Party Planner: Summer Fiesta

Summer is the best time to have a party. People are usually more relaxed and there are a million reasons to celebrate (Fourth of July, Birthdays, Because it is Tuesday...). The warm weather also allows you to take advantage of the great outdoors more than other times of the year. (Although I have to admit, I love a good ski gathering.) Anyway, the best person to throw a summer party should have a pool, a lake house, a beach house, or a sailboat/yacht. See a theme with the water? Just remember, if the host has boats or other watercrafts try to hide them from guests who have a tendency to drink too much. Trust me, you don't want that one wasted guy taking the sailboat for a spin.

Element One: Fire

Fire can come in many forms. It can range from small candles to torches to a full-scale bonfire. It really just depends on the size of your property and how much work you want to put into it. These tiki torches are an inexpensive way to jazz up your party. And they help to keep pesky bugs away. Another option is to use electric lights. (This will prevent someone from lighting their ugly extensions on fire.) I love the ones from Pottery Barn. They have both simple cream ones and patterned ones. If you are feeling really ambitious, try a clam bake or crawfish boil. So yummy!

Element Two: Liquid

As I mentioned before, water is important. At the very least invest in a kiddy pool: you can fill it with ice and put drinks in it if you want. This category is also a not-so-subtle reference to "drinks." What you put in those drinks is up to you. (I am old so I can drink whatever I want.) The easiest thing is to buy a summery beer like Corona and plenty of limes. Spiked lemonade is a good summer bet (this can also be done with iced tea). I know some people that swear by a watermelon filled with alcohol. It depends on how crazy you are willing to let the party get!

Element Three: Sound

This is your chance to play Jimmy Buffet as much as you want. Go for it! If Jimmy isn't your cup of tea just figure out what bands/songs remind you of summer and stick with those. Just remember to have something in the background, the sound of crickets gets dull.

Element Four: People

Obviously, invite your friends who will have a good time. Also feel free to designate a burly guy as your bouncer... you never know who may show up.

Get to planning! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!