We’re officially in the thick of summer and it’s never too late to throw the ultimate party for you and your friends. Whether it's in July or any time of year, it’s always the perfect time to celebrate everyone’s individuality and the unifying power of love.

You already know this month is full of parties, parades, and special events, so why not host one of your own? You can choose to celebrate the history of Pride, the love you have for your friends, or simply your freedom of expression!

Throwing a party is easier than you might think. Once you have the basics down, there are a few “finishing touches” you can add to ensure everyone knows exactly what you’re celebrating.

Ready to have a good time? Let’s cover a few tips that will set off the perfect party.

Liven Up Your Invitations

Nowadays, it’s beyond easy to invite people to a get-together. A few clicks on Facebook allow you to create an event in minutes and invite all of your friends. While there’s nothing wrong with that, if you really want to have a special party, it’s worth it to go the extra mile.

That starts with sending out some killer invitations.

Your party announcement should include things like:

• Date and time
• The event name
• Location
• RSVP or call-to-action

Once you have the basics covered, have fun and be creative. There are plenty of online platforms you can use to create a colorful and unique design. Or, if you’ve got an artistic streak, you can develop your own design from scratch, using traditional rainbow colors or even photographs that mean something you to and your friend group.

A tangible invitation is something people will notice. It will make it easier for them to remember when the party is, and spark their interest and excitement so they’re more likely to come. After all, who doesn’t want a cool and colorful party invitation hanging on their fridge?

Choose the Right Location

When it comes to throwing a good party, location is everything. If you want to adopt a “the more, the merrier” mindset, it might not be realistic to cram everyone into your apartment, or even your house.

One of the best solutions is to throw an outdoor party, utilizing your backyard space. You can choose to go elegant and classy with a traditional outdoor dinner party or keep things colorful and vibrant with unforgettable decor. When it comes to throwing an outdoor party, make sure you check the weather, have enough space for everyone, and ensure there’s enough lighting.

Most people feel comfortable outside and it can make for a stress-free environment. So, if you’re inviting some old and new friends over who may not have met before, keeping things outdoors can keep everything casual enough that no one feels awkward and everyone is welcomed with open arms.

Don’t have a backyard of your own? Don’t sweat it! Consider using a local park if your guest list is small, or contact an outdoor venue to rent for the night. That will help to take some of the burdens off of you when it comes to getting everything ready and having to clean up afterward. If the cost is too much, consider asking everyone to chip in and make the party more like an LGBTQ+ community event, rather than a private get-together.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

A party isn’t a party without food and drinks.

No matter what you serve, make sure it’s conducive to your setting. You’re probably not going to want your guests to dish out spaghetti and meatballs onto paper plates when you’re mingling outside.

Things like finger foods are perfect for parties as they allow guests to nibble while talking to others. If you want to go one step further, choose foods that fit the party theme like:

• Rainbow fruit and vegetable trays
• Colorful salads
• Sweet desserts
• Festive drinks

Speaking of drinks, why not create a signature cocktail for the event? You can find plenty of LGBTQ+-inspired cocktail recipes online, or you can create one of your own specifically for the party. Your guests will love the innovation, and they might even end up asking you for the recipe.

When it comes to the “merriment” aspect of your party, make sure your guests are entertained. You don’t have to have special activities lined up, but things like fun background music and a few adult outdoor games can make a big difference. Ask your friends beforehand what some of their favorite songs are, and compile them to create a perfect party Spotify playlist you can use all night. Whether you want to encourage some dancing or you just want to fill in the silence, music is a must.