It's About Time for a Summer Party

Maybe you're thinking of a way to beat the summer heat that's just around the corner. That is a very good idea. Can you just imagine you with your guests lounging around on folding chairs in a backyard, an assortment of tasty foods on the picnic table, you flipping burgers at the grill? But all you have to remember and the only requirement for throwing a summer party is that it be summertime, the rest is completely up to you. It just depends on you to decide upon where to hold you shindig. The three main options for many people is a backyard, local park, or a rooftop.

Backyard

Placing or throwing a party in your own backyard is probably the most convenient place to host it. It's private, it's easy for people to find, and if you run out of food, you can simply run inside the hose and grab some more. If you have a pool, that is an awesome bonus for you, so take off the shirts and jump in!

Remember to set the rules of your house early on. If you're trying to invite over a lot of people and their friends, especially those you don't know, it's a good idea to have signs on the doors asking people to stay out unless they need to use the bathroom. If the party is a smaller list of fluids, you might even want to consider planning a portion of the party to take place indoors.

Clean up your area thoroughly before inviting everyone over, especially if you have a dog that likes to fertilize your grass the natural way. It's possible your friends will have a sense of false security when walking around you're backyard, so they probably won't wear shoes. So do everyone a favor and make a sweep for outstanding grass, priority rocks, and anthills. If a swimming pool is involved, remind everyone that the pool is clean and that you sterilized it with chlorine. Tell them to also bring their own set of change clothes so that they don't have to sit in wet swimsuits all day. It would also be wise to have plenty of spare towels and plastic bags handy.

Local Park or Beach

Many people prefer having a party at a local park or beach because of the thought of everyone trashing their homes. That's why its called a party isn't it? Most large parks come equipped with several barbecuing areas, which also saves you the hassle of purchasing a grill if you don't already own one. Make sure there's room for you and all your guests at the park. Stake out a barbecue area early in the morning before all other summer party planners beat you to them. In addition to the party, make sure you provide your guests with directions to your exact location in the park.

In case you haven't noticed, parks are sometimes extremely big places with many "perfect" areas to hold a party. Pick a location that is close to a landmark in the park and, if possible, a cell phone number to contact you would be great.

Rooftops

A city dweller especially in NYC, has very limited choices in where to host a summer party. If your apartment building has a roof that's not slanted at an angle, you could consider holding your party up there. You don't always need grass to have a phenomenal time. But do make sure you get with your landlord and ask for permission. Make it a potluck feast where everyone brings some food. That way, you won't be stuck inside a hot steamy kitchen. If the party your holding is on a rooftop, buy a little wading pool or some water toys so people can cool off in a way other than hiding out in your apartment.

SET A BUDGET AND GO SHOPPING.

Jot down everything that is a necessity for the party and estimate a reasonable cost. Include everything from spoons to ribs. It is best to overprice when you're in doubt of what the real price is for an item. At least you won't be caught without enough money at the supermarket. After you've made up your list, total the cost of all your items, and add another ten percent to the price. Always keep in mind that people will eat more at a party than they would when dining out. Do you know why? Money. If the budget comes out to be a bit more then you expected it to, critically revise your list.

Here's a list of supplies and food you should probably have, buy, or rent for your party:

- Large table (for guests)

- Smaller table (for food and drinks)

- Enough chairs

- Paper or plastic cups and plates

- Napkins

- Plastic utensils

- A cooler for the drinks

- A grill, charcoal, lighter fluid, tongs

- A little bit of decoration

Always remember everything varies depending on your budget and desires.

- Different kinds of chips

- Salad and dressing

- Fresh fruits or fruit salad

- Corn

- Potato salad

- Finger sandwiches

- Meats and matching buns for grilling (burgers, hotdogs, pork chops, steak, veggie burgers)

- Ice cream and toppings

- Condiments

- Drinks

- Several bags of ice

There's a good chance that you'll spend at least $50 on food and drink alone depending on the number of guests. When you are actually physically at the supermarket, don't buy anything that's not on the list, unless it's something very important.

PREPARE THE FOOD

On the day of the party you or someone close to you better know how to grill. It is highly recommended. There's nothing to it. A shish kebab is food on a stick. It's very simple and it's always a great starter for the party. Then on to the main course depending on what kind of meat you bought. The tricky part is grilling it to how the guest wants it cooked.

When everyone has had their share of your delicious cooking, move onto s'mores, fruits, and desserts. No summer party is complete without the official desserts of summer: watermelon and ice cream.

ON THE SAFE SIDE

On the day of the party make sure you see that the weather is nice and sunny. Bad weather is always a downfall for a bash. Mosquitoes are little buggers that plan on biting into your guests and they bite into their food. Get some insect repellent with 30% diethyltolumide and make sure your area is free of stagnant water. Attractive citronella candles ironically help to repel bugs and mosquito netting can make a backyard look romantic.

One of the most common disasters ever is boredom. Please, whatever you do, don't forget the music at your party. It'll add a festive mood and someone will be the next Michael Jackson. You'll need a portable CD player and an assortment of CDs. You should also organize something from like a water balloon fight or a softball game. If all else fails, Twister will always connect people together. But most importantly, don't stress and be cool, everything will fall right into place and it could be the best party ever.