The warm weather usually ushers in a steady flow of party invites for everything from baby showers to graduations and engagement parties to weddings. Odds are, you have a party or two of your own to throw this season. If you aren’t sure where to start, or are just looking for tools to make your event planning easier, check out some of these party planning apps which are certain to stir up some fun at your summer gatherings.
Simple Soiree ($1.99)
If you’re less laid-back and more OCD about your party planning, you will love the Simple Soiree app ($1.99) for organizing everything from your guest list and RSVPs to your menu and shopping lists. Use this event planning iPhone app to plan a party theme for your child’s first birthday party or for your parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. No matter what the event, this app will have your organized and on-the-go for party supplies in no time at all.
Punchbowl (Free)
If you’re more social networker than party planner, organize your summer party invite list with the free Punchbowl app. It’s a really simple way to invite guests with customized online invitations and to monitor RSVPs from the comfort of your iPhone. It’s a snazzy way to invite the family over for a summer pool party or to rally your Twitter friends for a girl’s night out.
Mix Great Cocktails: The Video App ($4.99)
If it would bust your party budget to hire a bartender for the day or evening, then appoint the job to your bar-savviest friend and download Mix Great Cocktails: The Video App ($4.99). From summer loving “Tropical Mojitos” to a “Chocotini” perfect for a girl’s night out, this cocktail app has how-to videos to ensure even the greenest of bartenders has your guests sipping happy for hours. It’s the perfect cocktail app to plan an impromptu summer happy hour on your patio after a hard day at work.
Martha’s Everyday Food: Fresh & Easy Recipes ($2.99)
If I could pick one person to help me plan my summer party it would be the fabulously fierce Martha Stewart. This summer, I have Martha on app speed dial with the Martha’s Everyday Food: Fresh & Easy Recipes app ($2.99). I made it my mission to master the grill for summer barbeques and this app has a great “Watch and Learn” video for beginner grillers and tons of tasty recipes to try out my new-found BBQ skills. There’s also great articles on cooking in season, a handy favorites list to plan your party menus, and a grocery list to ensure you pick up all the ingredients you need for the perfect summer grill-out.
Summer Tapas, Atlas Cookery (Free)
If you’re looking for an easy, breezy food menu for your summer gathering, check out the free Summer Tapas, Atlas Cookery app. With 30 small-bite recipes, this cooking app is just right for planning an upscale summer picnic or cocktail party. The best part: you can use the app to plan food according to your budget. Instructions are easy to understand and you can easily share the recipes via social networks from the app with your guests when they rave about your summer tapas.
