Beach parties are the essence of fun in the sun. The hot sand under your feet, splashing around in the surf with the sun beating down on your back, and relaxing under an umbrella in the shade is the perfect recipe to an unforgettable party. With sun, sand, and sea as the vital ingredients, you’re guaranteed the perfect party with these beach party ideas.
Before you turn your beach party ideas into reality, a little bit of research is essential. If you plan to have alcoholic beverages, make sure that alcohol is allowed at the beach and find out what the laws are regarding glass or other open containers. Planning late night dancing around a bonfire? Find out before you go whether they’re allowed and whether or not you’ll need a special permit in order to have one. Check into cooking facilities, whether there are barbecues on site and whether you’re allowed to bring your own, so you don’t have any unwelcome surprises. Doing these few steps before your party will ensure that you’ll have a relaxing, enjoyable day in the sun.
One tried and true beach party idea is a crab, lobster, or Cajun boil. If you live near the beach, fresh seafood is easy to find, and all you’ll need for a memorable feast is a big pot, some fresh water, and a pile of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. For a Cajun boil, just add red potatoes, corn on the cob, and smoked sausage to your pot with a healthy dose of cayenne pepper. These one-pot feasts are always a party hit and can even be eaten straight from the pot with your hands.
Another beach party idea is an old-fashioned luau with flowers, coconuts, grass skirts, and Hawaiian music. Hollowed out coconut shells can be used as containers to hold your favorite tropical punch or frozen fruity cocktail. Surfboards can be used as tables, and your guests can compete in hula contests and, of course, show off their skills with the limbo pole. These parties are easily pulled off and fun for the whole family. Kabobs of pineapple, shrimp, and chicken can be easily cooked over a fire pit or barbecue, and a pig roast is an authentic meal for the more industrious party host.
Remember those great surfing movies from the 50′s and 60′s? A great beach party idea is to have your guests come in costume from that era – 60′s-style bathing suits and boarding shorts coupled with loud Hawaiian shirts. Food and beverages can be along the same lines as a luau, and you could have dance contests for themed prizes in true 50′s and 60′s style.
These beach party ideas are possible even if you don’t live near a beach! Inflatable swimming pools can be set around your back yard with bags of sand poured in the bottom and around the edges for a true beach atmosphere. Decorate one area of the yard with twisted blue streamers to give an ocean feel. You could even play a recording of crashing ocean waves at a low volume in this area to add to the effect. How about an indoor beach party in mid winter? Decorate your house with lots of blues and greens to simulate the ocean and place palm trees, either real or artificial, around your house with fishing nets, tropical flowers, and seafood!
With these beach party ideas and a little imagination, you can make your next party a hit, whether you live near a beach or not.
