PIN these tropical party ideas to try later!

Toes in the sand and a (fruity) cocktail in hand.

Ya – that’s pretty much EXACTLY where I’d like to be right now – how about you?!

But even when you can’t whisk yourself away to Hawaii or Tahiti or [insert tropical dream destination here], you can still bring the tropical vibes to your own backyard with a party! And that’s exactly what we did recently. (Well, technically we brought them to a friend’s backyard this time because it’s gorgeous and she loves hosting parties, too!)

Here’s a little preview…

Recreate This Look

Tropical themes are great for “anytime” summer parties like this one, or for celebrating special occasions like summer birthdays, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, etc. If you’re in a “toes in the sand” mood too, read on for 10 fun (and totally doable) ways to get creative with your own tropical inspired celebration.

Tropical Party Printables

My Tropical Bash printables are available in our store in 2 versions: Cocktail/Birthday and Bridal Shower! Use them to add instant style and personalized details to your party. 🙌 You can edit the custom text yourself – right on the website – whenever (and as often as) you need to!

#1. Tropics-Inspired Cocktails

YES, I like piña coladas! And if you do too, then you’ll love how easy-breezy they are to whip up using + your favorite rum. Another thing you might like is this piña colada based signature cocktail we dubbed the “Tropical Dream”. It happens to be ridiculously tasty. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! ;) Here are the details:

TROPICAL DREAM COCKTAIL:

• • 3 oz
  • 2 oz light rum
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • .5 oz dark rum

Build first 3 ingredients in order in a glass filled with ice. Float dark rum over the top.

Of course you can always adjust the ingredients to your personal taste. I added a bigger splash of OJ in this next one and took a pic before stirring it up. The separation of colors looked so fun!

My parents (pictured above) got in on the piña colada cocktail action, too!

Signature Cocktail #2 – the “MAI MULE”
The Mai Tai is another popular tropical cocktail, thanks to its delicious, Polynesian-inspired flavors. For a fresh twist on those flavors, give the “e” a try! It’s basically a Mai Tai & Moscow Mule mashup, and the makes it super easy to shake up.  .

Signature Cocktail #3 – the “WATERMELONY”.
Watermelon is one of those things that just screams SUMMER. It’s featured all throughout the decor of this party, so I couldn’t resist using it as a featured flavor for one of our signature drinks, too. This “” cocktail is a tasty mix of muddled watermelon, vodka, cranberry juice, and Master of Mixes , , and . Also – the gorgeous color just can’t be beat! See the full recipe here.

#2. “Tropical Vibes” Party Printables

If you’ve seen or been to any of my parties before, then you know that graphic design is a big part of them all. Designing for THIS theme was particularly fun, though. I mean – elements like flamingos, watermelons, pineapples, and cocktails filling my screen… what’s not to love. :) You can find my (editable!) Tropical Party printable collection in Design Hero.

#3. Patterned Fresh Fruit Platters

Instead of piling pieces of cut-up fruit into a bowl, use them to create lovely patterns on a platter or tray. This takes a bit more time to prepare, but it’s well worth the effort. You’ll end up with gorgeous fruit displays that look just as pretty as they taste!

#4. Kid-Friendly Fruity Party Punch

Don’t forget the kids when it comes to fun drinks! This non-alcoholic “fruity punch” was actually a big hit with all ages. It’s a sparkling party punch that also features the .

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it creates a thick layer of pretty pink foam on top when you first mix it up – similar to what happens with an ice cream party punch. I’m so mad at myself for not getting a picture of it that way! *sigh* You’ll just have to try it out and see, I guess. 😉The ingredients are below – and heads up that this makes a big batch! You can always cut the ingredients in half if you’re not serving a large group.

Perfect-for-Summer FRUITY PUNCH:

• • 1 bottle *
  • 1 large can pineapple juice (46 oz)
  • 4 liters lemon-lime soda (2 of the 2L bottles)
  • 2 cups cranberry juice cocktail

*Note: All Master of Mixes products are non-alcoholic.

Chill ingredients before preparing. Combine all ingredients, in order. Mix and serve immediately.

#5. Silly Sunnies

My 7 years old shortens every other word right now, but she wasn’t quite sure what my “Sunnies and Sandals” shirt meant at first. If you’re unfamiliar too, “sunnies” is a nickname for sunglasses, and it’s often used in reference to fun and happy versions of them, like the ones shaped like flamingos, pineapples, etc! So set out a bunch of playful sunnies at your summer party and let the good times – and the funny pictures! – roll.

More Inspiration in Part 2…

That’s a wrap for tips 1 – 5! Click here to head over to Part 2 now, where I’ll cover the tropical tablescape, flamingo florals, and more fun ideas for your tropical summer bash.

PIN these tropical party ideas to try it later!

Tropical Birthday Party Printables

My Tropical Bash printables are available in our store. They make it so EASY to add pro designer style & personalization to your event. It’s like instant branding for your party! 🙌 Click here to buy this collection.

Disclosure: I’ve teamed up with on this post and other creative ideas this year. You can learn more about our current partnership right here. Heartfelt thanks to our readers for supporting the brands that make it possible to keep sending creative inspiration your way. 💛