Something about summer says, “Let’s party!” From Fourth of July barbeques to weddings to baby showers, this time of year brings out the party animal in all of us. Just coming off the high of wedding planning, I have a newfound respect for what it takes to orchestrate a fun soiree. Parties are a great way to showcase your creativity and celebrate the good times, but they can fall flat if you don’t add personal flair. As it heats up in Dallas and the pool parties begin forming, here are a few fun ideas to think about before you begin Twittering evites and firing up the grill.

 

The first thing I recommend when beginning to craft a shower, theme party, or “for no reason other than it’s summer” party, is to familiarize yourself with the blogosphere. Blogs are the new go-to for Martha Stewart-esque ideas, but without having to sit through the boring puff pastry recipes. When it comes to cool, vintage chic inspired events, StyleMePretty.com and 100LayerCake.com are the chocolate sundae of creative wedding and shower photos. With cute ideas like personalizing Jones Soda bottles with your own photos and captions, you can make great (and refreshing!) favors. Or how about mustaches on sticks for hilarious photo ops? My sister and I printed out three different mustache styles for a party at Cretia’s, and partygoers could choose to “wear” the Imperial, English or Horseshoe. My grandparents, who are nearing 90 years old even got into it! It made a nice icebreaker and fun keepsake photo for the guests. I also go nuts for making your own paper lanterns and handkerchief banners for a festive July 4th get-together. The best part? Blogs usually have templates you can download and give you step-by-step instructions on how to create the tasty morsels their site offers.

 

For those that love a good old-fashioned pool party (especially when little ones are involved,) a swimming pool scavenger hunt is the hip new Marco Polo. Choose a variety of objects to drop to the bottom of the pool -- anything that doesn't float, isn't made of glass and has no sharp edges. Make sure there is two of everything (one for each team), and give each team a list of items to retrieve. The team that collects the most things on its list in the allotted time wins. This can also work well with adults when you float different adult beverages in the pool and you must collect one of each brand.

 

Not all of us want to throw a party at our own home or building, so research venues in your own backyard, so to speak. For example, Bolsa in the Bishop Arts area has an amazing patio that is perfect for a summer get-together. The seating is shaded and has a convenient bar for flirty summer drinks. If you prefer creative spaces indoors to beat the heat, many people don’t realize you can rent space in the American Airlines Center in Victory Park. The Platinum Club, Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 and Luxury Suites as well as the actual outdoor plaza itself are available for private rental. Imagine renting the plaza for an outdoor movie night on the jumbo screens, or to watch the Rangers going head to head with the Yankees! It would be a summer social that people would be talking about for years to come.

 

Regardless of the theme of your event, just remember that it’s the little touches that people remember. A sweet take-home reminder of the party is always appreciated and a first-rate way to let guests know you appreciate their friendship. The Cake Ball Company has a perfect sized take away treat, or manufacturing your own non-edible treat (my resourceful sis made Peppermint Bath Bombs wrapped in Ikea fabric tied with pretty ribbon,) can make it very personal. I Twitter and ask other people for their suggestions with party favors-you get a ton of imaginative responses! Be sure to Facebook your photos when it’s all said and done-you’re guaranteed to inspire someone else. That said, I’ll be checking my inbox for your evite.