The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and the official start of the summer season. Technically occurring on June 21st at 9:57 am CST, the summer solstice is also called the estival solstice or midsummer. 

This happens when one of earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the sun — and yes, that means more sunshine for you and your mental health. (At least if you find yourself in the northern hemisphere.)

If you plan on hosting a summer solstice party on the first day of summer, consider these summer solstice 2023 party ideas. Umm, did someone say summer solstice-themed party? You got it.

How to host a summer solstice party

1. Invitations

Whether you send out invitations using the good old pony express or you send digital ones, opt for a sun-themed invitation for your summer solstice-themed party. Be sure to include a brief explanation and the significance of the summer solstice since this event is a celebration of the light and sun.

You may also want to channel some summer florals and make it sunflower-themed. “Tap into the vibrant energy of the sun by creating a sunflower-themed celebration,” says Isabel Faye, founder of Twin Flamesly. “Set up a designated sunflower corner in your backyard, adorned with beautiful sunflower bouquets, potted sunflowers, and sunflower-themed decorations. Encourage guests to wear yellow attire to complement the theme.”

2. Decor

Channel the vibes of Mother Nature in your eco-friendly outdoor space with summer solstice 2023 party decor that’s all about the great outdoors.

Homemade topiary balls create a lush ambiance while twinkle lights provide some soft and subtle mood lighting. Set out tea lights in tiny holders and small terra-cotta pots clustered in groups to make a delicate yet dramatic effect on your event space.

3. Beverages

At your summer solstice party, treat guests to refreshing summertime beverages that use the bounty of Mother Nature as inspiration for their ingredients. 

Some crisp, light, and refreshing brands to stock up in your ice buckets or coolers include Aloe Vio aloe water, Lemon Perfect lemon water, and Wild Pop, a bubbly better-for-you soda option. All perfect for a summer solstice-themed party.

If you want to include cocktails, mocktails, or wine, opt for lower-alcoholic or non-alcoholic brands like Proxies. Cheers!

Jaye Harrison of Parties Made Personal also recommends a punch or summer sangria station, which can be both fun and refreshing, ultimately adding a dash of creativity to your summer gathering.

4. Menu

When it comes to a summer solstice-themed party, keep the beverages and bites on point with the theme and serve savory little bites inspired by Scandinavian countries where the summer solstice, and most likely summer solstice-themed parties, reign supreme. This is a perfect time to channel all of those ancestral eats, by the way.

When in doubt, keep it light. Crisp and refreshing salads with a drizzle of homemade salad dressing or store-bought options like this one from Yondu are perfect fare. Handcrafted sandwiches or soups like these beautiful jarred options from Zoup! go great with salads to make your very own DIY “you pick two” serving station. Plus, guests can take their jar home with them.

Perhaps you want to mix it up with some wraps from Egglife, maybe a cauliflower-based flatbread or two from Cali’flour Foods, or some earthy veggie options from Amy’s Kitchen. Include a few bags of chips, like these protein-packed chips from Wilde that’ll give your event all of the vibes of a summertime picnic underneath the evening sky.

Oh, and don’t forget dessert. Perhaps a dessert charcuterie board covered in fresh summer fruit and paired with a hot cup of Biodynamic Coffee? (Sign me up!)

5. Party activities

Summer solstice parties are commonly associated with fire, so light up a backyard bonfire. (Cue the homemade s’more sandwiches!) “It may also be fun to add a bit of astrological whimsy with a DIY telescope station for some stargazing as the night progresses,” shares Harrison.

Take your summer solstice-themed party one step further by passing out pieces of paper to your guests and have them write down everything they’re ready to release this season so they can have more energy for the new things they hope to welcome in summer. Then, have them burn these in the fire pit. (Obviously, make sure the fire is completely out before calling it a night — because hello, safety first.)

To add an interactive and engaging element, host a sunflower seed planting activity, suggests Faye. “Provide guests with small pots, soil, and sunflower seeds, and guide them through the process of planting their own sunflowers,” she says. “This not only brings a sense of unity and shared growth, but also allows guests to take a tangible reminder of the event home with them.” Speaking of things to take home…

6. Gift bags and goodie bags

Remember when you were little and attended a friend’s childhood birthday party and you couldn’t wait to see what kind of gifts and treasures were in the take-home goodie bags? Well, why not resurrect that nostalgic tradition with your summer solstice party guests?

Fill them with fun foods and treats that are made using real whole food ingredients found in Mother Nature like Bobo’s Oat Bars or Once Again Nut Butter Cracker Sandwiches. (Yum!) You could also send everyone home with their very own bags of Lil Bucks. 

Include a few packets of seeds so guests can plant their very own garden this summer. Whether it’s a simple windowsill herb garden for all those bartender-level beverages or a vegetable garden right in their own backyard, “plant” the seeds of summer inspiration. (See what I did there?)

Summer solstice party

This June 21st, host and throw a Summer solstice-themed party. With these six simple tips, your summer solstice 2023 party is sure to be a summertime soiree that is a smashing sensation. Happy summer solstice, everyone!