Summer is a great time for a Nautical Themed Party!

Imagine a day at the beach or out on a yacht, with the waves crashing and the wind blowing. Now picture your party, the tables and centerpieces decorated with sand and seashells, your friends and family complimenting your beautiful centerpieces and creative decor. Here is how to pull it off!

Hosting your nautical party outdoors is ideal, however, indoors is fine too. A Large deck or backyard is great, but a beach or yacht is even better!

Party Decor

• Blue and white everything!
  

  Nautical Decor'
• Drape tables with fish netting
• Scatter sand and seashells along the table tops
• Use a life-preserver with flowers in the middle as a centerpiece
• Display miniature lighthouses and nautical flags
• Fill clear jars with sand, shells and rocks
• Use palm trees to shade your beach chairs
• Hang paper lanterns or twinkle lights for when the sun goes down
• Incorporate anchors, either miniature or cardboard cut outs
• Coconuts and driftwood make interesting table toppers
• Party centerpieces featuring small flower arrangements in blues and whites wrapped and placed in small clear jars are ideal. Each arrangement will have a name card on it for each guest to take home as a party favors!

A Surf and Turf Menu – A sea food buffet to include

• Shrimp and veggie shish-kabobs
• Shrimp cocktail
• Lobster, cod, salmon or any fish fillet
• Crab cakes
• Angel hair pasta topped with basil, scallops, and shrimp
• Fish and chips!

Check with your local caterers to see what Seafood options are available in your area.

Sea Worthy Drinks

Tropical Desserts

• Tropical fruit parfait served in martini glasses
• Chocolate mouse
• Fresh fruit kabob fondue
• Tropical flavored cupcakes topped with sea blue icing
• Nautical themed cake

Sea Worthy Drinks

Having spritzers and wine available are always a nice treat. Punch, iced tea and lemonade go well with the theme as well. Captain Morgan and beer also adds a nice touch.

Setting the Mood with Entertainment

If you can't afford a live band, you can buy "Beachy" or a tropical music on CD and play it in the background. A few great choices are:

• Steel Drum Band
• Bob Marley
• Jimmy Buffett
• Navy songs

Your themed party will come together easily once you have put everything together. As hostess, you can dress up as captain or even a mermaid! Now sit back and enjoy your party!

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Planners.
Not in Miami, FL No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party planner near you!

"Ship A Hoy!" & Punch picture taken by formatted_dad, Angela via Flickr & Wikipedia

It's July! Summer is meant to be spent outdoors having great times with family and friends. You want to enjoy every minute of it and soak up those sun rays. However, what are some party ideas or activities that you can enjoy outside? Wedding And Party Network's July newsletter is all about getting outdoors and what you can do to enjoy it.

Get Your Yard Clean – Don't forget to make sure your yard is functional and clean. Guests should be able to mix and mingle in your yard easily.

Don't Forget The Inside – Even though your party is outside, guests will still come in. So, don't forget to clean up in the bathroom, entryway and kitchen.

Seating – Make sure you have plenty of seating. You may have only invited a few over, but you never know what may happen. So, it's better to have more seating than needed.

Menu – When planning your menu, keep your guests in mind. Not everyone enjoys the same food you like. Some may have certain allergies as well, therefore, offer a variety. A caterer will have great suggestions.

Atmosphere – The atmosphere is extremely important for your party. Strings lights, set out candles and place fresh flowers throughout your party.

Pesky Bugs -With summer and being outdoors, also comes bugs. So, make sure and prepare with citronella candles and bug repellent.

Along with party tips, be sure to pick out a great party theme for outdoors. You can come up with some really creative themes. Choose from a circus party, carnival party or even a baseball party. Just remember to get creative and have fun with it!

If you are planning a party for summer, let Wedding and Party Network help!

Summer parties call for the outdoors! Do you want a casual or formal event – upscale atmosphere? Chose a party theme that your guest will enjoy; a beach party, a Hawaiian tiki party, a pool party, block party or a back yard BBQ.
Read more about Steps for a Great Summer Party

4 Tips To Keep Your Yard Ready For Any Event

With summer upon us, everyone is ready to get outdoors and get those grills fired up. The great thing about the warm weather is you can host lots of great parties outdoors. They are a cinch to put together, but everyone will still have a great time. However, do you dread getting that yard ready in order for all your fabulous parties?
Read more about Keeping Your Yard Ready

Summer Pool Party Ideas

Summer is finally here! School's out and it's time for a vacation! You probably wont get to see your friends as much, so what better way to catch up on things and have a good time than by throwing a summer pool party! It's time to do some planning and make a few phone calls.
Read more about Summer Pool Party Ideas

Why YOU Should Throw A Block Party

As the end of summer quickly approaches and kids get ready to start back to school, this is a great time to re-connect with your neighbors by throwing a fall block party or back-to-school block party.
Read more about Throwing A Block Party

Tis' the month of bright colors and hot summer days and nights. It's July! Being outdoors is a must during the summertime and hosting parties are at the top of your list. There are so many ideas and themes that you can use for these hot months.
Read more about July

What creates color and sets the true tone of your event? Setting the tone, representing the season and showing off color comes from flowers. You want guests to walk into your wedding or event and immediately get the sense of what the night will bring. Flowers do just this. So, if you are in the Benton, Louisiana area, Adcock & Associates Inc. is the florist for you.
Read More about Adcock & Associates, Inc.

For more vendors in your area, visit Wedding And Party Network for all of your wedding and party planning needs!

The summer months are the best times to party with endless opportunities and countless holidays to celebrate! With June and July being the first warm months of the year, it is the perfect time the pull out the party supplies and GET YOUR PARTY ON!

5 Reasons to Party:

1.) June 14th: National Flag Day

Flag Day was first observed in 1877 on the 100th anniversary of the continental congress' adoption of the stars and stripes as the official flag. There are 3 major holidays that memorialize the red, white and blue flag; Memorial Day, National Flag Day and Independence Day. National Flag Day is a day to show respect to our Flag.

Party Ideas : Throw a Flag Day Picnic!

• Decorate everything in Red, White and Blue – Your party decorations should definitely be patriotic!
• Display American Flags throughout the party area
• Use cut out stars on tables, banners and decor
• Serve fresh fruit, veggies and cold cut subs
• Take the party to a park, beach or pool for fun in the sun!

2.) June 21st : Father's Day

Father's Day was first recognized as a holiday in 1972 by President Nixon. However, the first Father's Day was actually celebrated in 1910. It is a day to celebrate and honor your father or father figure and the contribution he has made to your life.

Party Ideas: A Father's Day Luncheon

• Invite your family and friends to a casual luncheon
• Cater your guests with your father's favorite party foods
• Spend the afternoon playing or watching his favorite sports

3.) June 21st: Summer Solstice

People around the world celebrate summer solstice for spiritual and religious seasonal days of celebration. Summer solstice is an astronomical event that occurs 2 times a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most oriented toward the sun, causing the sun to reach its Northernmost or Southernmost extreme. The Northern hemisphere summer solstice and the Southern hemisphere winter solstice happen simultaneously.

Party Ideas: Celebrate with a Bonfire!

• Create a Bonfire in your back yard or local campground
• Serve marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolates for s'mores
• Offer hot chocolate or chai tea

4.) July 4th: Independence Day

Celebrating America's Birthday! America was founded in 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Party Ideas: Good Ole 4th of July BBQ

• Invite friends and family to a great backyard or block party!
• Decor should be red, white and blue
• Cater your guests with grilled meats; chicken, burgers, hot dogs or brats
• Guests bring side dishes or desserts
• Set out coolers filled with ice and a variety of beverages
• Incorporate sports and activities to keep the party up beat!
• End the night with a display of fireworks!

5.) July 26th: Parent's Day

In 1994, Parent's Day was made a national observance to honor and increase awareness of parental responsibilities. Parent's Day is a day to celebrate the love between parents and their children. It takes place on the fourth Sunday of July.

Party Ideas: A Family Get Together

• Plan your party around your parents and their likes
• Inviting everyone over to a family dinner or picnic
• Decorate with family photos, collages, banners, flowers and balloons
• Take this time to really honor and celebrate your parents, creating delightful memories for the family

If these holidays aren't enough for you, here are some more strange and unique holidays in June and July to help get your creative juices running!

June 1st – National Doughnut and Flip a Coin Day
June 6th – National Yo-Yo Day
June 8th – Best Friend Day
June 26th – National Chocolate Pudding Day
July 10th – National Pina Colada Day
July 14th – Shark Awareness Day
July 16th – National Get Out Of The Dog House Day
July 26th – National Aunt and Uncle Day
July 30th – National Cheesecake Day

This post is brought to you by Philadelphia Caterers.
Not in Philadelphia, PA No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!

Paper lanterns, s'mores photo provided by millerm217, Phil Hawksworth

Where to start?

Planning a great summer party takes time, strategy, creativity and imagination! You want your party fun, light and upbeat. So, first things first!

1.) Plan your Budget: The first step to planning a great party is to plan your budget. Set aside the maximum amount you want to spend and don't go over!

2.) Guest List: When creating your guest list, you have to decide how elaborate or simple your party will be. Is this an event for close friends and family only? Or one that will include extended friends and family?

• Break your list into three groups : Those who should be invited, those who you would like to invite and those who might be invited.

3.) What's the Theme?: Summer parties call for the outdoors! Do you want a casual or formal event – upscale atmosphere? Chose a party theme that your guest will enjoy; a beach party, a Hawaiian tiki party, a pool party, block party or a back yard BBQ.

4.) Location: Party Location is key! It has to work well with your theme, and it plays a direct role in the size and budget of the party. Choose a place that suits you and your vision. A great park, beach, pool or your own back yard!

5.) Adequate Seating: You want your guests moving, mixing and having fun throughout the party, so make sure you have plenty of seating available.

• Arranging chairs in small groups all around the party area will help to keep people mingling and socializing with each other.

6.) Menu: For fun in the sun, bring out your grill! BBQ is the traditional summer cuisine. However, you don't have to do the typical BBQ, you can have your party catered with Hawaiian themed foods, surf and turf or a great buffet of fresh finger foods.

• Keep plenty of refreshments on hand, the warm weather always calls for a cold lemonade, iced tea or spritzer.
• Desserts can be fresh carved fruit, light cupcakes or a sweet summer themed cake.
• Remember to plan for success, too much food is better than not enough!

7.) Decorations: Depending on your theme, you will want to keep things bright and colorful. Citrus colors are always a hit for an outside party, with yellows, oranges and pinks. You don't want your table's visual appeal to fade once the food is gone – you need to have stunning summer centerpieces on your tables.

• Flower arrangements with fresh fruits included will wow your guests!
• Twinkle lights in the trees, paper lanterns and tea light candles placed strategically through out your party space will bring a warm ambiance to the atmosphere.
  

  Outdoor Decor
• Umbrellas or canopies will help shade your guests from the sun.
• Sturdy serving ware is important as well. As most guests will be walking or standing while they eat, you will need to offer a sturdy plate, cup and utensils.

8.) Entertainment/Activities: Keeping your party interesting can seem like a difficult task, but you need to make sure that you supply plenty of opportunity for your guests to mix, mingle and laugh.

• Every party needs to have at least one event to bring people together, whether it be a game, contest, a toast or dancing.
• Consider hiring a DJ to set the pace with fun summer music or a photographer to capture candid moments of your guests.

9.) Play Hostess: Keep the excitement up; linger through your party making sure that everyone is mingling and not being left out. Make sure all of your guests get a bite to eat as well.

10.) Enjoy your party! Being flexible is key; you can't make everyone happy, so do your best at enjoying yourself, it's contagious!

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Planners.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party planner near you!

It's summertime! So, get those bathing suits out, sunscreen applied and get out into that water to celebrate. The kids are out of school and it's time to plan those summer vacations. However, if staying at home is more your idea of a vacation, make sure and bring the beach party to your house. It's easy to bring the beach to your house! Therefore, you won't have to hassle with the crowd or traffic and you can enjoy it right in your own backyard.

Beach Themed Party

Beach Party Decorations

Finding summer party decorations will be easy! Just visit your local party store or use what you have around the house. Use beach towels as table linens and scatter seashells down the middle of the table.

Use sand pails and fill them up with sand for centerpieces. You can also place around sunglasses or sunscreen scattered around your party. Create sandcastle cutouts, turn sand pails into serving bowls and use tiki torches for party accents.

For other decor, hang beach balls around the party. Surfboards are fun too! You don't have to have the real thing, you can get crafty with it and make your own out of cardboard. Place sandboxes out everywhere for people to jump in and build sand castles.

Don't forget the water! If you don't have a pool, place multiple pools around, water slides and water sprinklers. Just get beach inspired. Your party decorations should definitely imitate the beach.

Beach Food

Again, it's summertime. Therefore, keep your party food light and refreshing. It won't be elaborate menu, it will be simple. Light appetizers and cool, refreshing food is all your party really needs. Everyone will be satisfied.

Take fruit and a cookie cutter and shape the fruit into sand boxes, starfish or fish. Place them on a wooden dowel in a sand bucket. Use Caribbean flavors for your shrimp, crab salad, shrimp cocktail or grilled salmon for your party menu.

For dessert? Stick with the theme and create a sandcastle cake! You can even stick with lighter deserts as well. Popsicles are always yummy as well as angel food cake or a summer treat with whipped cream.

Also, don't forget about the refreshments! You and your guests definitely need something to cool off with. Come up with signature drinks, lemonades or even slushies to satisfy everyone's thirst.

Entertainment

There are lots of things you can do for some beach entertainment. If you are having sandboxes set up in your yard, have a sandcastle contest. Divide your guests into groups and supply them with all the essentials when making a sandcastle.

Let them work on it throughout the entire party, they can work or take breaks when they want. At the end, you will judge and decide who had the best sandcastle. You can also play limbo that everyone will enjoy or just hang out and relax by the pool.

The whole idea behind this party is to bring the beach to your own backyard. Sit back & relax if you'd like or entertain everyone with fun ideas and games, whatever goes with this party!

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Decorations.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party planner near you!

Beach party decorations provided by StreetFly JZ via flickr.

Want to host a unique summer party? However, what theme could you use to make your party stand out? A Summer Solstice party!! Summer Solstice typically falls at the end of June and officially marks the last day of spring. Therefore, you should host a party to mark this special occasions with your friends. Well, Wedding And Party Network has some great party tips in making your Summer Solstice an exciting event.

A Fun Twist

Summer Solstice Party

Since it's like you're bringing in the start of summer, compare it to how you would do on New Year's Eve by counting down the minutes till midnight. Make sure and hold your party from 7 or 8 until midnight, that way you can count down till summertime. Celebrate it just the way you would New Year's.

Party Details

You should definitely convey summer throughout your party with a touch of elegance. So, here are a few party decorating tips to get you started.

Summer Tablescape -Place simple floral arrangements on all the tables and surround them with beautiful tealight candles to create an intimate, ambient feel.

Party Decor – Since it's outdoors and your party is later in the evening, be sure to string up lights throughout your yard. Hang beautiful white paper lanterns in the trees, mason jars with candles and create a wonderful light, airy feeling to your party.

Party Favors – Parties outdoors are wonderful, however, there are many factors that can affect your party. So, be ready. If you're preparing for a warm night ahead, let paper fans be your party favors.

Maybe you're planning on dancing, well let them kick off their shoes with flip-flops that you will offer them. You can even be creative and give the essentials of summer in a goodie bag. Sunscreen, bug repellent, travel fan and flip-flops would be great!

Summer Food – Everything should be kept light and refreshing. Shrimp cocktail, veggie kabob, fresh fruit, light sandwiches, canapes or bruschetta all will make wonderful appetizers for your party. Light, cool and refreshing is the key, especially if the warm summer heat is already upon you.

Sweet Treats – S'mores, sundae bar, ice cream and popsicles are great items to help everyone cool off. S'mores are outdoor classics, while a sundae bar lets your guests get creative and eat the treat they they'll enjoy.

Now, it's time to kick-start summer with a fun countdown! Use fireworks or bells to ring in the start of summer. It'll be a great way to get all your friends together and have a wonderful night!

Olivier Engel

Everyone loves parties!

Whether your party is for a birthday, graduation or celebration you can turn your fantasy party into a reality with these helpful tips.

Set A Budget!

Make a list of what you will need for the party and then list realistic prices for each item. Create a limit for yourself and stick with it!

Great parties don't have to be expensive:
You can throw an impressive party without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for keeping your party affordable.

• Host the party in your home or a friend's home
  

  Party Entertainment
• Limit your guest list:  Only invite a few people – great friends make for a great party!
• Make your own party invitations or call or email your guests ahead of time.
• Use fresh flowers to decorate with, either from your garden or your local florist.
• Make your own cake or cupcakes, or ask a creative friend to help.
• Buy paper products at discount or dollar stores. Try not to use the character party decorations (Dora, Disney, Handy Manny), they are often priced higher. Go for a more creative and personalized theme.
• Purchase party favors from discount, dollar stores or create your own.
• Keep your party menu simple.
• Purchase a "party package":  Check at your local roller skating rink, bowling alley, amusement park, zoo or community pool for party packages. These can sometimes cut costs by including, party favors, food, the cake and the entertainment!

Fabulously Creative Party Themes

For Kids

1. Ice Cream Sunday Party
2. Wild Animal Party
3. Circus Party
4. Pirate Party
5. Botanical Explosion -  Garden Party
6. Butterfly Party
7. Super Mario Party
8. Lego World Party
9. Hello Kitty Party
10. Tie Dye Party

When throwing a party for kids, not having enough activities can be disastrous! Be creative and ready, planning at least five or six different games or activities will be enough entertainment for the party. Even if it is just hide and go seek with a twist of pirate style or hopscotch! Just be ready to entertain!

You want your party to be as stress free as possible. Make sure you have help; Ask other parents to help supervise the party, especially if you have several children attending.

For Adults

1. Cocktail Party
2. Fiesta Time!
3. Murder Mystery
4. Christmas in July
5. Tea Party
6. Wine Tasting Party – Yum!
7. Retro Party
8. Beach Party
9. Jacuzzi Party
10. Vintage Hawaiian Luau
11. Rolling 1920's

Parties are for having fun, don't forget that even though you are the host, you are still a guest at your fabulous party and you deserve to enjoy it too!

This post is brought to you by Washington, D.C. Party Planners.
Not in Washington, D.C.?  No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!

Turning 50 is a HUGE milestone and one that many people dread. This party will be as special as the birthday guest!
Over the Hill is a commonly used  party theme and by playing it up with an ALL black party decor, you'll have a successful 50th birthday party that everyone will enjoy!

Over the Hill Food

Over the Hill Menu

Fruit trays, chips and dip, veggie trays, chicken wings, finger sandwiches on rye bread, hamburgers, brats or grilled chicken will all make wonderful party food. Keep the menu enjoyable for everyone. If you don't feel like cooking, call your local caterer to create a wonderfully personalized menu!

You should definitely think black for your food. Your menu can contain fruit dipped in DARK chocolate, black olive kabob with cheese, black bean salads, blackberries, black mushrooms, black rice, black licorice and a fantastic black birthday cake!

Create a signature drink with a funky personalized name. Add black food coloring to for a finishing touch.

Black Party Decorations

Keeping up with the black party decorations will be easy. Just visit your local party store and you'll find everything you need. So, stick with the basics, such as black balloons, black flowers, black napkins, table clothes, confetti, and even black foods. The party decorations are easy,  but will definitely set the theme for this birthday party.

Decor:

• A great centerpiece for an over the hill party is a birthday chronicle featuring historically accurate information as a newspaper page. With the birthday star's picture and bio as the focal point, you can include fun facts from the their birth year.
• 

  Over the Hill Decor
  Create a slide show honoring the birthday guest through out their 50 years of life.
• Music : Play oldies all day long, and set up a dance floor to get guests moving!
• Accessorizing tables with wind-up false teeth, laxatives, magnifying glasses, dentures adhesive, icy hot and fiber pills will get a laugh!
• Set up the guest of honor's table with a walker or cane, bib and ear horn.

Entertainment

A fun game to play is name that tune. Split the guests into teams, play 5-10 seconds of music from the 50's and see which team can name the song and artist first! Each correct answer gets the team a point, each incorrect answer loses one point. The team with the most points in the end wins!

Whether your party is simple or elaborate this party is sure to bring laughs and good memories!

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Planners.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party planner near you!

It's the beautiful warm summer days and cool summer evenings that make it a perfect time to host a great garden party. Whether you are hosting a laid back casual picnic or a more formal affair, a garden party is a great way to bring friends and family together for a day of fun in the sun.

Invitations

Personalizing your party invitations is key. Even if you are only having a few people over, making them personal will make your guests feel welcomed and special. You can create beautiful invitations with card stock, rubber stamps, calligraphy pens, dried flowers or anything that sets the mood for your special event.

Asking for an RSVP is a good idea if you are planning on serving a full meal. If your event is casual, let your guests know that shorts, sundresses and flip-flops are welcome! Or if you are holding a more formal party, let your guests know what attire to wear.

Decor

Spruce up your backyard or porch with elegant table clothes, silver wear and beautiful overflowing arrangements of flowers. Crystal glasses add a beautiful touch, as well. You can buy mix matched glasses from a local antique store to create a vintage feel. Terra cotta pots make great utensil holders and carved fruit arrangements are fun centerpieces! You can drape fake pearls along the tables for a vintage look or use algae and rocks to create a unique design.

When hosting a garden party, you have to keep in mind that mother nature might RSVP as well. Therefore, you should have a backup plan just in case. You can use canopies or set up a space indoors to save you from any last-minute surprises!

Fine Dining or Casual Picnic

Picnic style parties are often laid back and have a buffet style menu including favorites such as finger sandwiches, fresh-cut fruit, veggies and dip, pasta salads or BBQ on the grill. Local caterers can offer delicious options for your party buffet.

Lemonade, sweet tea and punch in large vases will work great. If you are treating your guests to a full meal, you can serve an entrée' of fish or chicken with fresh steamed veggies or a fresh strawberry and spinach salad. Cookies, cupcakes and chocolate mousse are great sweets to add to your menu.

You can include themed cocktails in your menu as well ~ mint julep, gin and tonic, white and red wines or wine coolers go great with an outdoor party.

Setting the atmosphere

Music is essential to creating the perfect atmosphere for your garden party, depending on your style you can play classic rock hits for your picnic or airy classical selections for a formal theme.

Entertainment

Playing games is not only for the kid's parties, adults like to have fun too! A round or two of horseshoes, bocce ball or croquet will get the party moving. Flower arranging is a fun activity to create. Supply fresh-cut flowers and inexpensive vases for your guests to work their magic. Or have your guests bring their own arrangement and swap with other guests at the party!

What ever your theme, where ever the place, your garden party can be as beautiful and elegant as you wish. Just remember to have fun!

This post is brought to you by Philadelphia Caterers.
Not in Philadelphia, PA No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!

With Memorial Day swiftly approaching, you want to plan a wonderful weekend! Maybe you plan on spending time with your close family or friends, or maybe you want to host a party. Whatever you choose, you want it to be exciting. We always want to remember the meaning behind Memorial Day. Pay tribute to the ones who have given their lives for this country. However, we want to do something unique. Well, Wedding And Party Network is here to give you a few party tips and ideas for your Memorial Day weekend.

Patriotic Barbecue – Of course, this maybe something that everyone does on the 4th Of July. However, it's such a great theme that doing it twice a year still isn't enough. Place red, white and blue tablecloths on each table.

Visit your local florist and have them create fun and festive arrangements that goes with the theme. This will make the tables pop even more. The main thing is to create fun tablescapes. Use mason jars for your drinks,centerpieces or even your place settings. Create fun name tags to go on each one of the jars for an adorable place setting.

Create a hot dog bar, hamburger bar or even an ice cream bar. That way guests can create their own food just the way they like it.

Lets Head To The Beach -This week seems to kick off summer. Therefore, go to the beach. However, if you can't head out to the beach, bring it your yard. There are lots of fun ideas you can do for this theme.

Create food that is chilled and served, it will be a refreshing party. Serve fruit as your appetizer but serve them up in fun shapes. You can even stick them on sticks and place them in a bucket filled with sugar that resembles sand. It will be like you have a pail of sand.

Even get those sand boxes and pools out for the kiddos to play in. Their pools can even serve as a beverage holder to keep all your drinks chilled. This party theme is so much fun and perfect for the holiday weekend.

Baseball – If you have guys in your family or friends that enjoy baseball, why not host a baseball themed party for this weekend? Divide up all your guests and have a home run derby or play a game in your backyard. Everyone will enjoy this time together.

For your party food, set up a concession stand with all the food you would find in it. Popcorn, grilled hamburgers, nachos, cotton candy, snow cones and a candy bar should all be apart of your concession stand. Even serve them up in the paper items you would actually find at a concession stand. You'll have a ball in your very own backyard.

Plan A Trip – For a lot of people, this weekend kicks off their weekly visits to the lake or beach. So, why not join them? Get a bunch of your closest friends and family and plan a weekend getaway. It's a longer weekend, therefore the trip is worth it. Bring all the snacks and food so you can grill out on the water. It'll give a nice relaxing and fun weekend.

These 4 party ideas and Memorial Day weekend ideas are sure to be a huge success. You will remember them always. However, take the time to remember the men and women who serve our country. It's a special holiday and you'll have fun ways to celebrate.

This post is brought to you by Philadelphia Caterers.
Not in Philadelphia, PA No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!