MAKE IT CUTE

Summer isn't over yet (yep, even if you're back in the classroom), and we have all the deets for planning your best birthday ever. Summer birthdays are the perfect opportunity to get all your friends together and try something new. Whether your goal is to entertain all your friends and family or to host a small gathering with your besties, here's a list of fresh and affordable options to help get you started. 

1) Bowling

@sierrafurtado

If you and your friends have a variety of interests, bowling can be the perfect activity to entertain everyone. Many bowling alleys can host birthday parties, which makes it super easy to organize and set up. Order some pizzas and ice cream cake, and have a fabulous time trying to get the most strikes. If some of your friends aren't into bowling, try checking out the fun arcade games too. 

2) Pottery painting

@miamaples

Pottery painting with your besties is seriously so fun. You can embrace your inner artist and create anything you want, plus your friends will have a super cool item to take home with them. You and your friends could make matching mugs or flower pots, and even your parents can even enjoy themselves while getting crafty. 

3) Outdoor movie night

@womensdaymag

Outdoor movie nights are great for accommodating bigger groups of people, and perfect for inviting all your family and friends. Grab some cute blankets, popcorn and a projector for a super cute setup. You can screen the movie in your backyard, at a park or even attend an outdoor movie playing at your local theatre. For cute decorations, you could set up a candy bar and hang aesthetic string lights. You can even have your guests dress up as their fave character in the movie or wear PJs for a sleepover feel!

 4) Afternoon tea party

Afternoon tea parties are super cute, and a great excuse to get dressed up. Grab your favorite teacups, make some delicious finger sandwiches and pick up your fave french macarons. Have all your besties dress up in their favorite party dress, and find the perfect tea for each of your courses. Make sure to blast a summer playlist and don't forget to take tons of polaroid pics.

5) Have a watch party for your fave award show

@vogue

This party idea is SO fun and another great excuse to dress up. Invite all of your besties over for a sleepover, and have them come dressed in a red-carpet-ready outfit. Set up a tarp on the ground for your "red carpet", make cardboard cutouts of your fav celebs to take pics with and have your parents act like paparazzi.

Tag us in your cute birthday party pics on Insta @girlslifemag.

All GIFS via Giphy and slider image via @camilacabello

by Jasmine Robinson | 8/19/2021