Throw a Summer Bash for Every Occasion
By the Editors of TheNest.com
Type of Bash: TGIF Happy Hour
Your VIP List
Invite the coworkers you've been wanting to get to know better, or break the ice with those cool neighbors down the street- drinks and appetizers never last more than a few hours, so there's no pressure to make it beyond small talk!
Party Poopers
Leave off the boss or uptight neighbors-you deserve a night to get a little sloppy, and they don't need to see that. And speaking of sloppy-go ahead and leave out that pal who gets bar-brawl rowdy after throwing back one too many.
Signature Drink
Shots of tequila, anyone? Or maybe margaritas on the rocks? Unpack that party-ready blender and show off your best drink-slinging skills. Don't forget the paper umbrellas.
The Grub
Bite-sized munchies are a happy hour necessity. Think baby crabcakes, taquitos, guac and chips or spicy mixed nuts. Drag your butt to Costco to stock up on provisions on the cheap (the frozen aisle has some pretty impressive appetizers, so make it easy on yourself) because you won't feel like cooking after work on Friday!
Party Trick
Umm, beer pong. 'Nuff said!
Playlist
Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People
Make delicious dishes with 5 Ingredients or less
Type of Bash: Downhome BBQ
Your VIP List
Take advantage of the casual backyard vibe to catch up with your long lost, new-parent friends. Invite them with their babies in tow, and hey, why not (well-behaved!) pets as well.
Party Poopers
Vegans (duh!) and guys who think they're grill masters! It isn't Throwdown with Bobby Flay, thank you very much.
Signature Drink
Get down and dirty with old school beer in a can-think Natty Light and PBR. Put a bunch in a wheelbarrow with ice, and park it in the party zone.
The Grub
A grilled feast of hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken, of course! Set out a variety of condiments and summery side dishes, and let everyone go to town.
Signature Drink
Get down and dirty with old school beer in a can-think Natty Light and PBR. Put a bunch in a wheelbarrow with ice, and park it in the party zone.
The Grub
A grilled feast of hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken, of course! Set out a variety of condiments and summery side dishes, and let everyone go to town.
Playlist
American Honey by Lady Antebellum
Confessions of a horrible houseguest
Type of Bash: Rockin' Party
Your VIP List
Mix and mingle to shake things up-invite the girls from your yoga class (yes, even though you think they'll look better than you in a bikini), guys from his poker game, that couple you met on vacation and top it off with your college roommate and her new fiancé.
Party Poopers
His buds who still think cannonballs are the height of comedy. Your friends who still feel the need to flaunt themselves in a teeny G-string bikini.
Signature Drink
Skip the beer (no one wants to feel bloated in a bathing suit) and wine (vino plus sun equals a major headache), and go for a chic twist on a mojito instead. Add exotic flavors like mango or Asian pear. Serve 'em up in tall plastic glasses and garnish with shiny swizzle sticks.
The Grub
An Asian theme screams poolside sophistication and is always a crowd pleaser. Keep things light since people will be swimming and eating. Order in cold Thai noodles and Asian vegetable salads-chopsticks optional.
Party Trick
For an après-swim treat, surprise guests by setting up a gourmet ice cream sandwich bar. Use unexpected cookie/ice cream combos (i.e., raspberry sorbet with ginger snaps or mint chocolate chip ice cream paired with Mallomars) to update a childhood favorite.
Playlist
The Fame by Lady Gaga
Type of Bash: Couple Dinner Party
Your VIP List
Your couple BFF and their cool couple friends you secretly want to be friends with too.
Party Poopers
Mr. Braggy and his wife, Mrs. Bossy-no one wants to be lectured all evening long! Yikes!
Signature Drink
White sangria is fruity and refreshing- perfect for a midsummer night's soirée. Leave bottles of white wine on the table for guests who prefer the minimalist route.
The Grub
A romantic al fresco meal calls for a bit of exoticism. Whether it's Indian, Moroccan or Thai, order up a few of your favorite dishes from a local restaurant and serve them on pretty serving plates-it will save you time and money, and nobody will know the difference. Plus, ethnic dishes are often really affordable and perfect for sharing with friends.
Party Trick
Pull out a fun game like Taboo or The Game of Things-it's a great way to break the ice.
Playlist
So Nice (Summer Samba) by Bebel Gilberto
Type of Bash: Chilled-Out Clambake
Your VIP List
Make it a family affair-catch up with the 'rents, siblings and cousins casually over cracked crab.
Party Poopers
Guests with seafood allergies. Sorry, but a mid-party trip to the emergency room is a definite downer!
Signature Drink
Toast to the last days of summer with Old Bay Bloody Marys (OldBay.com). This coastal seasoning gives the drink extra zestiness and pairs perfectly with the New England theme.
The Grub
For a classic clambake, go for clams, mussels, shrimp, lobster, sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes. Since you can't dig a hole and make a fire pit in your yard, it's really a clamboil. Prepare the food ahead of time in a huge pot in your kitchen. Not seafood savvy? No worries-you can mail order a complete clambake right to your front door (ClambakeCo.com).
Party Trick
Make like the New England elite and host a civilized afternoon of lawn games. Rent (or buy) a croquet set, lawn bowling or horseshoes, and challenge mom and dad to a friendly match.
Playlist
(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding
© 2011 The Knot Inc. All rights reserved.
Photo: David A. Land/The Nest
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