Summer parties are usually enjoyable, but the same old, same old sit-around-and-eat-hot-dogs can get a little boring. Here are a few party ideas to pump up your summer fun…

Have a Bring-and-Bid Party. Neighbors and other guests can drag over their unwanted stuff that you auction off. Do it as a fund-raiser for charity or just for fun. Encourage people to bring the goofiest items possible (in good, clean condition, of course) and have fun with those super-low (or maybe adventurously high?) bids.

Celebrate an Unknown Holiday. Be innovative and find an underplayed or obscure holiday, and build a theme party around it. For example, June 5 is World Environment Day, the fourth Sunday in July is Parents’ Day and August 26 is Women’s Equality Day. Are you getting inspired? If your friends and neighbors have lots of kids, your parties can involve crafts, games and learning activities surrounding the special day…except for Parents’ Day—let the kids come up with creative ideas to show their appreciation (while you provide the healthy snacks, of course).

Celebrate Your Garden (or Community Garden) Party. Let your menu focus on your (and your neighbors’) delicious homegrown vegetables, give out seed-packet guest favors and try this beautiful sunflower cupcake cake recipe.

 Outdoor Movie Night. Who doesn’t enjoy watching movies? Talk among your friends and family to find out which movie (almost) everyone loves and visit this backyard movie site for set-up tips and ideas.

 Thanks to MarthaStewart.com for help with this tip.

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