Plan a Star-Spangled Summer Party

Summer only gets hotter from here on out, so celebrate the laid-back season by organizing a blazin' summer soiree! You'll earn a few extra "oohs" and "ahhs" when you plan your next party or potluck with SignUpGenius.

Potluck Planning and Food Ideas

• Create a potluck sign up for your cookout or BBQ with slots for side dishes, desserts and drinks.
• Depending on what kind of party you're planning, you can collect RSVPs along with coordinating potluck items, or you can create a slot-based sign up with specific requests for toppings, supplies — and even donation slots to go toward things like a party DJ!
• Looking for the perfect dish to bring to the party? Get stomachs growling and mouths watering with one of these classic picnic food ideas, a fancy party food from this list or a simple tailgate food idea.

Outdoor Games and Activities

• Get your guests moving with these outdoor games for your backyard party — from races to lawn twister to splashy water games. Step it up by taking the party to a neighborhood park, and ask everyone to contribute game supplies.
• These ideas for hosting a spectacular Fourth of July cookout have everything you need to plan your party, including a list of classic activity ideas.
• Minute to win it games are a low-cost party activity that will keep everyone in stitches (figuratively). Try these ideas for teens, party games for adults and even business party ideas.

Plan a Community Event

• What's Fourth of July without a neighborhood parade? Coordinate parade volunteers with a sign up to keep things as organized as possible.
• If your community is coming together for a party or parade, consider rallying them for a service project as part of the fun. You can even make it a more consistent monthly event when you plan ahead with a sign up.
• Instead of dealing with a lot of leftover food at the end of a potluck, ask guests to bring items that can be frozen and donated to local food pantries. Make sure to coordinate with nonprofits to gauge how you can best meet their needs.

With these tips and ideas, you're in for a summer of community and good food. Plan ahead so you can sit back and enjoy the rocket's red glare!