Celebrate spooky season early with a Summerween party

If you’re the kind of person who starts planning your Halloween costume months in advance… welcome. This one’s for you.

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Devoted observers of spooky season, we’re here to let you know that the wait is over: Summerween is coming frighteningly fast! Yep, you read that right. Summerween parties are on the rise as Halloween lovers everywhere have decided that one season of spooky is simply not enough. Finally! 

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Summerween was initially introduced by the animated show Gravity Falls and, as per the show, the holiday officially falls on June 22nd — but we’re not picky about which day you celebrate. Across the country, more and more people are starting to throw Summerween parties during all the summer months… and we can’t wait to throw our own! 

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Since we know party planning can be scary (not the good kind)... here are a few ideas to kick things off! 

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The setup:

Summer-fy your Halloween decor. One great thing about Summerween is you can re-use some of the decor you may already have! Take all your favorite Halloween decor pieces and turn ’em summer. Big fan of skeletons? How about some skeleton floaties throughout your yard or around your apartment? Already have some plastic skeletons on-hand? Toss some pool floaties on ’em or seat them next to a tropical looking drink. Got tons of those jack-o-lantern trick or treating buckets? Turn them into floral centerpieces.

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Mix up some spooky summer punch. Create a cauldron of dark red juice with any fruit juices you love, combining the bright flavors of summer with the iconic blood red of Halloween. 

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Play into the contrast. Think of something that’s inherently Halloween or particularly summer, then pair it with something that feels opposite. For example, since a summer party is often filled with a ton of florals, include flowers in your decor, but make them deep dark reds or roses with lots of thorns. 

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Get ready for the big screen. A scary movie marathon is a crucial part of any Summerween party in our opinion. Set up an outdoor movie screen, hang up a sheet to use with a projector, or watch on your TV! 

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Activities:

Not your average pumpkin! Try a spin on the classic pumpkin carving activity with outdoor pumpkin painting. Another fun summer spin? Watermelon carving. You can carve this summer favorite the same way you do a pumpkin — totally spooky! 

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Try skeleton-bathing. Add a hint of October to a classic summer party by laying out near the pool with Halloween-themed beach towels! 

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Trick or treat: summer edition. Set up a candy station where guests can fill their own candy goodie bags. We recommend having mostly gummy candies since chocolate might melt if it’s hot out. Plus… fruit candies help channel the “summer” part of summerween!

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Supplies:

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Here are a few scare-worthy selections to kickstart your Summerween celebrations.