Hot Fun in the Summertime

By Randi Martin
Owner of Always Fabulous Events and a Planaganza GoLocal Philadelphia Local Expert

The sun is out. School is out. This is no time to stay indoors.

Philadelphia has wonderful summer activities for the whole family from the jazz festivals in West Oak Lane and Manayunk to the Multicultural Series every weekend on Penn’s Landing. Most of these events are free and open to the public.

For those who enjoy less crowded festivities, why not host your own. Backyard barbeques are a good old standard. Get Dad to spark up the grill (and pray he doesn’t burn his eyebrows off this year). Decorate in red, white, and blue and call your friends over to celebrate Independence Day or Labor Day.

If you have a pool, tell the gang to grab their suits and towels to go for a dip. Decorate with functional items like beach balls. Make it more spa-like with sand-filled hurricanes and citronella candles around the pool. Or go all-out tropical with a luau theme… complete with a pig roast and fruity drinks.

One of my all-time favorite backyard parties is a Crab Feast (this will also work for a Clam Bake). The key is to buy cooked crabs by the bushel. This saves a lot of time. Accompany the crabs with corn on the cob, fresh fruits, and cold salads. Decorate in a beach or nautical theme. It is rare that I suggest plastic tablecloths, but I’m sure you understand why this occasion is an exception. Accent the table with a fisherman’s net (available at many party supply stores) and seashells. Enhance the atmosphere with Calypso or Reggae music. Need a place to dispose of the shells that won’t be an eyesore? Stop at your local dollar store for small plastic trashcans or buckets. Buy one for every 3 or 4 guests and refresh them frequently.

What are you waiting for? Turn off the TV. Get off the couch and get outside.

Randi Martin is the chief event specialist and owner of Always Fabulous Events in Abington, PA.