Summer always gets me thinking about family, friends, and fun. It’s the perfect time of year for celebrating with people you care about. Our Fall 2014 season features a series that’s jam-packed with ideas to help readers throw a fabulous party. It’s called (appropriately enough) Party Time! (covers pictured below)—and since summer party season is in full swing, I’d like to share some tips from the books to help you plan a smashing get-together.

Here are a few of my faves.

• If your party’s happening after dark, rent a projector and hang a white sheet on a fence. Have everyone gather outside and watch a movie. Comedies and adventures make great party flicks.

• Throw a party with a camping theme. Build a bonfire and let guests roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Then get cozy on blankets by the fire and tell ghost stories—or funny stories!—while you enjoy your melty treats.

• Snap photos at your party, making sure to get one of every guest. When your party’s done, print out your pics and glue them to sheets of colored construction paper. Punch holes down the left side and use ribbon to tie the pages into a book. Send an album to each guest to thank them for attending your party.

Happy Summer Party Season, everyone!