I recently hosted an Engagement party for my Brother and my future Sister-in-law. I was a bit nervous, as it was my first important party. They wanted a theme of beach/tropical because they already had plans to be married on the beach in Coronado, California. Since I live in a house with a pool, Jacuzzi, and rock waterfall, I knew I could accomplish that feel. Besides, my street address is Ocean Avenue!
I first started with decorating. I found a really cute set of 4 plastic life preservers, and put enlarged pictures of the couple inside. I bought a 6-foot tall plastic palm tree that was also a drink cooler around the trunk of the tree. I bought a large bag of seashells and placed them on glass plates with candles. I put sand into small bowls and placed votive candles on top. For my pool, I found starfish, seashell and fish shaped candles, which were lit, and floating. All of my serving pieces were fish and shell shaped. We already had installed surround sound, and played fun 1960's beach music.
The menu was a challenge. We started with Sea Breeze punch, which was vodka, cranberry and grapefruit juices. Delicious!! I even molded large fish and shell shaped ice cubes. I also filled the palm tree I had bought with ice, and various canned sodas, juices, water and, of course, a variety of beers.
I decided on a crab salad with crackers and crudités, shrimp cocktail, seafood pasta, garlic bread, and for those who may not care for fish, a Hawaiian style pizza with Canadian bacon and pineapple. I also place bowls of “goldfish” crackers, nuts, and candies around for nibbling. Dessert was a gorgeous coconut cake to die for.
It was so much fun! I received many compliments on my food and décor and most of all, my brother and sister-in-law were very pleased. They were married on the beach, and are expecting their first baby late May 2007.
