Clam Bake Summer Party by Erin Dove

Hi, Shindigz Party Planners! It’s Erin again, back this month from The Blue Eyed Dove. One of the best parts about summer is being outdoors, preferably by water at all times if possible. But even if you can’t be by the water every day you can always bring the water to you by throwing a coastal-themed party in your own backyard {think Clam Bakes and Lobster Boils!}.

Here are some tips on how you can create this type of party using Shindigz’s themed-supplies that will definitely leave you feeling like you’ve spent your days waterside!

I have always wanted to host a Clam Bake party. Nothing screams summer more than seafood! Clambakes can be super messy, though. For starters, I used a roll of natural kraft paper to cover my table. And when the party is over this table cover is super easy to clean up. Bonus!

I lined the table with a crawfish table runner {that was simply this table cover folded}, and added a few sheets of newspaper to the table to give it a little more character. I also used a small section of white fish net and placed it at the ends of each table.

Three Rustic Lantern Centerpieces were placed on the center of each table. A small layer of sea shells was added to each lantern to set the nautical tone.

I used navy blue mydrap napkins as placemats {which could also be used as napkins, remember Clam Bakes are messy!}, topped each one with a crawfish dinner plate, and navy blue stamped wooden utensils tied with some twine.

It’s also a good idea to have some extra napkins on hand for your guests. These crawfish napkins were placed at the ends of each table.

Small mason jars were used to serve water, along with red chevron print paper straws. Each guest received a navy can cooler – which can be personalized for your party if you’d like!

But you can’t have a Clam Bake without using small tin pails to serve up the grub! These pails serve as an important party accessory and are also super cute décor.

But one of the best parts about any party is getting a little memento that you can take home with you!

These nautical-themed personalized bottle openers are perfect to send home with your guests as a "thank you" for coming gift. Everyone loves a practical gift!