How to Throw a Summerween Party

Summer may be all about sunshine and beach trips, but who says you can’t infuse a little spooky fun into the heat? That’s where Summerween comes in!

A mash-up of summer vibes and Halloween thrills, this party trend is quickly becoming a favorite for those who want the best of both worlds.

Whether you’re hosting friends or throwing a backyard bash for the kids, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to throw an unforgettable Summerween party.

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What is Summerween?

Summerween is the perfect blend of Halloween festivities and summer fun.

Think tiki torches glowing with eerie lights, flip-flops paired with creepy costumes, and a mash-up of spooky snacks with refreshing summer treats.

It’s creative, quirky, and guaranteed to bring laughs, scares, and sunshine together in the most delightful way.

Step 1. Think Spooktacular Invitations

Start by setting the tone with your invitations!

Whether you choose digital invites or opt for good old-fashioned printed ones, make them scream “Summerween!”

Here are a few creative ideas to inspire:

• Themes: Use phrases like “You’re Invited to a Hauntingly Hot Summer Bash” or “Chilling Fun Under the Sun.”
• Designs: Pair skeletons wearing sunglasses, palm trees with bats, or a pumpkin on a beach towel.
• Pro tip: If you’re going digital, platforms like Canva or Paperless Post offer customizable and themed templates that make designing a breeze.

Step 2. Create the Ultimate Summerween Setting

Your décor will make or break the vibe, so aim for a mix of spooky and summery elements.

The key is balance! Here’s how you can nail it:

Lighting Magic

• Use orange fairy lights or string lights to hang around trees or patios.
• Incorporate flickering LED candles for a haunting glow.
• Add tiki torches to give an eerie vibe that screams, “Haunted Island Vacation.”

Spooky Meets Summer Props

• Carve watermelons like jack-o’-lanterns for a tropical twist. (Bonus points if you light them with LED tea candles!)
• Set up skeletons lounging on deck chairs with sunglasses.
• Include fake cobwebs on surfboards, pool floaties, or BBQ grills.

A Photo Booth with a Twist

Create a designated photo area with a backdrop featuring haunted jungles or pirate ships.

Add props like creepy leis, ghostly flamingos, and witch hats.

Your guests will never want to leave Instagram-worthy spots like this one.

Step 3. Dress for Frightful Fun in the Sun

A Summerween party isn’t complete without costumes!

But don’t worry about going overboard; the best costumes merge holiday vibes with beachy fun.

• Beach Zombies: Go for sunburned skin, tattered swimsuits, and zombie makeup.
• Spooky Vacationers: Hawaiian shirts paired with vampire capes or mummies in flip-flops.
• Mermaids & Sea Creatures: An under-the-sea approach with a dark twist (think glowing jellyfish or gothic mermaids).
• Graphic Tees: Find amazing one of kind Summerween inspired graphic tees on Etsy.

Make it even more fun by encouraging guests to compete with categories like “Best Mash-Up Costume” or “Most Creative Summer Scare Outfit.”

Snacks

• Monster Guac & Chips: Turn a bowl of guacamole into a “Franken-dip” with olive eyes and veggie stick scars.
• Zombie Popsicles: Use zombie popsicle molds to create fruity cold treats.
• Watermelon Jack-O-Lantern: Create a Jack-O-Lantern by carving a watermelon, then surround it with an assortment of fresh, cut-up fruit.

Drinks

• Witch’s Lemonade Lagoon (For kids): Add a few drops of food coloring to lemonade (think blue, green, or purple) with gummy worms hanging off the edges of glasses.
• Vampire Sangria (For adults): Red wine sangria with oranges, cherries, and dry ice for a smoky effect.
• Eyes in the Punch Bowl: Freeze edible, candy eyeballs in ice cubes and drop them into your favorite tropical punch.
• Jack-O-Lantern Floats: Draw a jack-o-lantern face on the outside of a clear cup. Add a few scoops of vanilla ice cream and then add orange Fanta for a fizzy summertime float.

Step 5. Plan Spine-Chilling Activities

The best parties always have an interactive element, and Summerween is no exception!

Keep your guests entertained with games and activities that fuse seasonal fun.

Activity Ideas for Guests of All Ages

• Pumpkin Bowling (Summer Edition): Paint coconuts to look like creepy pumpkins and use soda bottles as pins.
• Haunted Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of “spooky” hidden props for guests to find in your backyard.
• Costume Contest: Include quirky categories like “Most Beach-tastic Ghoul” or “Scariest Summer Character.”
• Outdoor Movie Screening: Show family-friendly creepy classics like Hocus Pocus or The Nightmare Before Christmas under the stars.

Don’t forget playlists! A mix of spooky tunes and fun summer hits will bring the party to life.

Songs like Monster Mash meet Kokomo? Yes, please.

Step 6. Thank Your Guests with Spooky Party Favors

End the night with a friendly gesture that keeps the memories alive. Hand out small themed favors like:

• Mini bottles of sunscreen with a “From dusk till dawn” note.
• Glow-in-the-dark bracelets or vampire teeth.
• Bags of gummy sharks or themed cookies tied with ribbon.

Place them by the exit with a sign that says, “Thanks for making our Summerween spook-tacular!”

Make This Summer a Little Spookier

A Summerween party is all about creativity, fun, and celebrating two beloved seasons in one unforgettable bash.

With these tips, you’re sure to throw a Summerween party your friends and family will talk about long after the final ghostly guest leaves.

Happy Celebrating!