Summertime is a time for some awesome outdoor parties, so fire up that grill, hang some lights and light up the torches because it's party time! Summertime party menus are so much fun, with the abundance of fresh food on the market. Pick a theme and plan your food, decorations, tablescape, and entertainment around that theme. Summer is time for grilled everything, cool fruit smoothies, and cold soups. Don’t forget the hamburgers, grilled brats, or grilled fresh fish. What would summer be without the smell and taste of grilled burgers and ice cold beer? Kabobs are an easy treat that can be prepared ahead of time and put on the grill just as you need them.

Any combination works with a kabob such as chicken, shrimp, pork, beef, and lamb, it's all good. Add some fresh veggies like bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and a little zucchini and you’re on your way. You can marinate these on the stick or just brush them with your favorite sauces as you grill. An ultimate summer time drink is a Pina Colada. Combine a couple of ounces of rum with pineapple juice, coconut cream, freshly crushed ice and garnish with pineapple slices and a cherry. You can find this recipe at www.helium.com/items/505507-ideas-for-a-summer-dinner-party-menu.

For an even easier summer party, decide on a theme, and invite your guests to bring a dish that coincides with the theme. This takes some of the burden of the party off your hands and you are left with decorating and a couple of dishes of your own. Summer parties allow you to be cool, have fun, and enjoy your friends in the season of the great outdoors.