Did you ever think about having a tropical or beach theme party? Are you not sure how to plan it and what type of decor to use?

Picture a beach party right in your home in the mist of a winter storm storm, or right in your own back yard during the warmer months.

I love the beach and tropics, and also love doing theme base parties. This page in the party ideas section shares a few simple ideas and thoughts on how to plan and decorate for a beach party. Free feel to listen to the Beach Boys and get into the mood of planning your own party.

There are some things to think about when planning this type of party. Here are a few ideas I have used in the past and have allowed the entire planning to be fun, as well as friends and family having a fun filled evening. Think bright colors, festive mood, and great food that compliments your theme. You don't have to go and spend a lot of money.

An example, take a vase and buy some fresh cut flowers that match the theme. You can even get small vases that match the place setting. Put a flower in each vase and set it in front of the setting. Alternate your flower colors to have a complete look on the table.

Your table decor is going to be one of the main attractions of any type of party. There are many different ways to decorate a table for this fun party. You can going informal and use paper or plastic plates and other accessories. You can go with a little more formal look and add some glass accessories.

The picture above is of a place setting I like to do for a tropical or beach party. The colors are bright and bring a true sense of the Caribbean or beach tones. You see only a couple of place settings, but my main goal was for you to see how I placed the items and matched the color tones. Let's take a close up look at some of accessories used on this table.

This is a photo of two place settings. The table cloth is plaid with the warm colors. The place mats are bright and the tones bring in that Caribbean feel. The plates are not expensive but have a fun appeal to them. Napkins round out the place setting. The napkins once again bring in the bright colors that blend so well with the tropical theme. Notice how the napkins are floral. I like to use a variety of patterns as long as they don't clash or over power each other.

The main focal point of this area on the table is the center decoration with a bright blue fish salt and pepper shaker on a festive dish. In front you see where I put two small candles, as well as two sandals with candles in each of them. Notice how all the colors blend together to enhance the theme tones. Ah, a series of five. Remember, think odd numbers when you decorate.















This is a very simple idea for glasses. Put a vibrant color umbrella in a glass. You can use any type of decorative glass and of course with the typical favorite island drink. Around each glass are small shells I have collected over the years from a variety of beaches. Adding the shells around the glasses creates just another aspect of your theme. Get a little creative and you can use any type of little decor to accent the glasses.

This watermelon dish was given to me years ago by a close friend. It is an ideal piece to serve with the meal. I like to put fresh tropical fruit and fill it to the brim. This dish can also be used year around displaying artificial fruit or fresh fruit. Speaking of food, you might be asking yourself, "what type of food would go well with this theme.?" There are several different dishes you could serve. Depending on the time of year and where you are located, you can grill out.

An idea for this style theme is to consider doing kabobs with scewers of fresh pinapples, mango, melons, shrimp or crab. If seafood isn't your thing, add chicken, beef, pork, or just do a veggie and fruit kabob. Marinade them in a ginger base sauce and grill them. Absolutely a crowd pleaser. If you use wooden scewers, make sure you dip them in water before putting on grill. If you would like this full recipe, please feel free to contact me.

There are many other beach meals to consider, such as a clam bake. Dozens of clams steamed, corn on the cob, red potatoes, and a pasta salad. I could go on and on with different recipes I have used while at the beach or a tropical island. Let's get back to decorating for now.

Another aspect when planning a tropical or beach party, look around your living space and see what decor you may already have. Think about how to incorporate your items into the theme and party.

This miniature artificial holiday tree is up year around. Decorated with beach ornaments as seas shells. The white miniature lights add to the mood of relaxation on the beach. Great idea to incorporate into your tropical beach party. You can use this type of decoration as a focal point in a room.

If you don't have the right type of ornaments, consider putting other warm climate collectables on this tree. You can use a variety of different warm weather decorations. If you have a certain collection, great place to display them year around, or just for your party.

I added Hawaiian Lei around the base of the tree to complete that island theme idea. This is also a great decoration for a beach house or a beach theme in a room. Many of these ornaments are collectables my mom sent me each year from my parents vacation in Maine. They are a true treasure now as she has been gone for ten years now.

















The last two pictures are just a couple of things I have around the house. These enhance the theme and can be placed during the party in an area for your guests to enjoy. The flamingos are bright pink and add a nice atmosphere for the event. The flamingo on floor dances and sings, which provides a little more entertainment for your guest. The flamingo was bought at a discount store and not expensive at all.

I redid the decorative shelf from a white tone to black. It is hung near a black spiral staircase and the stairs and shelf compliment each other. Once again I displayed shells as well as other beach collectives I have gotten over the years.

These ideas above are just some I have done and used in decorating for a tropical or beach party.
Keep your planning simple, inexpensive, and fun. To recap a little for you.

1. Plan your party around bright colors and decor.
2. Your table is your focal point so play around with matching colors and fabrics.
3. Music plays a big role in setting the overall atmosphere.
4. Compliment your theme party with foods that accent the theme
5. Use items you already have around your living space.

If you haven't had a chance to read about the beach, feel free to go to beach decorating. There is also a page that may help you with Caribbean colors that will create the atmosphere for a tropical party to seem real. It has been fun to share with you these little items and thoughts on doing a beach party theme. Great idea for anytime of the year.

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