Party Planning and More…

When the hustle and bustle of the holidays comes to an end, it can start to feel as though winter will drag on forever. With warm weather still calendar pages away, it’s easy for spirits to dip as low as the mercury. Why not warm up—and nip the winter doldrums in the bud—by hosting an indoor beach party? With a little planning and creativity, your indoor beach party will help put an end to the “cabin fever blues”.

Setting the Scene with Beach Party Invitations

Post cards with beach scenes make fantastic indoor beach party invitations, and are certain to whet your guests’ appetites for a little tropical fun. On your invitation, be sure to let guests know that they’ll be enjoying a “day at the beach,” and ask them to wear their favorite summer and beach attire. Some more fun ideas include sending a “message in a bottle,” writing the invitation on a rubber flip-flop, or including a small bottle of sand and shells. Make sure to send out the invitations two to three weeks before your party, so your guests will have plenty of time to round up their bathing suits and dust off their sandals!

Create an Indoor Paradise with Beach Party Decorations

To set the stage for your indoor beach bash, hang beach balls and shells from the ceiling, cover your walls with tropical and beach destination posters, and drape tabletops and furniture with beach towels. Remove any furniture you can from the party area, and replace it with lawn chairs, patio tables, and beach umbrellas. To add extra floor seating, unroll bamboo beach mats and top them with brightly colored throw pillows. Enhance the warmth of the scene by replacing lamps and overhead lighting with red light bulbs, and don’t forget to add some upbeat beach party music.

Create an Appetite for Summer with Beach Party Food

For your indoor beach party, replace the savory stews, soups, and comfort foods of wintertime with classic cookout fare for your party menu. Fire up the grill for burgers and hot dogs, paired with potato salad and coleslaw, baked beans, diced tropical fruit, deviled eggs, and boiled ears of frozen corn on the cob. Serve the food buffet-style with side items in sand buckets, using Frisbees as plates and sand shovels as serving spoons. For dessert, nothing says summer more than ice cream. Set up a sundae buffet, complete with sliced fruit, flavored sauces, chopped nuts, and whipped cream. (Important note: When grilling during the winter months, don’t be tempted to move your grill indoors or any closer than five feet from your house. Be certain to remove any dirt or debris from your grill before lighting. Allow extra heating and cooking time, and keep scarves and other clothing away from the heat.)

Beach Party Attire, Party Favors & Games

Turn up the thermostat, set up heat lamps (if you can find them), and wait for your guests to arrive. Greet your beach companions dressed in full summer garb—complete with sunhat, cocoa butter, and zinc oxide. Provide a private dressing area and a designated spot for stowing bulky winter gear, and invite guests change into their summer attire. Give each attendee a few fun indoor beach party favors, such as sunglasses, sunhats, flip flops, bubbles, and beach toys, and engage your guests in some fun indoor beach party games. Hula-hoop and limbo contests, beach ball volleyball, scavenger hunts, and an indoor Frisbee toss are sure to be loads of fun for all.

When properly planned, your indoor beach party is sure to be a hit. Your guests will leave with warm memories, and with the renewed energy they need to face the remainder of the cold months ahead. Maybe a happy guest will reciprocate by inviting you to their Christmas Party…held in July, of course. Enjoy your indoor beach party!