The Daily Meal's Summer Party Playlists

Allison Beck|July 15, 2011 12:59 am EST

When you're planning a get together with friends, there are three ingredients listed in our recipe for success: good friends, good food, and good tunes. In the spirit of summer and entertaining outdoors, we've created two playlists — one for each mood — featuring some of our seasonal favorites that are sure to get everybody moving. If you're barbecuing on the rood with your best buddies, some upbeat favorites like Don Henley's The Boys of Summer, the Fresh Prince's Summertime, and anything by the Beach Boys will ensure everyone has a good time. Looking for something more low-key for an al fresco dinner party? Songs like R.E.M.'s Nightswimming and The Doors' Light My Fire playing in the background will complete the scene without disrupting conversation.

What songs are on your summer party playlist?

Summer Classics for a Dinner Party

Theme from "A Summer Place" — Percy Faith & his Orchestra

Nightswimming — R.E.M.

Let's Get Lost — Chet Baker

Coconut — Harry Nilsson

Summertime Thing — Chuck Prophet

Light My Fire — The Doors

Sous le Soleil Exactement — Serge Gainsbourg

Summer Girl — Leighton Meester

Summertime — Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald

Stir It Up — Bob Marley