Things You'll Need:
- Empty water bottles
- Invitations
- Beach food
- Sand toys
- Beach balls
- Volleyball
- Balloons with anchor weights
- Paper sign
- Garden stakes
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Step 1
Pare the guest list unless you want to pay for a permit. There is a fine line between a casual gathering of friends and a planned mega-party that requires a permit. Check with the governing body presiding over the beach you plan to use (often the governing body is the local parks and recreation) to see what their guidelines are regarding permits for parties and gatherings. Obtain any necessary permits in advance.
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Step 2
Send out invitations that reflect the theme. The Family Fun website recommends the "message in a bottle" theme. Print the invitations on paper, roll the paper into a tube and insert into a clean, empty, disposable water bottle. Twist the cap onto the bottle, attach a mailing label and postage and send the invitations through first-class mail.
Be specific as you make your invitations. Let guests know that the party will be on the beach at that they should bring swimsuits and beach towels. Also inform them of whether or not there is a lifeguard at the beach. -
Step 3
Visit your location ahead of time, on the same day and time as your proposed party. The traffic at the beach can vary from day to day. If you find the beach to be especially crowded on Saturday at noon, consider changing the party to later in the day or on a different day altogether.
Ask the parks management what sort of amenities are available. Ideally the location will at least have public restrooms, and also may include changing areas, picnic tables and barbecue equipment. -
Step 4
Pack beach-friendly food. The easiest way to feed a crowd on the beach is to make sandwiches ahead of time and wrap them individually. Other good menu items include bags filled with individual servings of fresh fruit or vegetables, snack-sized bags of chips, individually wrapped granola bars and bottled water. If your beach includes barbecue amenities, seal hot dogs and ground beef in airtight containers. Keep the meat, and all other food items, a cooler that is well insulated and properly chilled for food safety.
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Step 5
Bake a cake if you think it is worth the effort. Serving birthday cake at the beach is messy but doable. If the guest of honor is indifferent to birthday cake, you might consider an easier option for the birthday treat. Pre-wrapped desserts are an alternative. If the beach offers concessions, treat guests to a popsicle or ice cream cone.
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Step 6
Decorate sparingly. Beaches are notoriously windy, so party decor will have to be securely anchored. Fortunately, the beach itself is a picturesque place, so party decor can be spared with little impact. If you are determined to decorate, helium balloons with heavy anchors can be used to delineate the approximate boundaries for your party area on the beach. Just put a bunch in each corner.
You can also make a birthday banner on a long section of rolled paper (available at teacher supply stores) stretched between two stakes or old broom handles.
