| A beach party is a perennial favorite, especially | | | | Frisbees, horseshoes, water balloons, and of |
| during the summertime. Although it helps if it can | | | | course a pool, if you have one. A conga line and a |
| be held at an actual beach or around a backyard | | | | limbo contest are other fun activities for guests |
| pool, any party can be transformed into a beach | | | | of all ages. If your event is being held at the |
| party with just the right décor, | | | | beach or in a park, have a volleyball tournament. |
| entertainment, and food. | | | | Don't forget to buy a few plastic beach balls to |
| First, begin the theme with the invitations. For | | | | throw around at your party. For smaller children, |
| example, you can decorate each invitation in the | | | | bury a treasure and create a treasure map for |
| shape of a flip-flop sandal, a beach umbrella, a | | | | them to follow. |
| surfboard, or any other immediately recognizable | | | | If there are kids at your party, plan to have |
| beach-themed design. This way, your guests | | | | some beach-themed games. One classic is a |
| know what to expect when they arrive at your | | | | snorkeling relay; it involves two or three teams. |
| party. Invite them to wear their favorite beach | | | | Each team will need a set of flippers, a snorkeling |
| wear, including shorts, sarongs, and flip flops. | | | | mask, a large measuring cup, a measuring spoon, |
| For ambience, play a CD of soothing beach | | | | and a large bowl or bucket full of water. Each |
| background effects. The sounds of waves and | | | | team member will need to put on the mask and |
| seagulls will instantly transform your backyard into | | | | flippers, make their way over to the water, fill the |
| a beach. Another choice is surfing music like The | | | | spoon, and make their way over to the |
| Beach Boys or the B-52s. In fact, any upbeat and | | | | measuring cup, trying not to spill the water in the |
| summer-oriented songs would be a good fit for | | | | process. The process continues until one team |
| your theme. | | | | has reached a specified water line on the large |
| Decorations should include bright fish, streamers, | | | | measuring cup. |
| and tiki masks. Other décor ideas include | | | | Food suggestions include fresh fruit salads or |
| large seashells or surfboards. Inflatable palm trees | | | | kabobs and barbecued fare. Seafood is, of |
| are relatively easy to find and will give your party | | | | course, always popular for a beach-themed party. |
| a fun atmosphere. Large paper umbrellas can | | | | Try to use finger foods, like hamburgers, hot |
| provide your guests some shade during the bright | | | | dogs, or teriyaki chicken skewers. For inspiration, |
| and sunny daytime hours, while a campfire or tiki | | | | look for foods that you may eat when you're at |
| torches can provide appropriate mood lighting at | | | | the beach. Be sure to find little paper umbrellas |
| night. Set up lounge chairs around the party area | | | | for serving cold drinks. Serve the food in large |
| for your guests to relax. | | | | beach buckets; they could even act as ice |
| Entertainment for your party can include music, | | | | buckets to keep drinks cold. |