How to Throw the Dreamiest Summer Solstice Party
- Choose the Perfect Outdoor Spot The summer solstice is all about celebrating nature, the longest day of the year, and honoring the sun. ...
- Send Out Sun-Themed Invites ...
- Set the Mood ...
- Craft a DIY Flower Bar ...
- Cue up a Fun Playlist ...
- Serve Solstice-Inspired Treats ...
- Lead a Sun-Gazing Ritual ...
- Light up the Night With Sparklers ...
- Choose the Perfect Outdoor Spot.
- Send Out Sun-Themed Invites.
- Set the Mood.
- Craft a DIY Flower Bar.
- Cue up a Fun Playlist.
- Serve Solstice-Inspired Treats.
- Lead a Sun-Gazing Ritual.
- Light up the Night With Sparklers.
How do you Celebrate the summer solstice?
Summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and is celebrated by various cultures around the world. You, too, can celebrate the summer solstice by throwing a summer solstice garden party! Social media is full of ideas for a summer solstice party, but to get you started planning here with some of our favorite midsummer party ideas.
What do you need for a summer solstice party?
Whether you turn it into a drinking game or not, giant Jenga is nearly always a hit at outdoor parties, and is the only entertainment you’ll need at your summer solstice party. With some 2×4’s, a saw, and some sandpaper, you can easily make your own giant Jenga set.
Should you host a summer solstice garden party?
If you fall into the latter camp, hosting a summer solstice garden party is right up your alley. And you will be in good company since the holiday is celebrated with different traditions all over the world, from sunrise at Stonehenge to Swedish flower crowns and maypoles.
What do you do for a summer party?
Summertime also means cooking on the grill. This grilled pizza is perfect for a party. Have fun by letting everyone make one of their own. Make flower crowns for all to wear by gathering flowers and other plant materials and weaving them between a wire wreath fitted to your head.
How do you celebrate a Midsummer solstice?
Traditional ways to celebrate the summer solsticeBuild a bonfire to burn a witch, like the Danish. Burning a witch effigy is a Danish midsummer tradition (Dreamstime) ... Collect herbs and have a dance, like the Swedish. ... Join Europe-wide Saint John's Festival celebrations. ... Practice ancient rituals (virtually!)
What are summer solstice rituals?
Spark up the fire pit, build a bonfire or light all your expensive candles at once. Solstice celebrations traditionally involve some sort of fire to represent the sun and it's a great way to add a ritual vibe to your evening. Write down any wishes for the coming months and burn them to ash for added magic.
What do Pagans do to celebrate the summer solstice?
Lighting and jumping over bonfires on Midsummer's Eve dates back to pre-Christian pagan customs. It was thought to keep demons away and bring good luck to lovers.
What's a solstice party?
A Winter Celebration Of The Sun. Throughout history, societies across the world have held festivals and ceremonies marking winter solstice, the day of the "sun's rebirth.” Most often, winter solstice celebrations honored the symbolism of fire and light, along with life, death, the rising sun, and the moon.
What do you serve at a summer solstice party?
Channel your inner earthy witch by serving up these dishes!Lemon Chevre Spread. ... Lemon Lavender Mojitos. ... Fennel and Grapefruit Salad with Honey and Mint. ... Grilled Pork Chops with Sweet Nectarine and Heirloom Tomato Salsa. ... Simple Perfection - Fennel with Olive Oil, Lemon Zest and Shaved Parmesan. ... Grilled Summer Squash.More items...•
How do people celebrate solstice?
Ceremonies and rituals include purification, dancing, and sometimes gift-giving. At the time of the solstice, Hopi welcome the kachinas, protective spirits from the mountains. Prayer sticks are crafted and used for various blessings and other rituals.
What do you eat on summer solstice?
Any food you provide should be Sun-colored, and perhaps round." Some traditional foods involving such round, sun-colored fruits and vegetables include pumpernickel bread, mead, and grilled foods that use an open flame to represent the sun.
What flowers are associated with the summer solstice?
Classic summer plants like St. John's Wort (named for Saint John's solstice feast day), chamomile, calendula, lavender, fennel, hemp, mugwort, rosemary, thyme, meadowsweet, verbena, sage, mint, elder and roses all are linked to this time of year, often used by Druids in their ceremonial Midsummer bonfires.
Who is the goddess of the summer solstice?
In the days leading up to the summer solstice, ancient Romans celebrated Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, home and family.
Do you give gifts for solstice?
People across many cultures have exchanged gifts during solstice time in a variety of forms. One gift may be given, or multiple small gifts can be given each day for a period of time (similar to the 12 Days of Christmas).
What is a solstice altar?
An iconic part of the winter solstice is the yule altar. The purpose of the altar is to honor the return of the sun, so one of the most important items is a candle that symbolizes the sun—ideally a golden-, silver-, or yellow-hued candle.
What is the theme of summer solstice?
The story “The Summer Solstice” of Nick Joaquin has produced an inseparable energy to the taste of the readers. The conflict of the story is when masculine and feminine traits converge and run rampant in the story. The women are supposed to be submissive to their husbands, they are also after husbands and children.
How do druids celebrate the summer solstice?
Druids observe this eightfold cycle of festivals by meeting together, or celebrating on their own. Sometimes the celebration will be informal – a picnic with friends, or a party during which someone will speak about the time of year and its significance, with perhaps storytelling, music or poetry.
Why do many pagans go to Stonehenge for the summer solstice?
As the longest day of the year approaches, druids and pagans alike flock to Stonehenge to perform ancient rituals, while others congregate for the spectacular views of the sunrise over the sacred site.
What is the purpose of a summer solstice party?
If you don’t have a garden, anywhere outside is a great place to celebrate. A public park or even the rooftop of an apartment building can become alternate venue ideas for a summer solstice party. The key is to take advantage of all that extra sunshine and evening light.
How to decorate a party room for the sun?
Scatter the party area with hanging party lights, votives and candles, or mini tea lights. Stuff empty wine bottles or mason jars with tiny twinkling lights.
What is the longest day of the year?
Image by gorodenkoff. Summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and is celebrated by various cultures around the world. You, too, can celebrate the summer solstice by throwing a summer solstice garden party!
What to do with flowers in midsummer?
A popular tradition for midsummer is to weave flowers into crowns or small wreaths. This is a great interactive craft for guests to enjoy, one that lets them have a little party favor of their own to take home. You can use real flowers, silk or synthetic blooms or even paper flowers.
What does the word "solstice" mean?
The word ‘solstice’ is derived from the Latin words ‘sol,’ meaning sun, and ‘sister,’ which means to stand. Solstice actually happens twice a year, summer and winter and the nomenclature indicate it is a time when the sun is standing. What summer solstice means to you and your guests is that it is the day when the sun lingers longest and ...
How to send out invitations for summer solstice?
Of course, you will need to send out invitations, either via snail mail or online. Personalize the cards with an image of the sun, the guest of honor, or natural outdoor scene. Include the venue address, time, and requested attire if desired. Traditionally, white attire is the dress of choice for a summer solstice garden party.
Is there a garden party on the solstice?
There are party-goers and party givers. If you fall into the latter camp, hosting a summer solstice garden party is right up your alley. And you will be in good company since the holiday is celebrated with different traditions all over the world, from sunrise at Stonehenge to Swedish flower crowns and maypoles.
What is the longest day of the year?
Over the centuries, the June solstice has been marked with festivals, midsummer celebrations and other observations. In the Northern hemisphere, it’s the longest day of the year. Which should give you lots of daylight hours to prep your magical outdoor summer solstice party.
How to make a summer solstice wish?
Bonfires are de rigueur for summer solstice celebrations. Throw fresh herbs on the fire to create a heady scent and to ward off evil spirits – and don’t forget your wish. Write down something you either wish to draw to your life or banish from your life. Throw the paper in the fire with the herbs (St. John’s Wort is a good choice here, too). If you can’t create a bonfire in your area or don’t have the space, consider a steel fire pit bonfire or even a tabletop feature with flame. And throw a little kitchen spice into it with your wish. It’s the ritual that counts. And that’s what people remember.
What to wear on the solstice?
One solstice ritual is the crown wreath of herbs or leaves and/or flowers for guests to wear on their heads. In the old days, these wreaths were said to repel evil spirits. They can be put together with any vines and spring flowers, but if you can find St. John’s Wort, all the better. We like authenticity and if you don’t have it in your garden, many health food stores carry bundles of the marvelous plant. If you do use flower wreaths, best to also make plain greenery wreaths as an alternative choice. If you don’t want to make the wreaths fresh, you can buy floral crowns everywhere, from Urban Outfitters to Etsy. It’s a cute way to turn all your party guests into forest nymphs.
What colors are used for the summer solstice?
White lights and white flowers. Just for the record, if this were a daytime summer solstice party, we’d be doing it in yellows and oranges and bright sunshine colors. But it’s not. Lots and lots of white lights and flowers. You can add a highlight of color here and there but we like metallic silver for an accent – mercury glass is great for this effect. And green. As in greenery. Everything as natural as you can. Candles in mason jars. Candles hanging from the trees. Candles hanging from patio umbrellas. Source
What to put around a mason jar for summer solstice?
A small sprig of thyme around your mason jar carries the greenery motif to the table and turns your DIY into a scented candle. Plus, summer solstice comes with a long history of burning herbs. Source
What to eat on the summer solstice?
A typical summer solstice meal will include cheeses, pickled herring and boiled new potatoes with mint.
When is the summer solstice party?
Set your calendars, Summer Solstice 2018 officially arrives at 5:07 am (EDT) on Thursday, June 21 (in the Northern Hemisphere). You could have a (really late) Wednesday night Solstice party to be totally authentic – or you could just celebrate on the weekend before or after.
What is strawberry rhubarb sangria?
Strawberry rhubarb sangria, made with sparkling wine, sounds light and refreshing.
What to drink with cucumber lime?
For a more savory cocktail, try cucumber-lime-infused gin and tonics.
How to keep wine cool?
DIY floral ice buckets are a gorgeous way to keep your wine cool, and double as decor. Make as many as your freezer can handle, and scatter them throughout your yard, or use them as table centerpieces. For a much simpler variation, freeze fresh herbs and edible flowers into ice cubes for drinks.
When is the summer solstice?
by Rachel Jacks on Jun 12, 2019. While many Americans think that summer starts on Memorial Day, it officially begins on summer solstice, usually June 21 in the Northern hemisphere.
Can you make a giant Jenga set?
Whether you turn it into a drinking game or not, giant Jenga is nearly always a hit at outdoor parties, and is the only entertainment you'll need at your summer solstice party. With some 2x4's, a saw, and some sandpaper, you can easily make your own giant Jenga set.
Do herb napkin rings smell good?
These herb napkin rings are simple and organic, and probably smell wonderful, too.
Have a Bonfire
I don’t recommend jumping over a fire but there’s something about a sitting around a bonfire in the summer that’s really special. Singing around the campfire, telling stories and roasting marshmallows, it's all so much fun.
Food and Drink Ideas
Make a refreshing cocktail with fresh berries like this Raspberry Shrub.
Serve Strawberries
This is the time of year where strawberries are their freshest and should be readily available. Put them on your drinks. Make strawberry lemonade. Dip them in chocolate or just serve them alone. Or try this easy recipe for individual strawberry pretzel parfait .
Summer Solstice Party Activities
Make flower crowns for all to wear by gathering flowers and other plant materials and weaving them between a wire wreath fitted to your head. There are many tutorials with details, like this one from Paging Supermom.
Music
No party is complete without music. Consider hiring a guitarist to play your favorites or make a playlist of your favorite songs about the sun to play at the party. Here are a few oldies but goodies:
Why do people have bonfires on the summer solstice?
Fire has always been a source of protection for human beings, scaring off the beings of the night, both real and magical. Nowadays, you can reinvent the bonfire as a great reason to hold a summer solstice party with friends.
What is the purpose of meditation and yoga?
Meditation and yoga are intended to exercise both your body and your soul, balancing both in harmony through thought and physical movement. Begin this routine on the morning of the summer solstice and aim to make it a daily habit from this time on. ...
How to celebrate the light?
Celebrate the light. Spend time outdoors in the sun and give thanks for the light that guides our days. Make an altar of light by arranging candles, summer flowers, and tangerines in a beautiful outdoor space. Allow the tangerines to soak up the sun so you can enjoy them later.
How to honor the sun?
You can make solstice sun tea by adding edible flowers and herbs to a jar filled with water, then leave it out in the sun to steep. You can also make a sun mandala with petals from orange and yellow flowers.
How to celebrate the summer solstice?
To make the most of the summer solstice, celebrate the light and nature by engaging in outdoor activities like making a flower crown, working in the garden, or playing in the water. You can find balance on the solstice by meditating, doing yoga, or starting a gratitude journal.
How to appreciate the sun?
Visit a local farm. Go to a local farm in order to appreciate how the sun gives life. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sights and smells. Another great activity to do at a farm is to pick sun-ripened berries. You could also volunteer to pull weeds or help the farmers with their chores.
How to make a flower crown?
Choose flowers with thin stems and fragrant blossoms. To make the crown: Take your first flower and gently split the stem in half, about two-thirds of the way up the stem, to create a small hole.
What Is The Summer Solstice?
A summer solstice is the moment in time when the earth’s tilt toward the sun is at its maximum and the sun reaches its highest position in the sky.
How to start your day with yoga?
Start Your Day With A Sun Salutation: International Yoga Day falls on the same day as the summer solstice. So, wake up and do a sun salutation, which is a series of yoga poses that provide a great overall body stretch. There are also a number of in-person and/or virtual yoga events that you can take part in, such as Solstice in Times Square, which takes place on Sunday, June 20th this year. This free event is intended to help people find calm once again within the chaos of life in New York City on the summer solstice. Both experienced yogis and first-timers can take part in one of seven socially-distanced, limited capacity classes in-person, or join the class virtually by livestreaming one of the sessions throughout the day.
Why do people build bonfires?
That’s because it’s believed that the fire deters evil spirits who roam freely as the sun turns south. Jumping over the bonfire (which we do not recommend) is a popular tradition in places like Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, and Spain. Estonians also believe that not lighting a fire invites fire into the home, causing devastation. And in the United States, an annual Midsummer solstice celebration is held on Casper Mountain in Wyoming. The majority of the community, and even some people from around the world, attend this event to partake in the bonfire. Then during the bonfire, people are invited to throw a handful of red soil into the fire in hopes that they will get their wish fulfilled. You can also build your own solstice bonfire and invite your nearest and dearest over to celebrate the solstice with you. Then you can sing, play music, and dance around your huge bonfire, and roast marshmallows, too.
What time is the June solstice?
This year, the June solstice, which marks the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere (and winter in the Southern Hemisphere), will take place on Monday, June 21st at 3:32 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), or on Sunday, June 20th at 11:32 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). If you’d like to find the time of the June solstice where you live, you can translate UTC to your time zone .
How to reset your body clock in the summer?
Reset Your Body Clock: Midsummer is a great time to focus on improving your health and happiness by getting better sleep in the summer. Since light is the number one factor in regulating your body clock, make sure to get some sunshine while you can during the day, and also do your best to keep light out when it’s time for you to go to bed. Making use of the extra hours of sunlight during Midsummer is an excellent way to get started with your new sleep schedule.
How long does the sun last on the solstice?
Different latitudes also get different amounts of sunlight on the solstice. For example, the longest day of the year at the equator lasts for around 12 hours, while the longest day of the year at the North Pole lasts for 24 hours. In fact, all locations inside the Arctic Circle experience a continuous period of daylight for 24 hours. And if you live in southern Texas you’ll get a little less than 14 hours of daylight, but if you live in Washington or Maine, you’ll get almost 16 hours of daylight.
How to use the solstice?
Use The Solstice As A Restart: If things haven’t been going quite the way that you’ve wanted of late, use the solstice as a way to wipe your slate clean and give yourself a fresh start. Write down any behaviors or experiences that you want to put behind you on a piece of paper and then bury that paper (or burn it).