Beyond the Barbecue: Ideas for Unique Summer Soirees

CC Note: It's about time to fire up the grill for the start of summer. Here are a few ideas to spice up that party this weekend!

ARA – The warm weather is here and the summer party season is just getting started. This year, don’t just throw another blasé barbecue or an average pool party for your friends and neighbors - here are four ideas for unique summer soirees that will make a splash:

Backyard Movie Night

Host your own Backyard Movie Night with your favorite summer movies. Blend the fun and camaraderie of group movie watching with a hint of yesteryear’s drive-in theaters by renting a projector that you can set up in your backyard.

It’s possible to rent state-of-the-art high definition projectors for as little as $99 for a weekend from Web sites like www.projector123.com. Place your order online and have the projector shipped directly to your home. The projectors play standard DVDs. For a really nostalgic flare, project onto a large white bed sheet or a wall rather than a rented screen.

Enhance the movie theme by serving theater fare such as bagged popcorn (you can rent a variety of popcorn-making machines and carts), soft drinks in paper cups (specialty Web sites will print personalized cups or cup sleeves for you), oversized candy, nachos and hot dogs. Remember, this theme is easily adaptable for any age group; if you’re hosting a group of kids, pop in a children’s classic. For adults, pick up the latest romantic comedy or action thriller.

Backyard Olympics

Play to sports fans with a backyard party that celebrates the upcoming Olympic Games. Adorn your back yard with torches in honor of the timeless Olympic symbol. Hang flags that represent participating countries from around the world.

Serve guests ethnic fare that salutes the host country – China – as well as the countries from which your guests’ ancestors hail. Or, invite guests to bring a potluck dish representing their ethnic ancestry.

For entertainment, play backyard versions of popular summer Olympic games like relays (three-legged race), shot put (with Frisbees) or diving (see who can make the biggest splash in a kiddie pool).

Gardening Garden Party

Forget tea and finger sandwiches. This garden party gives guests the chance to get down and dirty – really. Plus, it’s an opportunity to spruce up your landscaping. Invite friends over and provide flowers, plants and gardening tools. Have everyone pitch in to place plants around your backyard. Stage competitions for the quickest planters or prettiest arrangement.

Serve fresh fruits and yogurt dip or crudités and sour cream. Whip up some fruit smoothies in the blender and serve refreshing sorbets.

Dog Days

Don’t sweat it when the “dog days of summer” arrive. Turn them into a chance for your friends and family to bond with their canine companions. Invite friends to your backyard to party with their pooches. Serve fare that appeals to both two-legged and four-legged guests, like burgers and grilled chicken. Have dog biscuits and canine ice-cream on hand for the hounds.

Set up games dogs love like fetch, Frisbee or an obstacle course. Position children’s pools around the yard so canine guests can cool off and humans can dip their toes.

With the right props, food and creativity, you can ensure your guests will have a blast and your sizzling summer soiree will be the talk of the town.

Courtesy of ARAcontent