Novelties and toys create a festive party atmosphere

March 18, 2010

The warm, lazy days of summer are almost upon us, which means that many Americans have begun planning long weekends, beach vacations and barbecue parties. If you plan on throwing a bash between Memorial Day and Labor Day, make sure to include a few novelties and toys to keep guests happy and prevent the summertime blues.

Use fun items to keep guests peppy

During the warm months, there's a tendency to become a little slow and languid. But, to keep party goers revitalized and full of pep, provide them with refreshing treats and tasty beverages.

Fun inflatables, like a palm-tree-shaped blow-up cooler, or inflatable guitars, are cute and kitschy items that will add your party.

Guests will love the chance to grab a cold beer or crisp soda from the ice-filled, festive cooler, and who doesn't want to rock out with an inflatable guitar in the pool?

Provide partygoers with entertainment

Another way to prevent the heat from affecting your guest's morale is to stage a few practical jokes and gags to amuse your pals.

There are plenty of fun ways to surprise your friends and keep them on their toes - and having a few novelty joke and gag items close at hand is an excellent way to add some excitement to your shindig when people least expect it.

Why not lay out fun visors with fluorescent-colored hair peaking out of the top? Guests who need some relief from the harsh rays of the sun could throw them on, and the effect will make for great party pictures!

Or, throw a few trick ice cubes into the tropical cocktails that you mix up for guests - a fake spider in a plastic cube will be an unexpected and hilarious for your unsuspecting pals!

Kids will love gags and toys at their party

If you find yourself planning a party for one of the young people in your life, there's no better time than the spring and summer to plan an outdoor event.

An afternoon barbecue, for example, allows parents to sate the appetites of hungry young partygoers with hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and finger foods. An ice cream birthday cake will be the perfect cool and refreshing way to finish off the meal.

Just don't let them eat too much before the games begin!

Kids will love the chance to run around in the backyard or by the pool, and it's easy to entertain them with outdoor games and activities.

One way to keep young people busy during a birthday bash or similar party is to hand out a variety of novelties and toys, like rubber balls and yo-yos. The small items can be given to everyone in the group as party favors, and they're likely to have a blast comparing their yo-yo or bouncing prowess.

No matter how you chose to celebrate the summer weather, a few fun novelty tricks, toys and party decorations are an excellent way to add a bit of fun and excitement to your backyard get-togethers.