Photo via @designlovefest — *Photo via* *@designlovefest*

What better way to get your friends and family together than throwing the perfect summer soirée? Hosting a party can be intimidating with so many things to think about, so we are simplifying it all for you!

Follow these 7 simple steps and your party will be the hit of the summer!

1) Set Up a Photo Spot

A photo spot encourages your guests to take pictures, and you know we love a good photo moment here at SIMPLY! With how cute the photos will come out, how could your attendees not want to post about the party on Insta?

2) Have A Self-Serve Bar

Don’t want to break the bank hiring a bartender or spend your entire party playing mixologist? Buy a few drink dispensers and fill them signature drinks. In celebration of National Tequila Day (which happens to be today!) Tequila Herradura shared two summery cocktails that would be great to serve at your next party!

TEQUILA HERRADURA POMEGRANATE MULE

Ingredients

2 parts Herradura Silver
1 part pomegranate juice
3 parts ginger beer
½ part fresh lime juice

Preparation

Combine all the ingredients.

TEQUILA HERRADURA SPICY MARGARITA

Ingredients

2 parts Herradura Silver
1 part fresh squeezed lime juice
½ - ¾ part agave
1-2 fresh jalapeño slices (red or green)

Preparation

Muddle jalapeño slices in bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the rest of the ingredients with ice. Shake hard, then strain over fresh ice. Garnish with jalapeño and lime wedge.

3) Light Citronella Candles Outside

Keep away uninvited guests (aka mosquitoes and other bugs)! Citronella candles are a must at any outdoor summer soiree. Not only do they prevent your guests from leaving with a bunch of bug bites, but they also provide some soft outdoor lighting.

4) Prepare The Perfect Playlist

You can’t call it a party without music! Harness your inner DJ and build a playlist filled with songs that will enhance vibe. No time to build your own? Take a look at the endless number of playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud or Pandora. Once you have the right playlist, don’t forget to have a speaker ready to go.

5) Introduce Some Friendly Competition

Games aren’t just for entertaining the kids; adults love them too! Set up games like corn hole or giant jenga. Bringing a little friendly competition to your party gives guests something fun to do, and can also serve as ice breakers at larger parties.

6) Cool It Down With Cold Desserts

Popsicles and ice cream sandwiches are simple yet cool ways to stand out when it comes to party desserts. Cold desserts are a perfectly refreshing way to end a warm summer fiesta.

7) Fill A Basket With Unplanned Party Needs

Everyone has that one friend whose purse is filled with anything you could possibly need. Let them be your inspiration and fill a basket with all your guests’ random party needs. Things such as bug spray, sunscreen, bandaids, wipes, and paper towels are great signatures. Having a basket like this saves you from spending precious party time behind the scenes searching for things, and you can all quickly get back to partying it up!

What are your tips for throwing the perfect summer party? Comment below!