Summer > Beach

The days of Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello frolicking on the beach may be long gone, but that doesn't mean that the days of Beach Blanket Luaus should be! So go ahead, make a splash! With some imagination and creativity - oh! And some beach sand! - you can create a beach party that'll have your guests getting into the swim of things in no time!

Make Some Waves! No, really, we mean it! Using ocean blue construction paper or cardstock, cut out small invitation-sized pieces of paper. With lighter blue paper, create simple ocean waves and glue them onto the front of your invitation. Leave one small section at the top of waves free of glue so that you can slide a small, paper surfboard into the "water"! Use colorful paper or cardstock and cut out a simple surfboard shape. Decorate the front side with small stickers or designs - and write all the party details on the back! Surf's up!

Or surf on into Party City for Beach Blanket Luau Invitations that'll have your guests divin' into the fun!

And Now for Some Sun and Fun! Check out these surefire tips and tricks to turn your backyard into a warm, sunny beach luau - and turn your guests into certified beach bums!

Let your guests play in the sand! Fill several kiddie pools with beach sand (or sandbox sand that can be found at your local discount department store or home improvement store) and divide guests up into teams - one team per sandbox - and have a Sandcastle Contest! Provide pails, shovels, and of course, the glue that holds it all together - WATER! Give teams a half hour to build the best and biggest castle (or sculpture) they can! Award fun prizes for Silliest Sand Sculpture, Craziest Castle and even Best Effort! Visit Party City for colorful sand pails, squirt guns, and fun luau accessories that'll make great awards!

Get your guests decked out with colorful leis, grass skirts, coconut and seashell bra tops, and beaded chains with tiki shotglasses - all at Party City!

Hire an instructor and offer hula lessons! Get luau-ers movin' and groovin' to the soothing sounds of traditional Hawaiian music as they show off their fancy foot - and hip! - work! Grass skirts required - for ALL students!

How low can your guests go!?! Find out with the perfect Beach Blanket activity -- Luau Limbo! Award Light-Up Margarita Glasses or Pineapple Sipper Cups to the Limbo King and Queen!

Set up a Tiki Bar filled with yummy luau libations (Mai Tais, Daiquiris, and Pina Coladas) for your guests and let them hula on over! Stock the bar with parasol straws, tiki stir stix, and parasol picks filled with pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries! Offer non-alcoholic options, too, like fruit smoothies and virgin cocktails!

If the beach is too far away and there's no pool in sight, don't let that dampen the day! A Giant Sprinkler Ball from Party City is all you need to soak up some fun! Load up on silly squirt guns and Water Balls and get wet 'n' wild!

Ah, the sounds of the beach. No, not the ocean - we mean the real sounds of summer! Provide plenty of "beach music" to keep the Luau a' rockin'! Have lots of Jimmy Buffett, Beach Boys, and hey, why not - even a little Frankie and Annette to get your Beach Luau in full swing!

Set the scene with a fun photo op for your guests! Spread out some beach sand, a beach towel, some beach toys - and even a surfboard if you've got it - and snap a photo of each guest just lei-in' around! Or visit Party City for fun Summer Cutouts that are as easy as a day at the beach!

Surf & Turf! No need for an elaborate pig roast to give you that Beach Luau feeling - whip up some of these marvelous munchies! Don't forget to wait twenty minutes before hitting the beach!

Hawaiian Chicken Pizza
Fruit Salad (served in a giant watermelon, or other melon bowls!)
Fruit/Cheese/Meat Skewers (for a pupu platter!)
Kick Back And Relax

Hamburgers and hot dogs - and lots of cool summer salads, like potato, macaroni and pasta make great Beach Luau dishes too! Serve them up with festive Beach Luau Tableware and Serveware for an extra splash of summer!

Back From the Beach As the sun sets on a lazy day at the beach, send guests home from the sun and fun with inexpensive beach totes filled with all the essentials! Load them up with silly sunglasses, brightly-colored beach towels, a Summery Sports Sipper - and even a magazine for some fun, summer reading! Oh, and don't forget the sunblock!

Hula into Party City, too, for fun Summer Souvenirs that will have grateful guests doin' the wave!

Summer Send-Off! Let your fellow "bums" know that you hope they'll be back to the beach with Picture Perfect Thank Yous! Find inexpensive acrylic frames that you can decorate with paint pens and beach-themed stickers! Slide guests' Beach Scene Photos inside with your thanks for making the day even brighter!

Check out Party City for more Beach Luau Thank Yous for all your favorite beach bums!