Alas, summer is here! This year by far is the most exciting one for our family. As most of you know, we welcomed our son early November of last year. Which also means preparing for his “first time” experience in life. While my husband thinks it wouldn’t mean much since Josiah King won’t remember, I beg to differ. I want to cherish the moments and create memories as he will only have his “first” once and be this little for so long. So you can only imagine how thrilled I am to enjoy the weather as it is my favorite season.
With the weather blazing, everyone’s ready to get some tan, enjoy some waves, build some sand castles and even celebrate a family gathering, get together or birthday parties! Who doesn’t love a summer celebration anyway? So I’ve decided to share my favorite products to enjoy ours.
Summer trends come and go, but memories from a well thrown summer party will last forever. With all the eye catchy, distinctive swimwear popping up in the market, vivid cover-ups, wacky toys, and let’s not forget the latest tech– there’s not much effort needed to get the party started. Check out the following tips just in time for the perfect summer fun.
FIRE UP THE GRILL
What’s a party without barbecued chicken? Grill any meat on a portable charcoal grill. Easily achieve that smoked and lightly mesquite flavor by the poolside or even at the beach. Not a fan of the charcoal type? Then go for the portable tabletop propane gas grill. Need some sides? Use an aluminum foil, toss some veggies lightly drizzled with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
For the kids, make sure to pack a bag of marshmallows to toast. Take it up a notch by making smores or a banana boat stuffed with your favorite sweets!
Suggested combination: mini marshmallows, chocolate and peanut butter.
REFRESHING DRINKS
Every party meal needs a refreshing finisher to make it complete. Take a 5 or 10-gallon beverage dispenser to hold a tropical and fruity mocktails that everyone can enjoy. Toss some slices of fruits to make it more creative and party-ready!
No kids around? Then take a beverage bucket, toss in some ice and fill it up with wine, beer or any other bottled and canned drinks. Paper cocktail parasols are optional, but will surely make the drink look even more delightful and refreshing!
***major tip***
serve drinks in style with fun & colorful cup holfders that float!
CHIPS, CRACKERS AND BITS
Don’t forget the snacks! Heading out to the beach or enjoying some sun by the poolside without snacks is like watching a movie without a popcorn – it doesn’t feel right. For the perfect beach/poolside themed party use a toy sand bucket to keep snacks in place and use the tiny shovels to scoop and serve. Colorful, fun and children friendly! Best believe this trick is an all-time favorite in our parties.
At the end of the day, the bucket can also double as a toy (which is the main purpose for it anyway) or to hold some seashells that the kids will collect.
SUGAR AND SPICE WITH EVERYTHING NICE
While everyone else is enjoying a few splashes here and there, there are some who loves to stay cool under the shade, relax and simply enjoy the beautiful view. What better way to accommodate your guest other than serving a fresh, lightly chilled fruits served in ice cream cones! Yes – no ice cream, just the fruits over the cone. For this option to work, make sure to grab a cupcake liner and use it to hold the fruits over the cone to keep it from sagging right away.
***major tip***
serve a healthier dessert by freezing yogurt and serve with granola and fresh diced fruits on top!
BRING ON THE ENTERTAINMENT
We personally love hosting our family and relatives. Somehow I just can’t picture having a celebration or party without a kusic to jam with. I mean, it feels incomplete. With that being said, it is absolutely important to have a device that can keep up. My personal favorite is the Water-Resistant Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST and BLAST Portable Speakers. You can guarantee hours of fun without having to worry if your device can keep up with a couple of splashes or even the long hours of entertainment.
Here’s a closer look …
MegaBlast
Ultimate Ears most powerful speaker with stunning clarity and deep, heart-pounding bass, brings music to life.
Hands-free Amazon Alexa built-in » Ask Alexa to blast tunes, discover new music, crank the volume, find new restaurants.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capable » Wi-Fi connection range for the speaker is 330′. Bluetooth range is 150ft.
Rechargeable battery » Enjoy up to 16 hours with a large built-in battery. Play and charge the speaker simultaneously using the optional cradle or included wall charger.
Get the Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST here: http://bby.me/bvce3
Blast
Blasting 360° intensely rich sound with stunning clarity and deep, heart-pounding bass, brings music to life.
Water-resistant and dust proof design » IP67 rated speaker can be immersed in liquid up to 1m for up to 30 minutes.
Two 35mm active drivers » Alongside with two 81mm x 39mm passive radiators provide crisp and clear sound.
Multiple microphones » With beam forming technology and noise cancellation enable a smooth far field voice recognition and control experience.
Get the Ultimate Ears BLAST here: http://bby.me/k2at6
Ultimate Ears Portable Speakers + Alexa = Perfect Harmony!
Enhanced controls on the Ultimate Ears app: You can now control volume remotely from the app, which is especially useful if you have your music cranked up loud and want to use Alexa. You can also check battery status in two ways – either through the app, or right from the speaker by pressing the “+/-” volume buttons simultaneously. Starting in May, you can personalize your sound for any artist or music genre with the custom equalizer (EQ).
Voice control on Spotify and more (coming soon): Just ask “Alexa, play my Discover Weekly” or any music from Spotify on MEGABLAST and BLAST. Spotify will soon join other Amazon Alexa supported music services such as Amazon Music, Deezer and TuneIn globally; and Pandora, iHeartRadio and SiriusXM in the U.S. — use your voice to control music from these streaming services over Wi-Fi. On Bluetooth, you can enjoy music from any of your favorite music services.
As most of you know by now, I am a proud Best Buy shopper. We visit our local store frequently for all our tech, gadgets, household appliances and more. I love that I can find all that we need, get help from the Geek Squad and experience amazing customer service. Which is also why I always refer everyone to visit and check out Best Buy. Oh, and just in case you didn’t know … they also have snacks, drinks and tech-toys! So if you’re shopping for yourself or your home, feel free to bring the family along!
FLOAT AWAY IN STYLE
Traditional choices for a pool or beach toy are always the same old beach ball, pool noodle, raft or float. Lately however, pool toys have gotten a major upgrade and became increasingly popular the past few years. Don’t get left behind and float away in style this year with the hottest floaties available in the market.
I personally love the bright pink donut float. My husband loves the pizza slice. As for our son, we have yet to discover what he will love, but one thing is for sure … there’s a design and style for everyone.
By simply following this guide, you can guarantee to host the most unforgettable summer party ever – perfect for all occasion, event, celebrations and anything under the sun. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera to capture and document all the fun. Enjoy!
robin rue
August 1, 2018I would be lost without Alexa. I love all the stuff she can do and this is just one more thing to add to the list.
Karen Morse
August 1, 2018This is why I love this season! It’s really awesome to throw parties and just be with family and friends. Love your check list. Nothing like good speakers to keep the music playing without hassle!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All
August 1, 2018I haven’t seen that speaker before, it sounds perfect for an outdoor party. I am excited about the equalizer coming to Alexa.
sundeep
August 1, 2018I am so glad that I found this blog. You are skilled my friend. Keep inspiring
Deirdre Smith
August 1, 2018I love the reminder you gave about having healthy snack options. Frozen fruits and vegetables really are refreshing.
Glenda Cates
August 1, 2018I wish I was in the Pool and I loved the Bathing Suit you had one and I also loved the Cup Holders. All I need is a Pool so I could use them.
Jeanette
August 1, 2018It is definitely clear that I need to come to one of your parties. You definitely know how to host a party. These are some great ideas and I think at my next party I will do something like this.
Terri Steffes
August 1, 2018You have the ingredients for a fun party! I am in love with the floatie drink holders.
Ashley
August 1, 2018That looks like an awesome speaker and perfect for our cookouts and parties. I need to check it out!
Summer Mitch Ryan
August 1, 2018Definitely great ideas you have here. Guests would surely have a blast and a summer they would talk about for days.
Teresa
August 1, 2018Well, you have pointed out all the fun items for summer parties and pool bashes with Amazon. We purchased the Alexa for my husband and my kids had tons of fun playing with it
wendy
August 1, 2018Music can make or break a party -that blast speaker looks great. Gotta have the cool refreshments too!
Amber Myers
August 1, 2018I love this! Summer is the perfect time to relax and unwind. Plus I have Alexa! I need to start using her more often.
Sue Reddel
August 1, 2018Nothing says “party” like a great playlist and the equipment to make it easy to play. I loved those cute drink floats. Adorable!
Jessica Joachim
August 1, 2018I have been wanting to host another party before the end of the summer! I have really been debating getting an Alexa as well
Cassie
August 1, 2018I love new tech! And these sound perfect for any summer party
Maysz
August 1, 2018Very nice speaker. this is perfect for summer spend hangout with music is really fun <4
Carol Cassara
August 1, 2018We love having people over especially during the summer when we can hang out in the backyard. I think these are all must haves for a fun and exciting party!
Bonnie g
August 1, 2018I have always wanted to get an Alexa device. Now that Summer is here seems like a good time to get one.
Liz Cochico
August 1, 2018My son would definitely love to have that speaker! These are awesome tips. I love the idea of floating drinks in those fun and colorful cup holders.
Jessica May
August 1, 2018This looks like a fun summer pool party. Fun summer items everywhere. So inspiring!
kylie cre8tone
August 1, 2018looks like it’s a great summer party…. great tips on how to host a great party at summer. nice..
Louisa
August 2, 2018Goodness! I need those colorful cup holfders that float! Like seriously, they are adorable. Love your chic bikini set too.
KS Rao
August 2, 2018We have always; been looking for a good speaker for parties. Thanks
Kristi
August 2, 2018Summer is all about fun. Love those drink holders and the donut blow up! Great ways to throw a party.
brianne
August 2, 2018Alexa is just the best, I use her everyday for something! And these are great party tips!
Cassie Tucker
August 2, 2018I don’t know which I like more, the drink floaties or the speaker. We don’t currently have a pool but I think I’m going to have to get that speaker to have in the bathroom for when I play music while I’m in the shower.
Wander with ola
August 2, 2018What an amazing list of tips! The floating cup holders look super cute, and the speaker looks awesome!
Chubskulit Rose
August 2, 2018Love that last shot, so pretty! Looks like you didn’t get pregnant at all, still sexy.
Audrey
August 2, 2018Combining a cool blue tooth speaker with Alexa is so cool! This will be perfect to have for the summer fun parties.
Tisha
August 2, 2018No party is complete without the music!! The speakers your recommended sound like they would do the job. I haven’t had any experience with Alexa, but sounds like its a nice add-on!
Serena Hale
August 2, 2018Bringing music to life. That is what I am talking about. I may have to get the waterproof speaker to take with me on an upcoming trip.
LaUren
August 2, 2018Sounds like a great party! I especially love the drink floats! But I love anything pineapple!
Crystal Mendez
August 2, 2018I love how the speakers can connect with Alexa. I love using my ECHO but the sound is not loud enough! I’ll check those out!
Stephanie Jeannot
August 2, 2018Those are the cutest floats I have seen. I think I ant one of those blasts. Looks so cool.
Kimberly C.
August 2, 2018We just had a party at our house and we did pretty good based on your blog. We had a fab sound system, the grill was the star of the show and drinks were plenty. Awesome! now we just need to install a pool ha ha
Jeni Hawkins
August 2, 2018What a cool list! I love that you reminded us about beverages 😛 That’s my favorite part! That speaker looks pretty amazing and I SERIOUSLY love that it’s attached to Alexa!
Amy
August 2, 2018I love your bathing suit! It reminds me of a basketball. I also love Best Buy too,
Stacie
August 2, 2018I’ll have to head over to Best Buy and give these speakers a look. I think they’d be perfect for our backyard barbecues.
Mama to 6 Blessings
August 2, 2018Those are some great suggestions! We are having a pool party this weekend. Those pool floats and floats for drinks would be a hit!
Claudia Krusch
August 2, 2018Sounds like a great summer party! Love all your ideas! Those speakers are the perfect addition to summer fun!
Dawn Lopez
August 2, 2018We enjoy shopping at Best Buy for our technology needs. I love the features on the Megablast speaker. Having Alexa built in is a brilliant feature!
krystal
August 2, 2018Those speakers are AMAZING. I love your tips – I’m still ready to party like it’s summer but my calendar says school starts in ten days… lol
Olga Zak
August 3, 2018This sounds like an awesome speaker and perfect for our parties. I loved your bathing suit. Nice blog and the photo is awesome.
Toni | Boulder Locavore
August 3, 2018These are really awesome tips! I love hosting and attending summer parties! So much fun!!
Alli Smith
August 3, 2018Those cup holders are adorable! I love hosting summer parties and you have some great ideas to make them even better.
April Hammond
August 3, 2018I love hosting parties too! Those speakers sound amazing and perfect for parties all year round. I really like the cupholder floats as well, so cute!
Reesa Lewandowski
August 3, 2018I love using Alexa to play music. We are looking into having a summer party, so this great advice.
Becca Wilson
August 3, 2018This sounds like it would be an amazing summer party. I am loving the idea of the open drinks!
Jennifer
August 3, 2018Thank you for this. We are moving into a new house next month and definitely need this to throw a house warming party <3
katrina m gehman
August 3, 2018those speakers look awesome. i seriously need to check them out as my daughter needs something for her room.
Gisele
August 3, 2018These are all great ideas. Outdoor parties are so much fun!
Tara Pittman
August 3, 2018Those floats are so cute. I want one of each and a pool to use them in.
wendy
August 3, 2018Great idea to have one last party with great music before the end of the nice warm weather!
Melissa Chapman
August 3, 2018Love the tips to host a great summer party and the food and drnks sound so good. I don’t hve an Alexa but it seems like I need to get one.
Saidah
August 3, 2018I just love this list! It has me ready to throw the ultimate summer pool party before schools back in season.
T.M. Brown
August 3, 2018I am sooo in need of a summer party right now – lol!!! We don’t have Alexa, but I hear great things. May just have to consider it in the near future.
Patricia-Ann Que
August 3, 2018how fun is this and what lovely shots! i like those floaty cup holders, they are so cool and most of all very practical!
Lisa
August 3, 2018I’m loving these ideas for an awesome summer party. I just wish we had a pool for everyone to relax in near the house.
Stephanie | Adventures in AUssieland
August 3, 2018Oh my goodness, I LOVE the mini cup holder floaties. Those would even be perfect if you’re floating down a river or relaxing in the ocean!
Waren jean
August 3, 2018I’ve always wanted to buy Alexa but I don’t have budget yet. Hopefully this winter because it’s cuddle time and I would be really lazy to get up. Hahaha. Nice list btw!
Heather
August 3, 2018So many fun things! I love those little cup floats. How fun are they?
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place
August 3, 2018Great tips here. We have a family swimming pool and it’s important to have refreshing drinks, stereo for music and some pool toys and easy summer snacks every time we hang out at our pool in the summer! 🙂
Ada
August 4, 2018Oh my gosh this all looks so fun! I love my Alexa and could definitely give her a list for a great party!
Princess Quinn
August 4, 2018These are perfect for hosting a summer party. I can’t get my eyes off these cute cup holders and utensils. Hosting a party with these items will definitely be a hit!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy
August 4, 2018Wow this does look like you have everything needed to host the best summer party ever. Good food, good drinks and music are all must-haves!
Jennifer Soltys
August 4, 2018I’d like to come to your parties, please! 😉 Those speakers sound like just what we need for our yard, too. We also need to step into the NOW and get Alexa. Awesome ideas here and I LOVE that adorable suit on you!
Joanna
August 4, 2018I love hosting summer parties at my house. These are some great tips and products to look into. Now, I just need a pool.
Joanna
August 4, 2018I love hosting summer parties at my house. These are some great tips and products to look into. Now, I just need a pool. We have bbqs, but a pool would really make our summer parties a lot more fun.
Anonymous
August 4, 2018Love your list! Would definitely use this to plan my party.
Kelly
August 4, 2018Thank you for the party list! Will definitely save to use in the future.
Terri Steffes
August 4, 2018Had to come back and tell you: went to a block party last night and there was your floatie! I thought of you and your darling post.
andrea
August 4, 2018i love summertime being outside, grilling up during the week and weekends, enjoying the pool in the afternoon and just enjoying the heat.
Jona Shares
August 4, 2018Wow, these are awesome ideas! I love the colorful floaters! Actually i am thinking of buying one. This is my first time to see the floater for drinks. So cool!
kumamonjeng
August 4, 2018The megablast and blast look very chic and compact. I like the size as it look super petite and cute. I dont like them t bulky as it is hard to move around. The floats also look super fancy and I like to have them in my IG pictures.
Peter
August 4, 2018I love my Alexa! I use it more as speakers and a Sous chef. My kids love that they can blast their music on it via Bluetooth when I’m out. Great party ideas to pair with.
Rosey
August 4, 2018The drink floaters are cute. And you’re right, it’s not a summer party w/o amazing music and entertainment! I definitely need to get those speakers.
LavandaMichelle
August 5, 2018What a cool post! These are some awesome ideas, those cup holders look amazing. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Christina
August 5, 2018It really does sound like the best party ever! I love it.
David Elliott
August 5, 2018Those look like some great speakers. That’s awesome how Alexa hooks up to so many different devices. Looks like you are ready for the summer party.
Romina Tibytt
August 6, 2018Sounds like a lot of fun!
Kitty
August 8, 2018Such a great way to have a summer part with Alexa… I miss being in USA this summer as I am in India … But having Alexa around is soo much fun