When summer hits, or when you find yourself missing summer, a surfing party can be an easy, affordable way to celebrate. You can go full on with your theme from invitations to cocktails, but one area that deserves focus is the decorations. Aim for bright and bold, add a splash of beach, and your surfing party won't be a wipe out. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
Surfing party decorations can follow various themes. There is the old school beach shack look, with lots of bamboo and rattan. There is the Hawaiian luau theme, with bright, tropical flowers that recall a classic Hawaiian shirt. There is the Elvis beach party shindig, where the central feature would be a fire pit. A final favorite is the Tiki surf party, with totems, masks and torches.
Features
The key features of surf party decorations are bold colors and patterns. You can create a brilliant surfing mural featuring a fiery beach sunset and waves, which is also the perfect photo backdrop for party guests. If your party is outdoors, create a tropical theme with fake or real flowers and foliage. Twine flowers around a trellis, up an umbrella pole or around the backs of chairs. Use beach towels as tablecloths. Bring a bit of the beach to your backyard or dining room with buckets filled with sand and sprinkle it with shells, coral, starfish and sand dollars. If you have real surfboards, prop them up against a wall. Go big with your party and set up a sheet or screen for projecting a surf movie classic such as Elvis in "Blue Hawaii."
Benefits
The benefit of surfing party decorations is that nothing needs to match. The theme creates a casual and festive vibe. Lawn chairs, pool chairs or beach chairs are the ideal furniture. Companies, such as Oriental Trading Company (see Resources below), sell surfboard, beach and luau party supplies. The decor extends to food and drink decorations as well, so don't forget the cocktail umbrellas or the mermaid drink charms.
Considerations
For an outdoor surf party, your decorations should include features that provide shade. You can do this with existing features, such as gazebos, umbrella tables or covered patios. You can also create shade quickly and cheaply by stringing clotheslines between trees and stretching a sheet over them and clipping them into place. For evening gatherings, whether they are indoors or outdoors, lighting is key for a party vibe. Tiki torches are ideal, but they may not supply quite enough illumination if the party goes into the wee hours, so add oil lamps, outdoor party lights or tabletop candles to the lighting plan. Party lights and candles also work for indoor surf party decorating.
Warning
Check fire regulations or, if you rent, landlord requirements, before setting up a fire pit as part of the surfing party decorations. You may have to settle for a barbecue or hibachi instead. If the party is for children, keep adults in charge of any areas containing fire or water.
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