Hosting your next moms' night? Take advantage of the warm weather and organize a summer-spa gathering for you and your girlfriends. This party’s combination of manicures, pedicures and frosty drinks will provide exactly the kind of rest and relaxation moms need – plus, plenty of time to talk about the kids’ latest shenanigans. (If you don’t already belong to a moms' group, why not get one started? Maybe there’s a group of like-minded neighborhood mothers who would enjoy getting together once a month. There may even be some moms in our forums who live nearby!) Pick and choose from these summer-spa night ideas to find what works best for your group (the goal is to chill out, after all!).

Spread the word: Invite your pals via e-mail, a message in our community or take it up a notch and send out some fun, flip-flop style invitations.

Plan the refreshments: Let’s face it – your mom pals will be happy with nothing more than a few pitchers of spiked Raspberry Lemonade. (Check out our other summer drinks, too!) But you may want to consider some easy nibblies. Black Bean Quesadillas, Chicken and Bacon Kabobs, Lemon and Garlic Tiger Prawns and Seven-Layer Tex-Mex Dip, all fit the summer-time bill. Looking for more hearty fare? Think Grilled Shrimp with Corn and Black-Bean Salad, Potato Salad with Buttermilk Dressing and Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake. Yum!

Set the stage: Get a full-on fiesta vibe going on your patio or living room with brightly colored decorations: earlier in the day, get the kids to make tissue-paper flowers, for instance. Or splurge: nothing says “pedicure party” like flip-flop balloons!

Organize fun activities: Put out a rainbow of nail polishes, bowls of cotton balls, hand towels and brand-new manicure and pedicure tools from your local dollar store (or ask gals to bring their own). Then follow our manicure and pedicure tips for a perfect polish. Those who don’t primp can refill the drinks! Another idea: tell your mom friends to bring cheap flip flops and customize them together. (We’ve got step-by-step instructions.)

Have fun! We moms work hard. Enjoy some well-deserved downtime with the girls this summer and recharge!