Santa Cruz, California
Halter | Skirt | Hat | Sunglasses
My friend Elise is one of those people who will invite you and your kids over for an afternoon of flower-wreath-making for no particular reason, just because she happens to have everything you need to make a flower wreath on hand. She knows how to draw those pretty cursive chalkboard stencils that you see outside restaurants and at kids’ birthday parties. She has drawers full of crafting supplies, and she actually uses them.
There was no way this birthday party – a beach party for Elise’s 3-year-old daughter – was going to be anything other than a Pinterest Explosion (and I mean that as a compliment; what you see here is not a thing I would ever, ever be capable of creating). Still, though, when I showed up I was floored. She’d created a kind of beach oasis using round throws and a white tent. She’d created centerpieces (for a beach party!) out of hollowed-out pineapples. She had put candy beads into macarons to make them look like clams. (I know. I feel inadequate, too.)
I had to show you, in case you’re the kind of person who would make macaron clams, too…or in case you just like looking at pretty party inspiration.
Decor Elements:
- White beach tent
- Round beach blankets in assorted colors
- Wooden stands for food
- Hollowed-out pineapples filled with wildflowers and surrounded at the base with dried seaweed and macaron “clams”
- Hanging dreamcatchers, some with the birthday girl’s name in the center and others decorated with eucalyptus branches
- Tiny metal buckets with beach toys doubling as favors for the kids
Food & Drink:
- Individual Ziploc bags filled with frozen margaritas for the adults
- Cold Pasta Salad with Olives and Feta (my contribution)
- Sandcastle Cake
- Chicken-Pineapple Skewers
How-To: Freezer Margarita (serves 6)
In a large container, combine 4 cups water, 1 cup decent-quality tequila, 1/2 cup triple sec, and 1 can of frozen limeade.
Pour into individual Ziploc bags and let freeze about 24 hours, or until you have a slush-like consistency.
