Summer is the perfect time to get people together, giving friends and family the opportunity to reconnect, relax, and experience an evening everyone will enjoy. There are many ways to throw an unforgettable summer party, but here are a few of our favorite suggestions to help get things started.

Heat Up the Grill

Backyard barbeques are always a crowd-pleaser, especially when you’re putting on an authentic Texas-style barbeque. Whether you fire up the grill to make some burgers and brats or have a smoker to make that melt-in-your-mouth brisket, a delicious cookout is a great way to bring people together. Encouraging guests to bring a signature side of their choice turns the party into a potluck where good times and flavors are on the menu.

Rent a Party Boat

One way to make sure you throw an unforgettable summer party is by taking it out on the water. A party barge is a fun and exciting way to throw a party—just hire a captain, bring your food, drinks, music, and anything else you need, and celebrate the season out on one of your state’s gorgeous lakes. There are a few things to learn before renting a party boat, but it’s an excellent way to hold a celebration everyone will remember. And the best part is, if it gets too hot, you can all hop into the water to cool off.

Coordinate a Fireworks Display

Fireworks have the incredible ability to invoke a feeling of magic and nostalgia within each of us; people of all ages love seeing the lights and colors fill up the night sky. Assuming your area allows them, putting together a fireworks show is a great way to top off an evening party. After dinner or a pleasant cocktail hour, give everyone a sparkler and set off chromatic explosions in the sky for a night unlike any other.