We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.
Beaches provide a perfect venue for so many types of entertainment. Whether you wish to simply lie back on a towel and soak up some rays, build sandcastles with your children, or relax and listen to the waves lapping up at the shoreline, you’ll surely enjoy your time on the sand. Other options you could do include people watching, having a picnic, meandering down the beach collecting sea glass or shells, or listening to a concert under the stars.
You can also watch sailboats and motor yachts cruise by, observe the birds and marine life, surf, play Frisbee, get toned by walking or jogging along the shore, observe the hatching of sea turtles and their release, or read a good book without the distraction of phones and television. As you can see, there is so much to do at the beach and there is something for everyone.
The beach is also one of the best settings for any sort of party. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, or for no specific reason, you can host a great gathering by keeping these tips in mind.
Preparation Is The Name Of The Game
Wherever you live, check to see what the regulations are about having parties on your beach. Call the city, town, or county in which the beach is located. Ask them if reservations are needed or if permits must be obtained. Inquire as to the beach’s hours. There is nothing worse than having a party in full swing, only to have a person of authority tell you that you have to close up shop because the beach is closing. Finally, ask if alcoholic beverages are allowed if you are planning to have them.
Prepare as much of your food as you can ahead of time. Simple dishes like pork and beans and macaroni salad are easy choices to make beforehand. Invest in serving containers and place each type of food in one of these savers. This can include meats soaking in marinades if your menu includes them. Make sure your cooler is large enough. Don’t wait until the day of the party to find out that with ice and food, your cooler will not close. Utilize paper plates and plastic silverware.
Pack as much of the food and other items as you can the night before the party. Get your volleyball net together, for example. Never wait until the morning of the party, because you will have enough on your mind trying to get everything to the beach. Write down a checklist of everything, and go through it with several people.
Get to the beach early and allow plenty of time to set up everything. If you have games planned (volleyball, paddleball, etc.), take all the items out and spread them on the sand. This will encourage your guests to use them. Make it easy for your guests to find the party. Yours may be one of many, and you do not want people getting lost. Provide them with directions, and place a big flag, balloons, or another item in the sand that will make your party site easy to spot.
Top 10 Beach Party Essentials
Beach parties are a staple of the summer and should be enjoyed by everyone. Throwing a beach party can be intimidating to anyone not knowing what to bring. The following guide is a list of the top 10 beach party essentials.
Paper Plates and Plastic Utensils
This one may be obvious but for any beach party you will never want to clean up after it; these simple disposable products will make the after-party much more enjoyable.
Lobster Pot
Lobster is a prime beach food for any beach party. The right size lobster pot should be taken into consideration for the size of the party. Lobster pots may be purchased on Target.com.
Volleyball
A volleyball game setup is a prime beach essential; this is a fun way to get party-goers to have some fun. This is a perfect game for some fun in the sand. Or you could try the more portable Slammo game! It’s perfect for the beach and you can purchase a set over at Amazon.com.
Shovel
A shovel is needed for a few things, like sandcastles and a fire pit. Especially if you have younger guests, kids will love shoveling the sand. And if your local beach allows you to build a bonfire you will need a shovel to dig a pit.
Suntan Lotion
This one may seem obvious as well but a lot of people forget this simple product. Don’t get sunburned this summer! Walmart.com has plenty of suntan lotions to choose from.
Beer and Wine
Beer goes well with lobster and many other kinds of seafood that are easy to cook on the beach, such as clams and muscles. Wine is a classy drink for any beach party. Try a local microbrewery for the best beer or a local winery.
Frisbee
Frisbee is a great pastime at any beach party. Your guests will appreciate bringing a Frisbee to your party as it is a simple and fun way to get everyone moving.
Boom Box Speakers
Music is essential for any beach party because without it the party may not be as lively. I would recommend buying portable speakers. Look for reviews on Amazon.com for those that are very good at displaying brilliant sound quality.
Cooler
Nothing is worse than warm drinks on a hot summer day on the beach. Your party should have multiple coolers to keep all your drinks cool. No one wants a warm beer at a beach party! Make sure you include plenty of ice to keep all your food and drinks cool. Coolers can be bought inexpensively at Walmart.com.
Towels
Towels can be used for sunbathing and drying off after a nice swim on the beach. Target.com has a great variety of towels for only $15 or less. Keep in mind it is always nice to bring extras for any guests who forget theirs.
Other tips
Bring plenty of napkins and glasses, as well as a first aid kit. Injuries happen, and the beach may be a long way away from medical attention. Should the party be a daytime one, encourage each participant to wear copious amounts of sunscreen so they don’t get burned.
Clean up all of the trash left behind by your guests. The next people who use your site will appreciate it, and many animals, such as birds, may get sick trying to eat items such as styrofoam cups. It is only courteous to do so.
Following these tips will help you to plan a beach party that is both fun and responsible. Oh and don’t forget some fun inexpensive beach party decorations! Check out Dollartree.com or your local dollar store for ideas! Enjoy your time in the sand!
