Summer is finally here in the Midwest! Now it’s time to fill up the calendar with all the fun summer hoopla that includes birthdays, graduations, wedding celebrations, holidays, BBQ’s, or simply because you like having guests.

Shutterfly has all the tools I need to plan a perfect gathering! For example, I’m going to my first family reunion this summer. Since I’m not throwing it, I won’t be able to use fancy invitations and a theme for the party, but I will definitely set up a Share site ^[1] before we get together and pass out the site address to everybody there so they can share and view all the pictures from the event. Of course, once we get all the photographs uploaded we can create a photo book ^[2] for family members to purchase as a keepsake.

(Image by AmyR1860 ^[3])

Share sites are an awesome way to spread the post-party fun whether you’re reliving it, or sharing it with somebody who couldn’t make the festivities. The sites become little communities of their own and are a great way to connect.

Another way to get a party rolling is directly through the invitation ^[4]. I found inspiration when I came across this adorable cowboy invitation. I wasn’t ready to start planning my soon-to-be three year old’s birthday party just yet but thought this adorable invitation had the perfect theme. I love the colors and the cowboy idea.

Need more party ideas? Read below! Hope they get you inspired to have your own summer celebration!

1. Always have a back-up plan for an outdoor party. The weather can be very mean at times.
2. Utilize the fabulous Shutterfly photo tools whether its with stationery ^[5]/address labels ^[6], photo books ^[2], favors or a Share site ^[7]. Sometimes, it really is all in the details.
3. Have lots of food! Food makes people happy. I like to make fancy drinks too. Large pitchers of fancy cocktails for the adults (tons of easy and inexpensive ideas on the internet) and of course some fun and frothy and brightly colored drinks for the children if you’re having a kid-friendly gathering. (tons of easy and inexpensive ideas/recipes on the internet)
4. Have fun! Being the host is a lot of work but make sure you make time to share a laugh with all the guests. Sit down and put your feet up once in awhile.
5. TAKE PICTURES!

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