Throw a Killer Party

The hottest parties today are achieved through creative repurposing of what's in your home, rather than spending big bucks! So decorate the table with those old family photos, use an assortment of frames to give your table more character. We've also got recipes and drinks plus cooking, entertaining, and planning tips including a great summer playlist. With the hard work already done, go ahead, throw a party. Despite the heat, you won't even break a sweat!

Backyard Party Plan
Celebrate summer with a mouthwatering buffet, festive drinks, and whimsical vintage-inspired decor. For more info, click here.

Backyard Barbeque Plan
Having a barbecue is about slowing things down, spending time with family, and just relaxing. For more info and all the recipes, click here.

Fuss Free Picnic
In that spirit, every recipe in this menu for eight can be eaten without utensils or plates, keeping packing light and trash to a minimum. Just gather some friends, choose a spot, and dig into these delicious family-style treats. For all the fabulous details, click here.

Grilled Meat Recipes, click here.

Grilled Chicken Recipes, click here.

Grilled Seafod Recipes, click here.

Party Side Dishes, click here.

Making Music

You know it's a party the minute you hear a festive mix of classic summer songs. You gotta love anything by the Beach Boys, and here are other faves to add to your own:

* "Summer Nights," John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
* "Vacation," the Go-Go's
* "Under the Boardwalk," the Drifters
* "Up on the Roof," the Drifters
* "Saturday in the Park," Chicago
* "All I Wanna Do," Sheryl Crow
* "Moondance," Van Morrison
* "Take it Easy," Eagles
* "Margaritaville," Jimmy Buffett
* "(Love is Like a) Heat Wave," Martha & the Vandellas
* "Stand by Me," Ben E. King
* "Waterloo," ABBA

For an outdoor gathering, someone strumming the guitar and singing would make this party look like a scene from a film. So if you invite any talented friends, ask in advance if they want to perform!

Light Show

Once it grows dark, porch lights aren't enough to illuminate the party. Hang strands of simple white lights around the yard's perimeter, or makes beautiful luminarias by placing tea lights inside old tin cans with holes punched in a design. Battery-operated candles and tea lights are also terrific outdoors, as the wind can't blow them out, nor will they tip over and risk causing a fire.

For another idea, you can put a scoop of sand and a votive candle inside a paper lunch sack to make a luminaria. For stronger light, add lanterns and torches to the mix. And if pests are an issue, use citronella candles around the yard's perimeter—they'll add a little more light and help keep the bugs away.

Kidding Around

Adults can't have fun if kids don't, too. We suggest having crayons and pencils for little ones, along with rolls of Kraft paper.

Playing games, such as croquet, cards, and Ping-Pong are fun, even at all-adult parties. There's a kid in every adult, games provide opportunities to bring that out! It gives guests a chance to meet and mingle. Horseshoes, badminton—even a hula hoop contest—can turn the shiest guest into a party animal. Or how about a scavenger hunt, which can be played in teams if your party is on the larger side. For a kids-only scavenger hunt, include items that the adults may have with them, so that everyone is interacting.

Here's to a great summer of wonderful memories!