Don’t live by the beach? BRING THE BEACH TO YOU!  I live in Arizona so my visits to the beach are few and far between.  I grew up in California and am a beach girl through and through.  So I decided this year I would bring to beach to me! This fun, casual, serve yourself party is the perfect way to entertain!  Everything but the boil can be made a day or two in advance. So bring out your big steam pot and get this low country shrimp boil party started.

Decorations

When decorating a table, start from the bottom up and back forward. Look below for ideas on how to create an easy shrimp boil tablescape.

TABLE: Starting at the bottom is a blue tablecloth with netting draped over.

BACKDROP: Old Shudders, netting (from Hobby Lobby), hung on the shutters- Hook (from Hobby Lobby) , lantern (Ikea), bucket with flowers.

DECOR: Once the table and backdrop are set up, now it’s time to add all the fun touches. Always start with your tallest items. I like planking my table with tall items and then filling from there. Hobby Lobby carries a great assortment of beach themed items. Scroll down to learn how easy it is to make homemade Japanese glass floats and party favors.

WOODEN LETTERS: Letters from Hobby Lobby, painted barn red and dry brushed with white.  Hot glued to dowels to the backs of the letters.  Buckets are filled with sand.

DINNER TABLES: Get a big roll of brown paper ( I like using shipping paper), and roll it down the center of the table. This makes clean up super easy. Strategically place rolls of paper towels

The Party Food

SHRIMP BOIL: Bring out a large pail of great ingredients like smoky sausage, mini sweet corn, tender potatoes, large juicy fresh shrimp and your guests will know that you know how to party! Whether you’re planning dinner for Memorial Day, Father’s Day, a Beach Party or just having some summer fun this all in one dinner is the perfect choice! Add a salad from the deli or make a homemade salad.

• COUNTRY SHRIMP BOIL INGREDIENTS
• 1 tablespoon crab boil seasoning (old bay) plus extra for sprinkling
• 12 baby red potatoes or any small potatoes
• 6 ears of fresh corn, cut in half
• 12 ounce bottle beer
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 (one pound) packages smoked andouille sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound large raw shrimp, fresh or frozen

CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW EASY IT IS MAKE YOUR OWN SHRIMP BOIL→COUNTRY SHRIMP BOIL

BAKED HUSH PUPPY RECIPE: Typically fried, hush puppies are small savory balls made from cornmeal and served with seafood. This recipe offers a healthier or lighter version. By baking the hushpuppies you still get the wonderful savory flavors with out all the fat from deep frying.

• HUSH PUPPY INGREDIENTS
• non stick cooking spray
• 2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons butter melted

CLCIK HERE TO MAKE A LIGHT HUSH PUPPY LIGHT VERSION→BAKED HUSH PUPPY RECIPE

Party Treats

DOUBLE LAYER BLUEBERRY PINEAPPLE COBBLER: Two cobblers in one! The bottom layer is a blueberry cobbler filled with plump and juicy fresh blueberries and the top layer is a delicious pineapple cobbler. Put them together and you have a double delight of cobbler heaven! Who would of thought these two fruits could come together in such a way to create not only a unique dessert but a delicious one too!

• COBBLER INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons cold water
• 12 (4 ounce) jars 1 pint
• fresh blueberries 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 (20 ounce) cans pineapple chunks
• 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar
• 12 maraschino cherries
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• turbinado sugar or granulated sugar for sprinkling

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW EASY IT IS TO MAKE COBBLER IN A JAR→DOUBLE LAYER BLUEBERRY PINEAPPLE COBBLER

TOASTED BUTTER PECAN CUPCAKES: When your favorite ice cream becomes a delicious cupcake! These tender cupcakes are filled with toffee bits, toasted butter pecans and makes the perfect summertime cupcake!
Sails made from scrapbook paper,  boat from Hobby Lobby. Think outside the box and create a fun way to serve everyone’s favorite ice cream. Whether it’s too cold outside to eat ice cream or too hot to serve it you can always still have ice cream just in the form of a cupcake! Quite possibly the perfect party cupcake! This recipe makes 36 cupcakes which makes them perfect for birthdays, family gatherings and potlucks!

• CUPCAKE BATTER INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
• 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cups toffee bits plus 3/4 cup for sprinkling
• CREAM CHEESE FROSTING INGREDIENTS
• 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
• 3 ounce cream cheese softened
• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 pounds (32 ounces) confectioners’ sugar

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW EASY THE CUPCAKES ARE TO MAKE→BUTTER PECAN CUPCAKES WITH A CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Easy Homemade Japanese Glass Floats

EASY HOMEMADE JAPANESE GLASS FLOATS: Whether you’re styling a beach themed party or a Ocean side cottage. Adding these Easy Homemade Japanese Glass Floats is a must! They add a touch softness and sparkle to the decor. These homemade versions cost under $10 for Four! Store bought versions are around $15 each and if you were to purchase vintage floats that would cost you an average of $30-50 per float! So you see it makes sense that with a little effort and time it’s totally worth making your own!

• GLASS FLOATS SUPPLIES-MATERIALS
• fish netting (from the craft store)
• 5 black tea bags
• 1 (16 ounce) bottle Mod Podge (Michael’s)
• gel food coloring ( I used teal, leaf green, and sky blue)
• large clear glass ornaments (Michael’s)
• twine
• GLASS FLOATS TOOLS
• scissors
• large pot
• popsicle sticks
• parchment paper
• disposable containers ( I used empty yogurt containers)
• toilet paper rolls, cut in half rounds

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW EASY THEY ARE TO MAKE→EASY HOMEMADE JAPANESE GLASS FLOATS

Sea Shore Christmas Ornaments-Party Favors

COUNTRY SHRIMP BOIL PARTY FAVORS: Say thank you in a different way with this easy to make Beach Themed Christmas Ornament. Adorned with charms, a thank you tag and tiny sea shells. Your guests will love receiving this fun and imaginative gift.

• PARTY FAVOR SUPPLIES
• glass ornaments
• coarse stone granules
• eyelet labels
• craft shells
• oceanside charms
• heart shaped charms
• jute string

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW EASY THEY ARE TO MAKE→SEA SHORE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

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