This summer has been the worst for weather in Connecticut.  Cool, rainy, overcast days do not lend themselves to outdoor celebrations.  But, if you do it right, you can make any indoor venue look like the Beach.

Beach Theme Tables with Underlighting

Beach Theme Tables with Underlighting

Ice Carving of Hammock between 2 Palm Trees
Ice Carving of Hammock between 2 Palm Trees

This was a 70th Birthday Party for a local businessman.  We put up a 20 x 40 beach backdrop with palm trees and fabulous lighting by Awesome Audio.  The tables above show different ways to  under light a table.  The blue twinkle lights cost about $15.  The under lighting under the ice carving is done with two $200 cans.

Beach Themed Lighting

Beach Themed Lighting

Hanging Lanterns over the Band Area

Hanging Lanterns over the Band Area

We made centerpieces out of Margarita glasses.  We used small margarita glasses for the cabaret tables in the Social area and we used large margarita glasses for the table centerpieces.   The guests took these home at the end of the night, sand, shells, and all!

Margarita Glass Centerpiece

Margarita Glass Centerpiece

Small Margarita Glass Centerpiece with Flip Flop Favor

Small Margarita Glass Centerpiece with Flip Flop Favor

Beach Backdrop with Palm Trees and Fish Centerpiece

Beach Backdrop with Palm Trees and Fish Centerpiece

Hammock and Palm Trees blocking the Light Panel

Hammock and Palm Trees blocking the Light Panel

With the lights down, you felt like you were in an Aquarium.  The blue and green lighting made you feel you were near water.  The sand and shells, nets and fish gave a beach feeling.  The lime green, yellow and blue linens kept it tropical.  The party was a huge hit, with everyone commenting on how great the room looked.   And, we didn’t have to worry about rain!