about this tangy-sweet salad for weeks.
Get the recipe for Cucumber-Melon Salad »
8Outdoor Dinner Party
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9Pool Party
Maria Korneeva//Getty ImagesGather friends and family around the pool to stay cool on a hot summer day. Make sure to pick up plenty of cute pool floats and keep everyone hydrated.
10Fire Pit Party
Buff StricklandWhether you end the night roasting marshmallows or sharing ghost stories, huddled around the fire pit is a great way to spend a summer evening. Just make sure to have as many seats as there are guests.
RELATED: Eye-Catching Fire Pits to Illuminate Your Yard
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11Brunch Party
mike garten 12Dance Party
Maskot//Getty ImagesNo great party is complete without good music, whether you hire a live musician or curate the perfect playlist. Reserve a space on your deck or lawn for a dance floor.
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13Boho Garden Party
MelanieMaya//Getty ImagesIf you don't have an outdoor dining set, take an untraditional approach by organizing on the floor. Use mismatched cushions and throw pillows as seats for a boho feel.
14Beach Party
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15Summer Cocktail Party
Mary Britton Senseney 16Picnic Party
TargetRugs, pillows and poufs (and picnic blankets, of course!) will create a casual conversation spot that plays into a laid back party vibe.
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17Summer Pizza Party
Mike GartenStick to tradition while highlighting the season's best with a fresh take on a pizza pie. It's seriously easy to make: Spread a layer of ricotta on frozen puff pastry before topping it with an array of tomatoes, herbs and other spices.
Get the recipe for Herbed Ricotta and Fresh Tomato Tart »
18Potluck Buffet
Andrew McCaulPosition your buffet under an overhang or umbrella to protect it from the elements. Then, order its contents this way for easy cruising: plates, sides, buns, meats, fixings and flatware. (Note: If perishable foods aren't gobbled up in an hour, swap them out with a fresh supply.) Come sundown, have lights nearby so folks can see as they serve.
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19Ice Cream Sandwich Bar Party
Mike GartenToast a pack of waffles and use them to sandwich ice creams, gelatos and sorbets. Set up a serve-yourself station for guests, allowing them to roll each sandwich in their choice of melted chocolate, coconut, nuts or chocolate chips.
20Dog-Friendly Party
Mike GartenInvite guests — plus their pets — to lounge on your decorated patio. Instead of splashing out on single-use party decor, affix flat-backed planters to siding or fence panel for an added touch.

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
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