Cheeseburger In Paradise
Jimmy Buffett concerts are famous for their positive party atmosphere. The loyal fans who call themselves Parrot Heads understand that the "Margaritaville" that Jimmy Buffett sings about is not just a place, it's a state of mind. It's laid back, easy going and always a good time. Because of this, Jimmy Buffett-themed parties can be especially successful. If you'd like to channel your inner Parrot Head and throw your own Jimmy Buffett-themed party, read on for some ideas. Does this Spark an idea?
Invitations and Decorations
Jimmy Buffett's music is all about a casual tropical lifestyle, so when planning your party, make sure to incorporate plenty of beach-themed elements. For invitations, you can send out a "message in a bottle" to all your guests. Buy a package of plastic bottles, then roll up the invitations and stick them inside the bottles. Request that your guests wear appropriate Margaritaville outfits, such as Hawaiian shirts and flip flops.
If possible, a Jimmy Buffett-themed party should be held outside, preferably by a pool or an ocean. If you don't have a pool, you can always use a blow-up kiddie pool. For decorations, you can find a wide variety of items to purchase online right from Jimmy Buffett's website at margaritaville.com. If you'd rather do it yourself, you can use items like sea shells, flowers and coconuts to create table centerpieces and other decorations. Hawaiian grass skirts can be tacked along the edges of tables to create an island atmosphere, and a set or two of string lights and some inflatable palm trees in strategic spots will make any space feel more tropical. You could even buy some stuffed parrots and hang them from trees.
Food and Drink
Jimmy Buffett likes to sing about eating and drinking, so reading the lyrics to some of his popular songs can give you menu ideas. Of course, no Jimmy Buffett-themed party would be complete without margaritas. Margaritaville.com has a section of drink recipes, so you can find the perfect one for your party. Serve both alcoholic and virgin margaritas to accommodate your guests. Serve shrimp and cocktail sauce as an appetizer, with a fruit plate of tropical fruit such as pineapple and mangoes. For the main meal, take a cue from the song "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and serve cheeseburgers the way Jimmy Buffett likes them: with onions, Heinz 57 sauce, a kosher pickle and a side of french fries. Sponge cake or key lime pie, both sung about by the man himself, are good dessert options.
Games and Entertainment
If you want to play games, get a few sets of swimming flippers and have flipper races. You can turn the flipper game into the "lost shaker of salt" game in honor of his famous lyric by balancing a salt shaker on your head while attempting to race with the flippers. If games aren't your style, you can always just let Jimmy Buffett provide the musical entertainment. Be sure to have plenty of Jimmy Buffett CDs on hand to play during the party. For added fun, you can even rent a karaoke machine and let your guests take turns belting out their favorite Jimmy Buffett songs.
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