• Summer parties take advantage of the warm summer weather.Summer image by cartho from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  The summer's warm weather allows for many types of outdoor parties. Although people commonly associate graduation parties and Fourth of July parties with summer, any type of party can take on a summer theme. In fact, some people delay parties until the summer months so that they may take advantage of the warm weather.
  
  

Beach Party

• A beach sunset makes a beautiful backdrop for a party.party people on the beach image by RedMartin from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Many people throw summer parties at local beaches where guests can sunbathe on the sand and play in the water. Sports-loving party guests can play a game of beach volleyball for a traditional beach activity. Child parties can have competitions to build the tallest sand castle or collect the most seashells. Party guests appreciate beach parties with clean bathrooms and shower facilities. In addition, party hosts often try to find beaches with nearby picnic benches where they can set up a buffet table for eating before or after the beach activities.
  
  Parents can plan a beach-themed party for young children in their own backyards by filling the bottom of a kiddie pool with sand before adding the water.
  
  

Swimming Pool Party

• Light refreshments are a great for lounging by the pool.A luxury orange cocktail at the swimming-pool image by Ivonne Wierink from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Many people plan swimming pool parties instead of beach parties because they do not want the sandy mess from a beach or do not have a beach nearby. For simple party activities, guests can play ball or race each other inside the pool. Party hosts can also throw objects into the pool for guests to retrieve from the floor of the pool. Swimming pools often feature refreshment tables with light food and drinks near the pool area. Some parents plan pool parties for young children by simply setting up a few kiddie pools in their backyard.
  
  

Barbecue Party

• You can also use a fire pit as a barbecue and roast hot dogs on a cool summer night.barbecue image by Tomasz Nowicki from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Barbecues can act as a main party theme or can accompany other parties such as beach or swimming pool parties. If the party takes place in a house, party hosts can use large electric or gas barbecues for fast preparation. For barbecues on beaches, parks, hiking grounds or other outdoor areas, hosts can use portable barbecues. While most barbecue parties serve meaty dishes such as steaks, hamburgers and hot dogs, vegetarians can also plan barbecues by serving tofu burgers and barbecued vegetables. Since many people enjoy the barbecuing experience, party guests can help out with the barbecue preparations. Children, for example, can collect twigs while adults flip hamburgers or steaks on the barbecue itself.