“Paradise” cheeseburgers, french fried potatoes with Heinz 57, Margaritaville cake pops,  “Nibbling on spongecake” cupcakes topped with themed fondant toppers like parrots & salt shakers, & more… HUNGRY yet? Ya, me too… not to mention LOVING every clever detail in this cool {SURPRISE} Jimmy Buffet themed beach bash that Nicole threw for her husband’s 30th!

It’s SERIOUSLY impressive how many different song lyrics Nicole was able to work into everything from the food & drinks to the favors (see party details below for a complete list). One thing that’s definitely a standout though – even amidst the witty goodness of all the edible treats – is the autographed picture customized specifically for the guest of honor. It served as the centerpiece on the “Buffett” buffet…and apparently Nicole was able to get this for free via the JB fan club – what a thoughtful touch!

Read on for more fabulous pics that will leave you craving a margarita with salt, plus all the {very creative} party details…

PARTY DETAILS, as told by Nicole…

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Theme

{A Pirate Looks at 30} A Jimmy Buffet Surprise Party
Toes in the sand… a drink in hand… celebrating 30 years with lots of Mexican beers!

“I had a blast throwing my husband the coolest Jimmy Buffett-themed beach bash at a swanky, boutique hotel in Huntington Beach, CA.  The Pointe Terrance Suite at the Shorebreak Hotel was the ideal location, overlooking the Pacific Coast Highway and the iconic Pier 39 in ‘Surf City, USA’!  Inspired by all things Buffet, I used Jimmy’s lyrics to tie together a party fit for a Parrothead.  And… I kept the whole thing a SURPRISE which means I was dealing with hotel furniture, a strict packing space, and limited budget to hide it from the hubby!

‘Boat Drinks’ & Dessert Tables

This table was filled with yummies for the young at heart and some treats for those over 21 years of age.

• ‘Nibbling on spongecake‘ cupcakes baked adorably the Tom sisters of Huntington Beach and topped with edible works of art by my favorite edible artist, Brittany.  The fondant toppers included a cheeseburger, flip flops, a volcano, a shark, a parrot, and a shaker of salt (with a mini lime).  Too cute and way too tasty!
• ‘Bottoms Up‘ cake shots of deliciousness layered banana cake with frosting, whipped cream, and sprinkles
• ‘Margaritaville‘ cakelettes on sticks and ‘Fins’ cakelettes swimming in a sea of blue
  M & M candies
• ‘Lost Shakers of Salt‘ filled with margarita-flavored Jelly Belly beans
• ‘Sandbars‘ rice cereal treats topped with a gummy cheeseburger lounging under a mini umbrella
• ‘It’s 5 o’clock somewhere‘ cookies covered with fondant and hand-painted with that oh-so important hour of happiness.  Gotta love the parrot as the hour and minute hand!
• Cocktails included Corona beers on ice with lime slices, vintage Coca-Cola bottles with mini Captain Morgan rum bottles, and Jose Quervo tequila mini bottles displayed next to shot glasses filled with gummy worms.

‘Buffett’ Buffet Food Table

Guests helped themselves to dinner and read a special birthday message from Jimmy Buffett, himself, to the birthday boy.  The framed, autographed photo amazed the birthday boy and his guests.  Yes, it was real and yes, it was free!  How???  Find a fan club or autograph inquiry address on the internet, write a letter, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

• ‘Cheeseburgers in Paradise‘… I liked mine with lettuce and tomato from BombBurger
• ‘French Fried Potatoes‘… like a veggie crudités, but with fries, ketchup and a dill pickle
• ‘Wastin’ Away Again…‘ Jell-O cups filled with lime jello and Knox gelatin, topped with a candy lime

‘Pirate Booty’ Favor Table

Guests helped themselves to faux Ray Ban sunglasses (an idea I adored from the HWTM Hangover party), sunscreen tubes, pirate eye-patches, mini customized Heinz 57 bottles, juicy fruit gum, and flip flops (Of course, all cleverly labeled with song lyrics)!

During the party, we ate, drank, and gazed out at the Pacific Ocean.  Party goers used chalkboard thought bubbles to write a message to Graham in a photo booth lounge.  We used a portable printer to print them out, then guests used Sharpie markers to draw moustaches, eye patches, and beards declaring ‘The Captain was Here’! Arrrgghhh!

Life’s a Beach!”