"Seashells by the Seashore"

I made these invitations using giant seashells found for $1 each at a craft store. I had some leftover sparkly carstock from some wedding invitations I made and printed up "Abby is throwing a 'Day at the Beach' party at her house. 'Shell' be so happy to 'sea' you!" Then, printed the date and time with an RSVP number. I then hotglued that to the shell, poured some sand in a clear plastic favor bag, slid the shell inside and tied it with twine and a charm. Simple and Chic!

The birthday cake: Made from a simple cake mix and chocolate seashell and starfish molds. The sand is crushed up graham crackers. I made the coral by simply piping white chocolate onto parchment paper in squiggly patterns and sprinkled it with edible pearl dust.  

I lined the table with a cream-colored plastic tablecloth and laid an irridescent wrapping paper ontop to give it that 'moving water' feel. The way the sun reflected off the table all morning was simply magical! I hung pearls and ribbon (1/2 off Easter crafts) from the chandelier to lend an Atlantis feel. I lined the table with the same pearls in blue. Each place setting got clear plastic plates and a mini tin bucket filled with sand to hold their drinks in.

The "silverware" was actually plastic and I wrapped it in a cream-colored napkin, tied it with seafoam green ribbon and hot-glued a starfish on top. Insta-chic on the cheap!

Again, you know how I love a food buffet...

This particular buffet for this themed party had goldfish crackers, swedish fish, keylime cookies, leftover chocolate shells from the cake, blue punch in a tall container set atop a cake stand filled with sand and shells. That was a hit!

More food included shrimp cocktail, saltwater taffy, sea salt caramels, and tuna salad-stuffed shell pasta with creamy alfredo sauce (my own recipe).

For the activity, I printed ocean clipart and gave them each their own set of pixie sticks and a mini elmer's glue bottle ($0.27 each!) and they made their own "sand" art for which they also painted paper mache frames.

(Again, I am using Martha Stewart products, but I do not endorse or promote her in any way.)  I found these favor boxes on sale at TJMaxx for next to nothing and filled them with goodies for the girls to take home.

Aren't they just perfect?!

Another successful Soiree!
                                                                                                                           Love,
                                                                                                                Your Soiree Sweetheart