Summer Party Themes for the U.S. Southwest

When the weather warms up, parties in the Southwestern part of the United States almost plan themselves. Friends gather, the grill gets fired up and everyone hits the pool!

Party Planning Essentials

Outdoor parties in the Southwest require some advance planning in regard to several basic things:

Shade - Even if the party is around the pool, it is imperative that there be shady spots for guests if the party starts while the sun is still shining. No host or hostess wants to cause friends or family to experience a severe sunburn or heatstroke as a result of poor planning. If a covered patio isn't available, market umbrellas or sail shades can create shady spots while adding a blast of color!

Homeowner Associations - Many newer neighborhoods are policed by HOA's, so when planning a party, be sure to review the association bylaws (and local laws) to determine community curfews, alcohol ordinances, and noise restrictions.

Temperature and Weather - Even the evenings temperatures are quite warm in many regions of the Southwest, and storms can crop up. Always have a back-up plan in case of a rain storm (or dust storm!) where guests can escape, even if it is for a brief period of time. If you don't have a misting system installed on the patio, gather up some outdoor oscillating misting fans in case the weather is warmer than you hoped for! (See one here selling at Lowes.)

Music - Music is essential for any party. If you don't have outdoor speakers already, make arrangements to move an indoor sound system outside under adequate cover, or invest in a good portable player. For a fun list of songs perfect for a summer party, review this article, "Favorite Songs about Spring and Summer".

Summer Party Decorating

Once you have the business of throwing a party taken care of, the fun begins! Planning for any summertime event is easy, because there are so many fun themes available!

Have a Hawaiian Luau - One of the most popular parties to host outdoors is a luau. My article "Luau Party Ideas" is full of ways to bring the Hawaiian tropics to your backyard! Check it out for decor ideas, music and resources to purchase leis, shells, lighting and more!

Have a Safari! - If you live in the desert, why not a safari? Decorating for a Safari Party is fun and animal print papergoods and decor is abundant. You can make it a Raiders of the Lost Ark party and watch the guests get into their best safari gear! For ideas in decorating, read, "Safari Style Decorating" which paints a good picture of Safari style design, or view the slideshow, "Whimsy of Safari Style and African Design" for some decor ideas to emmulate. Check out places like World Market or Pier1 and online stores such as Partysupplieshut.com for affordable safari party decor and serving pieces.

Post Cinco deMayo Party - May 5th isn't the only day you can throw a fiesta! Bring your home and patio alive with the vibrant colors of Mexico, and serve a spread of that delicious, spicy food that everyone loves in the Southwest. For scads of ideas for any Mexian themed party check out "Throw a Cinco de Mayo Party".

Mardi Gras Party - Even though Mardi Gras is officially over the day before Ash Wednesday, there is no law that says you can't hold a Mardi Gras party any time of the year! Decorate with green, gold and purple and greet guests in their feathery masks and Mardi gras costumes! For a complete party guide, read my article, "Decorate a Mardi Gras party with bling".

Beach Bum Party - Somewhat like a Luau, but less tropical and more California coast, college kegger style. Swimsuits, T-shirts, flip-flops and beer are the essential party components! Keep it simple, but fun, with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, lots of chips and dip, watermelon and maybe some homemade ice-cream. And be sure to play some great music that reflects all that sunshine! Why not start the party by meeting the whole gang at the local waterpark first, ride all the slides like you're twenty again, finishing up the party in your backyard?

Graduation Party - Many graduations fall right at the beginning of the summer, and you'll want this to be a fun and special event! For graduation party ideas, read, "Five Graduation Party Themes".

How About a Green Earth Day Party? - If you and your friends are environmentally friendly, plan a "green party" this summer. Drive home the benefits of recycling and green living in every aspect of your party. Serve your party food on recycled plates. No styrofoam or plastic anything, and recyle those aluminum cans! For ideas on eco-friendly food and drinks, as well as non-polluting decor, read this article on the Epicurious website, "How to Throw a Green Party".

Whatever theme you choose, you can't go wrong throwing a party during summer in the Southwestern Region of the US of A! Fun friends, good food and music, and a cool pool is almost guaranteed to make the event a success!

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