With Summer quickly approaching, there is no better way to celebrate the warm weather and longer days than with a sunset soiree. Here are a few tips to take your next sunset party to the next level.
Create a Signature Cocktail
The first thing you should do is create a signature cocktail that you can serve to your guests when they arrive, getting them in the party mood from the very start. The best part about a signature cocktail is that it can be almost anything you want.
However, it's always best to start with something you already like, like an amaretto sour or a Mojito, and then adjust the flavors to put a twist on it. This means you know you will end up with something delicious.
Pick a Theme
Another brilliant way to set your party apart from the rest is to have a theme, especially if you convey it through the invitations, food, dress code, and other details. While you can choose any theme you want, there are three that are ideal for a Summer soiree.
Luau
A luau theme is ideal for those who want a more island feel, great music, dancing, and everything in between. Considering they aren’t super-popular outside of Hawaii, it will also be a type of party many of your guests may have never experienced before.
When decorating, think of a tropical paradise. Consider adding fire torches to light up the area, premade leis to hand out to guests, and even a luau dance competition for everyone to enjoy.
Beach-Party
You can never go wrong with a beach party, and if you live near one, then the perfect location is ready and waiting. You don’t need to do much to improve it; a speaker or two for music, some tiki torches, and a table of easy-to-eat food for your guests to dive into.
If you don’t have a beach close to you, you can still get the beach party vibe with a few smart decor ideas. Place beach chairs and towels in the garden, have some wave sounds playing over the speakers, and if possible, you can even buy bags of beach sand and make a mini beach right at home.
Pool Party
A pool party is another classic that's most certainly a crowd pleaser. All you need is some loungers, towels, fun music, delicious food, and cold drinks. The best part of a pool party is that the entertainment and fun are already there, as many guests will enjoy splashing around and relaxing in the water.
Wow, with the Menu
One part of your party that will truly make it unforgettable is the menu. When it comes to a soiree with more than half a dozen guests, you want to go the route of having finger foods, as well as a main course and dessert.
Having both on the menu means your guests won’t be hungry, but the main meal ensures you can all sit around and enjoy it together before getting back to the fun.
Decorate Appropriately
As mentioned with the themes, don’t let your own party down by not decorating appropriately or enough. There's no need to spend thousands on decorations, but make an effort to make your space feel like the advertised theme.
Additionally, using websites like Amazon, you can easily find decorations and party favors in bulk, at very reasonable prices.
Curate a Playlist
With websites and services like YouTube and Spotify, there's no reason not to have great music at your party. YouTube Premium allows you to use the app without ads, meaning you can make an uninterrupted playlist for the entire evening.
However, Spotify shines when it comes to playlists, as there are countless to choose from, and plenty that will fit with even the most niche theme and feel. This means you can easily find a playlist for your specific tastes and needs in a matter of minutes.
Entertainment
Never underestimate the power of having a game or activity that everyone can participate in and enjoy. Plus, when the night starts to calm down a bit, it's the perfect way to lift spirits and inject some energy into everyone.
It is also best to stick to simple games or activities that don’t have a lot of rules or require a lot of instruction, but you can spice it up by adding some rewards for the winners and even some fun punishments for those who did the worst.
Enlist Some Help
Nothing screams “class” more than having some help on the night. Whether it be a waiter or two, or a bartender you hire for the night, enlisting a professional means spending less time in the kitchen or organizing drinks, and more time with your guests.
This also ensures that everything runs smoothly, especially when it comes to food, as you won’t have to worry about doing everything yourself.
Photographer
Finally, if you can, hire a photographer for a few hours to capture all the amazing moments of the evening. Not only is this a great keepsake for you, but you can send your guests all the best photos of themselves and the evening, too.