Hosting a summer teen birthday party can be easy and a lot of fun–especially if you choose the perfect theme. While Twilight parties for teens are very popular due to the release of “Eclipse,” we have other ideas for great summer birthday parties.

Beach and pool parties are particularly good teen party choices. These parties can be sophisticated as well as fun. Here are some of our favorite ideas for throwing a stylish teen birthday party with a beach or pool theme.

Fun with food: Small bites such as pigs in the blanket, pizza pinwheels, skewered appetizers (shown above), sliders, and other finger foods are a teen favorite. They are quick and easy to eat while mingling by the pool or water. They are often very easy to make (check out our list of great teen party recipes). Smoothies are another great way to keep the kids cool and keep with the theme. Choose a few different signature combinations to serve (see our great ideas for smoothies). For some added sophistication, ask the birthday boy or girl to select a few great names for the signature smoothies.

Simple desserts: Set up a beautiful candy buffet and allow the guests to fill beach or pool themed bags with a variety of delicious sweets. This more sophisticated “goodie bag,” is sure to make your party even more special and make you a “cool” mom. Click here to get the goodie bags pictured above.

Sophisticated, fun decorations: Choose stylish decorations that bring out the kid in everyone. Use beach balls, beach buckets, sea shells, and other themed decorations like those shown to create a fun atmosphere. To learn how to create the buckets filled with sunflowers pictured above visit Real Simple. Click here to get the invitations shown above.

Image credits: Candy buffet by mykateparkerwedding.com; seashells for save-on-crafts.com; dangling decoration from Amazon.

Filed under: Entertaining, Fun party ideas, Party decor, Teen party ideas