Party Planning and More…

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.