Hosting A Memorable Mid-Summer Party: All The Tips You Need To Get Started
Midsummer, a celebration that dates back to ancient times, marks the longest day of the year and the peak of what summer has to offer!
Rooted in rich traditions and cultural rituals, this event is celebrated across the globe, from the Nordic countries to Mediterranean villages.
So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect occasion to throw a memorable dinner or garden party, this may just be it! Celebrating midsummer offers an opportunity to embrace the season, connect with nature, and get together with friends and loved ones. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan and execute a midsummer party everyone will remember!
Have a Clear Budget in Mind
Did you know that the average American party host will spend $1,422.65 annually on food, drinks, and decor for their parties? Given these figures, before going on a shopping spree to secure all you need for your party, you should consider sitting down and coming up with a detailed budget for your party. This is of paramount importance to prevent the evening from becoming a burden on your monthly finances!
Begin by listing all anticipated costs, then allocate funds based on priorities. You can also use apps like Mint or YNAB to keep track of expenses in real-time and ensure that you are sticking to your desired budget.
Choose a Unique Theme Inspired By Global Traditions
Next up, let’s talk about the theme for your party! Sure, you can throw a generic garden or dinner party, but the event can be made infinitely better simply by choosing a theme!
Here, global midsummer traditions offer a treasure trove of inspiring themes. For example, Sweden’s Midsommar celebrates the summer solstice with dancing around Maypoles and flower crowns. In Latvia, during Līgo Day and Jāņi Day, guests sing folk songs and enjoy communal feasts. Or, you could take inspiration from Japan’s Obon festival by incorporating lanterns and honoring loved ones.
You can also add a personalized twist by looking at what you and your friends love! For example, you can add a thrill by letting horror movies like Midsommar inspire you!
Send Digital Invites
Digital invitations streamline the invitation process and set the tone for your midsummer party. Platforms like Paperless Post or Evite offer options that you can customize to reflect your theme.
No matter whether you are planning your party on the day of the Summer Solstice or dates or weeks later: be sure to send the invites 3-4 weeks in advance, giving guests plenty of time to RSVP. Include essential details like date, time, dress code, and any special activities, and thanks to today’s tech, you can even set up reminders to make sure your invitees are up to date with the latest news and events.
Opt for Seasonal Foods and Drinks
Seasonal foods and drinks take your midsummer party to the next level! Think grilled corn, heirloom tomatoes, and berry-infused salads. You can also plan for refreshments like cucumber-mint water or strawberry lemonade, or cocktails like margarita or Moscow mule.
If you are not a confident cook or prefer to not spend so much time prepping for the party, choose items that require minimal preparation but pack a punch in terms of flavor – here’s where berries, summer fruit, roasted vegetables, and salads take the center stage!
Create a Memorable Music Playlist
The right music sets the mood for an unforgettable midsummer party, so this is something that you really should not overlook.
Start by curating a playlist that transitions smoothly through different genres and tempos to match the level of energy of your party and the time of the day. For example, an afternoon pool part will benefit from all the summer hits, but you may consider transitioning to a soft jazz or blues after the sun sets.
For a more dynamic experience, consider hiring a local singer, DJ, or even an ai musician to keep the energy high!
Invest in Smart Outdoor Lighting
Although the summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, the last thing you’ll want is for your party to get abruptly interrupted after sunset! That’s where smart outdoor lighting comes in.
You can use different lights to set different zones for dining, dancing, and chatting just by adjusting brightness and color to suit each area. You may also consider solar-powered string lights or LED lanterns are eco-friendly and reduce energy costs.
Last but not least, think about the theme of your party: string bistro lights are perfect for Mediterranean-inspired celebrations, while lanterns, torches, and candles may be better for a Nordic-themed party!
Plan For Activities and Get Essential Amenities
Planning engaging activities is key to a memorable midsummer party! Consider interactive stations like DIY flower crown making or a photo booth with fun summer props.
You could also set up lawn games like cornhole or bocce ball to encourage guests from different social groups to interact with one another and create a more fun, cohesive atmosphere.
Additionally, some amenities that you may consider investing in to set more of an atmosphere for your party include a fire pit, a paddling pool, or even a BBQ area.
Use Eco-Friendly Decor
Eco-friendly decor adds charm to your midsummer garden party while showing your commitment to sustainability. Opt for reusable or biodegradable materials like bamboo plates, cotton napkins, and glass jars for centerpieces.
Additionally, edible arrangements, such as fruit or herb displays, are a great way to reduce waste and add a touch of summer to the tables. And, as we’ve discussed above, solar-powered lights can help you reduce your environmental impact while giving your party the atmosphere it deserves. Just make sure to avoid single-use plastic and consider rental options for items like tablecloths and dinnerware to reduce waste.
Plan For The Weather and Have a Contingency Plan
Weather can be unpredictable, especially as the summer season is just starting, so make sure to have a solid contingency plan. Rent tents or canopies to provide shelter from rain or intense sun, and make sure to stock up on portable fans, umbrellas, and extra blankets for varying weather conditions.
Last but not least, don’t forget that this should be an occasion to have fun and spend quality time with friends and family. So, don’t worry too much about throwing the perfect party and enjoy the day ahead!
