Beach Party Ideas

Beach party ideas can vary if kids or adults are the main guests, but most beach party tips apply for all ages, and the beach atmosphere can appeal to the kid in all of us.

The Invitations
Consider writing the invitation information on a cheap plastic visor, or pail. Then you can hand-deliver them to each guest. If you're sending them in the mail, it may be more practical to use paper, but try cutting the paper into the shape of swim shorts or a beach umbrella to make it extra fun. Whichever format you choose, it's a good idea to ask guests to bring a towel, sunscreen and a chair or beach blanket.

At the invitation stage, you should also let guests know what is and isn't allowed. Contact local law enforcement, as some areas have strict laws regarding any activity on beaches. For example, some cities in California do not allow any drinking of alcohol on the beach, nor do they allow glass containers on the beach, and guests should know this before they bring along a six-pack as a hostess gift.

Beach Party Decorations and Supplies
At first, it seems as if a beach provides all the decoration you need, but you can use your supplies for added touches. Colorful towels, umbrellas, beach toys, chairs and coolers help encourage guests to start relaxing and having fun. If the party will flow into the evening, tiki torches add light and atmosphere.

Before heading out to the water, make sure you have the following:

• Beach towels. Have enough beach towels for each guest, or a few extra if you told guests to bring their own.
• Beach umbrellas. These are also great for marking your party spot so guests can spot you. Just drape a towel, or tie a flag, kite or balloon to the top of an umbrella. Let the guests know ahead of time what to look for. If you don't have your own umbrellas, then find out if you can rent ones at the beach.
• Beach chairs. Bring them, rent them or ask guests to bring their own.
• Blankets. Not only will plenty of blankets keep the sand off, but they are also great for wrapping yourself in later when it gets cool.
• Toys for adults and kids. Bring plenty of buckets, shovels and sand molds. It's also fun to bring some soap bubbles for blowing bubbles. These items make fun beach party favors as well. All you need to do is throw in a small tube of sunscreen, a visor or hat, or other items.
• Sports equipment. Include a ball and gloves, a volleyball set, a badminton set, or some other game like horseshoes or bean bag toss. While sports equipment is optional, you should plan some beach games and activities like a sandcastle contest, limbo dancing or shell collecting.
• Sunscreen. Bring plenty of bottles because someone's bound to forget, and you'll need to reapply it.
• Jeans and a shirt. If the party will extend into the evening hours, you'll want to keep warm.
• A cooler full of ice. Always keep your drinks and any foods ice-cold.
• Utensils, cups and plates. You can keep food supplies at a minimum if you make easy-to-eat foods, like sandwiches. Also bring plastic items only, as most beaches prohibit glass.
• A music player with a beach music mix. Whether this is an mp3 player loaded up with surf songs or a cd player and cds, music is definitely necessary for a beach party.
• Bonfire wood and matches or fire lighter. Important: check to be sure this is permitted at the beach you are using.

Food
For a great beach party, pre-make some colorful fruit and veggie salads, and be sure to pack them in a well-insulated cooler. Depending on how your local beach feels about grilling, grill assorted sausages on the beach or cook them over a bonfire. For fancier beach party fare, prepare some shrimp with lime or mango sauce, and be sure to keep that cool as well. If you're grilling or cooking on the beach, include the proper tools and condiments. Skewers, spatulas, tongs, buns, relish, mustard, ketchup, and pickles should be included. Then complete the party with a great dessert, such as fudgy brownies, cupcakes or, best of all, making s'mores.

Drinks
Beverages should be tailored to the crowd, but, generally speaking, include an assortment of non-alcoholic choices. Even if your beach allows consumption of alcoholic beverages, focus on the non-alcoholic to prevent dehydration.

Cautions
A beach party can be one of the best party themes of all, but it also calls for some extra responsibilities:

• Water safety. If kids are in the water, a lifeguard must be on duty. If there isn't one, two or more adults should be appointed to watch the kids in the water at all times, taking shifts. Don't leave kids unsupervised in the water, ever. Even if only adults are invited, everyone should look out for each other.
• Sun safety Sunburn and heat exhaustion are all possibilities. Be sure all guests wear sunscreen, and keep hats, sunglasses and cover-ups on hand. Re-apply sunscreen every few hours and after taking a dip in the ocean. Make sure everyone stays hydrated, and encourage guests to take breaks from the sun periodically.
• Fire safety. If bonfires or grilling are allowed, be sure to light the fire safely, don't use excess lighter fluid or dangerous flammable liquids and completely put the fire out when leaving.
• Food safety. Keep the cooler stocked with ice so food doesn't spoil in the hot sun.
• Garbage duty. Scope the area for trash cans, and be sure to clean up your area when the party is over. That may mean removing all garbage and taking it with you if the beach doesn't have trash facilities.

As long as you know how to protect yourself in the sun and stay safe in the water, you and your guests will be entertained for hours. Who knows? You might even be tempted to try riding a surfboard.