Get the summer party season started right this summer with these fresh and fabulous entertaining ideas that are all about affordability and creativity.

If a trip to Hawaii is out of your budget, bring Hawaii to you with a fun and inexpensive outdoor summer luau. Break out the blender for some delicious fruity drinks served in brightly colored plastic hurricane glasses purchased from the dollar store. For creative and affordable table centerpieces, create an arrangement of lush, large fruit-like pineapples or coconuts. Scatter tea light candles around the party area to set the mood, and serenade your guests with the sounds of Hawaiian music.

—Teresa Lamb

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