Summer is basically here. The days are longer, everyone’s suddenly free on weeknights again, and if you’re anything like me, your group chat has already started the “when are we getting together” conversation.
Whether you’re hosting a few friends for drinks on the patio or you’re pulling off a full family reunion with allllll the third cousins you’ve technically met once, I’ve got three tips that’ll make your summer party genuinely fun to host and even more fun to attend.
1. Pick a Theme (Even a Loose One)
A get-together turns into a party the second there’s a theme. You don’t need to overthink this or turn it into a second job. A simple summer party theme, think Beach Bash, Backyard Summer Camp, or a Retro Pool Party, gives you a jumping off point for everything else. Decorations, food, even your playlist can follow from there.
This is honestly my favorite part of planning any event. Once the theme’s locked in, the rest of the decisions get so much easier.
2. Keep the Food Simple and Build Mingling Spots
Here’s something I’ve noticed at pretty much every party I’ve ever been to: people cluster wherever the food is. So use that. Instead of one big buffet table, spread finger foods around your space in a few spots, each with its own cozy seating nearby. It naturally creates little conversation pockets instead of one crowded line.
If food planning stresses you out, a build-your-own station solves that instantly. A taco bar, sandwich bar, or a cocktail and mocktail station lets guests customize their own plate without you having to guess everyone’s preferences ahead of time.
3. Build the Playlist Before the Party, Not During It
No summer party is complete without music, and the right playlist does more for the vibe than almost anything else on this list. Build it ahead of time so you’re not fumbling with your phone mid-party. Let it match your theme. Beachy and chill for a Beach Bash, upbeat throwbacks for a Retro theme, whatever fits.
4. Give Guests Something to Actually Do
This is the part people forget. Food, music, and decor set the mood, but guests remember the moments where they actually did something together. A photo booth is one of the easiest ways to add that. I bring a vintage 1968 camper trailer set up as a photo booth to events around Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah County, and it turns into its own little gathering spot, kind of like the food table, except everyone leaves with a printed photo in hand.
You don’t need anything elaborate. Just something that gets people laughing together for five minutes.
I can’t wait to see what you throw together this summer. If you try any of these, send me a message, I genuinely love seeing how people make these ideas their own.
Want Photo Camper at your next summer get-together? Contact us to see if your dates are available.