With warmer weather and extra hours of sunlight quickly approaching, summertime is quickly approaching, and with this season comes the need to start planning a party for your soon-to-be graduate!

For most of us, planning a party is more of a nuisance and a headache than an enjoyable experience, but some party planning exerts provide some tips on how to relieve some of your stress of a task that should be fun.

Kevin Hennigan, owner of Dreamers Event Rentals, suggested renting tables and chairs once your guest list hits 30 or more people.

“I don’t say that with a bias,” Hennigan said. “I’ve seen so much chaos at parties where we go to deliver other equipment and people then realize that their lawn chairs are not enough and people have nowhere to sit or eat or relax they’re standing up eating and it’s just a mess.”

Hennigan, who has been active in the event rental business for 12 years, also said 10 foot by 10 foot tents are smart additions to graduation and large outdoor parties because the tents are used to shield the food from the likes of the weather.

Inflatable play equipment is also a great idea for teenager and active adult parties.

“You’re going to need something to keep them entertained,” said Rick Huether, owner of Astro Jump of Northeast Baltimore. “Teenagers want to stay moving, especially at a party.  If you don’t keep them busy, it’s no knowing what they’ll get into!

Huether has worked in the party planning business for over 10 years and deals mainly with larger events like graduation parties, school and church events, and family reunions.

“With an inflatable, like an obstacle course, or even games, like a sack race or a water balloon battle or Twister your guests are entertained, and mainly out of the way and out of the house,” Huether said.  “Not to mention this is great way to get them outside and away from the TV and the video games.”

Food is also an important ingredient of any party. 

Mel Schuman owns Kountry Kafe and Katering in Westminster, Md. a restaurant and catering company.  Schuman and her husband have catered backyard parties, events, and weddings since the early 1990’s.

“There is no need to go over and beyond for any party you’re having, you just need to have good food- and lots of it,” Schuman said.

Schuman suggested avoiding pizza for your next party, and saving money by choosing homemade food.

 “Pizza may sound like an easier option for you, but your wallet will feel the dent,” Schuman said. “Go for sandwiches- like pit ham or beef or even chicken salad.  Then have potato salad, a vegetable dish, some fruit, and a dessert and your guests will be much happier with the selection of food, have healthier options, and fill up much quicker.”

Frozen desserts are also a great add-on for any summertime party.

“You never know what the weather is going to be like in the summer, it can be anything from scorching hot to warm with a light breeze, so I suggest having a frozen dessert for your guests,” Schuman said. “Anything from homemade popsicles, to fruit bars, to snowballs- all of them are so easy to make or buy and your guests will love you for it.”

Summertime is also a great time to host your summer baby’s birthday party- you can keep the kids, and the mess, out of your house.

According to veteran children’s birthday party planner and owner of “Thumbs Up Party Planning!” Laura Betz, the pirates theme is now most popular for boys, and “Monsters High” is the popular theme for girls.

“Whichever television show or movie is popular at the time is all kids care about and they want all their toys, their clothes, their bed sheets, and even their birthday party to reflect what they care about most,” said Betz.  “What seems silly to adults is more important to children because they have so much less to worry and think about in their daily life.”

Betz also said having a memorable party for your child does not mean spending a lot of money.

“Creativity is key,” Betz said. “You can spend all the money in the world on a fancy cake and pony rides and party favors, but your party will mean so much more to your child if you put heart and soul into creating something.”

According to Betz, themed parties with the same themed party games and decorations make for the best experience for your guest of honor.

“Since “Monster High” is such a big hit with most of the young girls this year, try to plan activities around a particular episode of the show,” Betz said. “Same goes for the boys and the pirate theme.   I think “Jake and the Neverland Pirates” is on every little boys mind and who wouldn’t want their party to reflect games like walk the plank or making your own hand hook?!”

 Betz suggested having a “Monster High” glam station at your party, since different make-up styles, nail polish, and clothing styles are such an integral party to the show.

 So whether it’s a child’s birthday party, graduation party, or summer get-together summertime is quickly approaching and time to get your party plans organized.