THE PERFECT BLEND OF TROPICAL VIBES & CASUAL ELEGANCE
As summer winds down, there’s no better time to host a gathering infused with coastal charm, tropical décor, appetizers for grazing, and refreshing cocktails. I’m excited to share the creative ideas I used to throw a themed dinner club party, combining items from my collection, a few borrowed treasures, and some carefully selected new pieces to create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Let’s dive into the details and inspiration that brought this coastal celebration to life!
TAPPING INTO WHAT’S ON HAND
First, I started by thinking of all the tropical-themed décor I already had on hand that I could use for my cocktail party table. I wanted to host my cocktail party outside, and I have a small dining table on my front porch that I thought would be perfect. It wasn’t quite as much space as I needed, so I brought a small round table from inside the house and pulled it up right beside the small rectangular dining table. I strung the grass skirts along the glass top rectangle table and simply taped them onto the tabletop. Next, I used a fishing net to drape across the small round table. This was an inexpensive element I had already ordered for a tropical-themed shower I helped host. The grass hula skirts I had also previously used for a table skirt were whimsical and perfect for my cocktail table, along with some other décor I had saved.
INCORPORATING BOLD, NATURAL ELEMENTS FOR COASTAL FLAIR
A sweet friend let me borrow a huge seashell bowl for icing down drinks and made a bold statement on the round table. Appetizer plates were stacked beside the large seashell. Small square bamboo plates, along with smaller seashell appetizer plates, which I picked up at a thrift store, fit the theme for small bites. A friend also lent me her bamboo-handled silverware, which was displayed inside a white vase for a casual setting and was easily accessible for guests. Linen napkins with a seashell embellished napkin ring were also stacked on this table. I created them inexpensively with only three supplies, making them super easy to create. I cut a paper towel roll into sections and wrapped them in white rope, securing them with hot glue, then embellished each with a small seashell as a final touch.
LUSH GREENS, FRESH BLOOMS & LIGHTING FOR A VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE
A few faux tropical leaves I picked up on sale at a craft store were tucked in here and there on the two tables, adding nicely to the theme. I cut a few branches from my trumpet vine, which was blooming vibrantly at the time. The intensely orange flowers were the pop I needed at my tables, along with beautiful, brightly colored arrangements of fresh flowers. These can easily be created with bundles of grocery store flowers without blowing the budget. If you have flowers growing in your yard, you can mix a few in and make your flower bundles go even farther. Want some additional décor items to complement a beach, coastal, or tropical theme party? Pick up some potted palm trees, palm fronds, tropical flowers like hibiscus, bougainvillea, or plumeria, tropical plants, flower leis, tiki torches, string lights, and paper lanterns in bright colors.
ELEVATE THE THEME WITH FRESH FRUITS & SEASHELLS
Nothing says “beachy” and “tropical” quite like seashells and tropical fruits. Small details can make a significant impact while still being budget-friendly. Fresh fruit, including grapefruit, oranges, lemons, kiwi, mango and pineapples, were placed randomly among the tables to finish off this tropical theme. I think what made the most significant impact were some seashells from a collection I’ve had for years. I used a couple of larger ones and also added groupings of smaller shells here and there on the tables. Another idea is to use tropical fruits from your décor as party favors for your guests. This is a great way to ensure the fruit doesn’t go to waste, and it will be a delicious take-home treat for your guests.
If you want to take it to the next level, set up a tiki bar, have some live music and set up a dance floor!
A FESTIVE TOUCH
I made a pineapple and rosemary-infused water and served it in a beverage jar on a woven stand for a non-alcoholic drink choice. This was placed on the other end of the table. The woven stand adds to the tropical feel of this table, and the pineapple slices in the water are another element of the tropics. Additionally, I served iced-down bottles of Topo Chico, another great non-alcoholic drink option, in the giant shell. These are delicious served with a slice of lemon, lime, orange or even grapefruit. Additionally, they make a great drink mixer for cocktails, making them a valuable addition to have on hand for a cocktail party.
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
Of course, you will want a variety of drinks and cocktails at your party. I enjoy using various shapes and sizes of cocktail glasses in my table setup. The party guests can choose any type of glass that suits their drink of choice. You can certainly place lots of cheerful cocktails and refreshing sips and mixers out for a self-serve cocktail bar, or decide on a couple of signature or custom cocktails and have the ingredients for those. This will keep it simple and budget-friendly. Refreshing ideas for signature drinks would be a fruity sparkling grapefruit cocktail or a pineapple basil cocktail. Some other great tropical drinks are piña coladas, frozen mojitos, mai tais or a rum punch.
THE STAR OF THE TIKI-SHOW
As for the food, I used small seashell appetizer plates and wooden boards, randomly placed on my tables, to accommodate small bites and finger foods throughout. This creates a visually interesting, unstructured buffet table. Additionally, I created a large, tropical-themed grazing/charcuterie board as the centerpiece of my cocktail table. I have the food and drink recipes on my website including coconut shrimp, pineapple chicken salad in phyllo cups and mini tropical trifles.
I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing some of my creative ideas for a tropical theme cocktail party and found some inspiration!
Blessings and happy end of summer!
Michele
Want the recipes mentioned and even more ideas? Search the keywords on vintagehomedesigns.com!
