Summer Party Planner

Easy decorating and entertaining ideas for your next outdoor gathering.

Creative Party Ideas

13 Summer Drink, Dip, and Dessert Recipes
These tasty additions will make the rest of your summer meal a cinch.

The All-American Summer Menu
Six easy takes on the country's favorite local dishes.

Summer Party Menus

Warm-weather meals that perfectly complement summer reds, whites, and beers.

Photo: Kana Okada

Host a Pool Party

Nothing says summer quite like a pool party. Dive into these quick, delicious, and creative ideas.

Photo: Rob Howard

40 Cool Drinks for a Hot Day

Quench your thirst with these simple, summery drinks.

Photo: Kathryn Barnard and Greg Kessler

Best Summer Beach Towels

Whether you’re lounging poolside or hitting the sands, these towels will add a sizzle to your summertime fun.

Photo: pbteen.com

More Party Ideas

Outdoor Party Planning Tips

How To: Make a Cosmopolitan
Every good hostess should master one great cocktail recipe, and tasty cosmopolitans are always impressive crowd-pleasers. Follow the quick technique shown in this video and your guests will be raising a glass to you in no time. Cheers!

Throw an Ice Cream Social
Throw a sweet low-stress bash in honor of your favorite dessert.

Houseguest Prep Checklist

Make out-of-town visitors feel welcome, comfortable, and maybe even a little pampered.

Have a spare key made. Tell guests where it will be hidden (if they’ll arrive while you’re out) or hand it over when they get there, so they aren’t ringing the doorbell every time they return.
Make the bed with clean sheets. If you have a guest room, freshen up its linens.
Test the air mattress. If your “guest room” is a blow-up mattress in the living room, see that it’s in good condition. Inflate it to make sure there are no holes, and, if you have time, vacuum the surface so it’s free of dust.

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