As temperatures soar and schedules slow down, fun in the sun takes a prime spot on the agenda. For those who are lucky enough to live near an ocean or lake, relaxing on the sandy shore is a great way to while away summer afternoons. No water in sight? Not to worry—even landlocked sea lovers can indulge in their love for the nautical life by throwing a backyard beach bash. With a little creativity, some strategically placed party decorations, and a group of fun-loving guests, you can throw an authentic beach-themed party. (Water is optional!)
Below, we’ve compiled some helpful party planning tips for an unforgettable beach bash:
- Choose a location. If you’ve got a big, fenced-in backyard, you can host your party at home and use beach-themed party decorations to re-create the essence of the shore. While a pool is a nice bonus, there are plenty of other ways to incorporate water—easy alternatives include sprinklers, inflatable water slides, and Slip-n-Slides.
- Choose a theme. Okay, the obvious theme—the beach—is a given. But why stop there? Customize your beach party by adding a fun, unique twist. One idea is to turn it into a Hawaiian luau, complete with grass skirts, leis, tiki bars, and limbo contests. Party Favor Mall offers a full range of Hawaiian party decorations and party favors to infuse your outdoor space with the warmth and hospitality of the tropical islands. Another popular beach theme is a surfing party, where the guests are encouraged to wear surfing attire, bring their boards, and even participate in simulated surfing competitions.
- Plan a soundtrack. Summer songs are a must for a successful beach party. Choose music that evokes the essence of the shore—the Beach Boys, reggae, Jimmy Buffet, Sublime, and any other artists whose sounds emanate a carefree, relaxed ambiance. Consider placing portable or wireless speakers in strategic places throughout the yard to ensure prime acoustics for all guests.
- Choose your party decorations. You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to infuse your venue with the appeal of a sandy shore or exotic isle. Some easy and economical beach party props include tiki torches, beach balls, and plastic palm trees. For festive lighting, string up white mini lights, suspend lanterns from tree branches, or place votive candles in paper bags. If you have a pool, light floating candles on the water for a shimmering effect. To add a touch of realism, consider creating a temporary faux beach by emptying a few bags of sand in one area of the yard. Some other unique ideas include using beach towels as tablecloths or coconut shells as centerpieces.
- Get guests moving. Starting up a party game is a great way to encourage guests to interact and to break the ice between different circles of friends who may not know each other well. A carefully chosen competition can tie in to your party theme. To conjure up ideas, think about popular beach activities that could easily make the transition to your own backyard, such as volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole, or badminton.
- Add festive flames. To ignite the spirit of an authentic beach party, add a bonfire. The dancing flames will create a celebratory atmosphere and will help keep the crowd warm when temperatures dip after dark. A copper fire pit or rock-enclosed fire ring provides an easy way to create an outdoor bonfire. If you plan to create a bona fide bonfire, you should check with the local municipalities to determine whether a special permit is required.
- Choose your beach fare. A beach-themed party calls for summer-friendly foods: pig roasts, smoked barbecue, succulent fruit kabobs, and pasta salads, to name a few. Complement the meal with beachy beverages typically served oceanside: margaritas, pina coladas, fruit smoothies, or mai tais. Complete the effect by serving drinks in festive containers, such as hand-painted martini glasses or fish bowls, and by topping them off with miniature umbrellas. For a grand finale, serve such hot-weather indulgences as pineapple upside-down cake, ice-cream sorbets, or creamy puddings.
Don’t let geography limit you—no matter where you live, you can host a backyard beach bash with all the seaside accoutrements. A beach party provides a great opportunity to kick back, relax with friends and family, and celebrate the simple joys of summer.
Today’s modern families are busier than ever. From sporting events to school functions to household chores, parents and children are often rushing from one obligation to another, racing against the clock to squeeze in everything that has to be done. With so many responsibilities, downtime is often in short supply. If you’re craving a break from your fast-paced daily routines, you may be surprised to discover a remedy right outside your front door.
When was the last time you spent some time relaxing with the neighbors? We live in an age where over-the-fence conversation and cul-de-sac revelry have given way to emails, text messages, and other forms of “express communication.” This summer, unplug your high-tech toys, push aside your day planner, and throw a long, leisurely block party. It’s a fun, easy way to turn passing acquaintances into built-in friends, and to form family connections that will endure for seasons to come. In addition to creating camaraderie, cultivating relationships with those who live closest to us promotes a sense of security and solidarity.
So, how to pull it off? Planning a block party is easier than you might think. Follow these quick, simple tips to throw a street soiree that will delight children and adults alike.
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Happy Leap Year! …Ok, by now you see that I am always looking for a reason to throw a party, so, why not a Leap Year Party!
Did you know why we have Leap Year? Everyone thinks that each year is 365 days long, when in all actuality it is 365.242 days, thus we have to add a year every 4 years so our calendar is on que with the sun. To figure out what year is Leap Year just remember that Leap year fall on every year that is divisible by 4…hence, 2004 and 2008. I found that to be a fun little fact!
So, go out, and celebrate!
Check out this Red Hot gift for your special someone on Valentine’s Day… Really, any day!
You can find this Red Hot scented candle and many more great Valentine’s Day gifts at All Scented Candles.
I can’t believe that it is 2008, let alone the whole month of January has past us already! …What does that mean, everyone needs to get that gift for Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day can make or break a relationship… Try doing something more than the typical flowers… Give something that will last longer!
My valentines gift idea is to give her a floral scented candle the match the flowers that you give her! Or, scented candles alone would make a lasting gift she can remember.
Popular choices include rose, lilac, lavender, jasmine, peony, and gardenia. Many believe that aromatic candles can actually benefit your health
It is always nice to bring the host of the party a gift. It isn’t required, but always appreciated.
These beautiful, contemporary scented jar candles from Flare are the perfect gift! They come in a stylish glass jar with a silver lid and have a very unique, modern looking label that simply says “flare”.
You can find so many wonderful scented candles and candle accessories at www.AllScentedCandles.com.
We are well into the New Year, which means we have a big party year ahead. And Mardi Gras is coming fast! Only 3 more weeks until Fat Tuesday!
I had the opportunity years ago to spend Mardi Gras in New Orleans. What fun! The parades were wonderful. In fact, the first Parade of this Mardi Gras season is this Saturday. (January 19, 2008 at 7:00pm)
Whether you are spending Mardi Gras in New Orleans or having your own Mardi Gras party, get all of your Mardi Gras Party Supplies ordered now so you are prepared ahead of time.
Merry Christmas to all!
..Now, it is time to start to prepare for that New Years Eve Party!
Where are you going to celebrate New Years? Are you going with someone special? …And the most important question, if you are going to be drinking alcoholic beverages, do you have a designated driver?
As usual, we are procastinating about where we are going to celebrate… We are thinking DC, Phillie or Pittsburgh. I guess it is time for me to make a decision.
Please be safe, and have fun partying for the season!
A friend of mine is a bridesmaid in a 1960’s Theme wedding next week.
From what I hear, there will be no wedding cake, only carmel apples…and a party bus for the reception? I can’t wait to hear all about it.
…And here is a dress similar to what the bridesmaids are wearing!
Check back soon for all of the details of how groovy this wedding was!
One of the best Holiday gatherings I have been to was a non-traditional one. We had Christmas dinner, Hawaiian Style. And this brought me to this theme holiday party idea. Everyone has so many Holiday parties to go to this time of year, and they all are pretty much the same. Why not have a Holiday Hawaiian Luau?
You can get some great party supplies from Party Favor Mall. They are so easy to order from and have great quality party favors and party supplies.
These Palm Tree Place Card Holders are so cute!
