The ultimate summer party - where do I begin? There are so many amazing decorations and summer foods that you can buy in the supermarkets and shops right now, but if you fancy doing something a little different, here are some amazing ideas from around the web. There are also lots of fun games that you can play with your friends and family.
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1. Jar lights
![Cheap, easy & effective.](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2286-680x448.jpg)
To get this look, use twine, candles and jars and you've got yourself some stunning lights for your party. It's such an inexpensive and lovely idea for the back garden. Check out Anushka's 57 exciting ways you can transform empty jars for more fun like this.
2. Chalkboard sign
![Party this way!](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2287-680x554.jpg)
Tell everybody where the party is by putting up a chalkboard sign. If they need more details such as 'use the gate round the left' then make sure to include more details.
3. Giant beer pong
![So much fun. Photo by Kroqslightning](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2288-680x503.jpg)
Photo by Kroqslightning
Replace little red cups with big buckets for a giant game of beer pong! This is a fun game to play with adults, however, remove the drinking part of the game if you're playing with children.
4. Red wine ice lollies
![Stay away children](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2289-680x412.jpg)
For an adult only ice lolly made with red wine, strawberries and other tasty ingredients, check out Pastryaffair.com. If you're a big fan of the plonk, check out 29 wonderful uses for your leftover wine.
5. Twine lanterns
![DIY lantern project. Photo by Splashofsomething.com](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2290-680x427.jpg)
Love getting craft? Using some balloons, twine and a few more items you can make your very own yarn ball lanterns. They'll look really pretty underneath a big garden umberella (you know the British weather), or hanging up in trees. Follow the helpful instructions from Splashofsomething.com.
6. Colourful paper chains
![Remember these?](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2291-680x508.jpg)
Think back to your childhood and make up some colourful paper chains! If you don't remember how to make them, then check out Wikihow.com for three different methods.
7. Lit-up volley ball
![Fun!](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2292-680x458.jpg)
This is a lovely idea for a late-night summer party and looks so pretty! String up a load of lights onto a volley ball net and enjoy some sport until the wee hours of the morning. You can do this with a badminton net too if you fancy.
8. Rainbow fruit skewers
![Easy!](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2293-680x502.jpg)
An easy (and healthy) dish to make for your party-goers are rainbow fruit skewers. It is simple to do, just grab a variety of different fruits and arrange them into a rainbow.
9. Cup lights
![Cups, who knew you could look so good?](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2294-680x788.jpg)
Dig out your old Christmas lights and using cups with a cross cut in the top, you can have some beautiful lighting. If you want to make an extra effort, use paper, cut it into strips and then tape it around a plain white cup.
10. Streamers
![Pretty streamers everywhere](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2295-680x434.jpg)
Another inexpensive party decoration is the humble streamer. Purchase lots of beautiful colours and throw them everywhere. They will brighten up any outdoor and indoor space - everyone loves streamers!
11. Twister
![Let's twist again...](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2296-680x408.jpg)
Spray paint the grass for a game of outdoor twister! The instructions are at Sheknows.com. You only need 4 cans of spray paint (red, yellow, blue and green), 5 sheets of poster paper, a marker and some scissors. Easy peasy.
12. Watermelon jelly shots
![Not for kids!](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2297-680x407.jpg)
Make these jelly (or jell-o) shots for the party and you'll be a big hit. Follow the instructions at Buzzfeed.com.
13. Tree log tealight holder
![A lovely home for your tealights.](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2298-680x461.jpg)
Grab a sliced log that will lie flat on a table and carve some tealight-sized holes the in the top. These tree logs will make wonderful decorations for your table tops or along the edge of a garden or low wall. See my 19 delightful ways to use the humble tealight for other ideas.
14. Bunting
![Everyone loves bunting!](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2299-680x345.jpg)
It wouldn't be a party without bunting now would it? Check out this No Sew Fabric Bunting idea from Mykidcraft.com. You don't need much at all to make it and you can even get the kids involved to help.
15. Donut on a string
![Fun & tasty](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2300-680x454.jpg)
There's nothing like including donuts in party games is there? Donut on a string is a brilliant game for the kids, but don't worry - adults can play too! String up lots of donuts and two people hold it up with the kids or adults kneeling down, hands behind their backs. The first to eat the whole donut wins!
16. Antipasto skewers
![I need this, right now](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2301-680x532.jpg)
This is a wondeful party snack and I can't wait to try it myself. Pick up all your favourite italian meats, cheeses, olives and more. Thank you Dinneratthezoo.com for the beautiful idea.
17. Apple bobbing lights
![Festive!](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2302-680x479.jpg)
This is a great idea for parties all year round - not just in summer! It's super-simple to do, just cut a hole in the top of an apple and then insert a tea light.
18. Glitter-dipped cups
![Party time!](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2303-680x480.jpg)
Want to add some sparkle to your party? Grab your boring clear plastic glasses and doll them up with glitter. You can see the step-by-step instructions on this image from Handmadepride.tumblr.com.
19. Duel
![Go!](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2304-680x478.jpg)
Set up duel in your backgarden using logs! If you have lots of children about then have shorter logs put out for them. Keep a chalkboard with scores and award the winner with a homemade cardboard trophy.
20. Prosecco station
![What will you put in yours?](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2305-680x438.jpg)
Everyone loves Prosecco and so why not have a 'Pimp your Prosecco' stand at your summer party? Fill it with fruit and juices to help your guests tailor their summer tipple. Yum! This is a great idea for a wedding too - check out 23 unusual wedding ideas for an extra special day for more like this.
21. Seven-layer dips
![Yes please. 7 please seven-layer dips please.](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2306-680x452.jpg)
I LOVE the look of these individually portioned dips. They look incredibly tasty. You can find the recipe at The-girl-who-ate-everything.com. It's perfect because they not only look good, you know they'll taste good too - and you can tailor them to your personal preference.
22. Glow stick bottle lights
![Such a good idea!](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2307-680x416.jpg)
This is a simple idea - wearing gloves, cut a glow stick and pour the contents into coke bottles. Shake them and enjoy the fluorescent glow. A perfect ideas for a fun party in the summer!
23. Painted pineapples
![Perfect party décor](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2308-680x470.jpg)
I'm a big fan of pineapples and love this party decoration idea. You don't need much to make your own, just acrylic paints, foam brushes, pant brushes and some tarp. Follow all the instructions at Pursuiteofshoes.com. I'd love to see a picture of yours if you paint one!
24. Outdoor cinema night
![Lazy party](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2309-680x372.jpg)
Want a nice relaxing party? Host an outdoor cinema night with your friends. Serve popcorn, candyfloss and hire a projector. Check out 17 super fun ways to keep the kids busy this weekend for more great ideas.
25. Mini cheeseburgers
![Yum yum yum](https://d1hssmjjtjwagl.cloudfront.net/images/content/2310-680x498.jpg)
These tiny little burgers are guaranteed to be a big hit at any summer party you host. Serve on a tray with a toothpick and they're the perfect little snacks to grab and eat. Delicious. Find out how to make mini cheeseburgers at Pizzazzerie.com.
Hope you enjoyed all those summer party ideas - have fun!
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