Are you tired of the same old boring parties at your parents’ house, or at your tiny apartment filled with too many roommates and not enough space? Try having your Fourth of July bash this year at the beach, with a Beach Party Summer Blowout!

INVITATIONS ONLY

Stick to the fun in the sun theme of your party with an informal invite. If you’re feeling crafty, create your own bikini invitations. Use bright colored construction paper and stencil in the shape. Include the time, location and any other vital invite information on the belly of your bikini bod.

Also, consider making a beach towel invite out of the same material. Fray the edges to create a true beach effect. You can get your materials at A.C. Moore or Michael’s to cut your cost. And if you’re looking to rid yourself of the hassle of creating your own, check out Myexpression.com. Invitations are $12.95 per pack of 10.

(Invite and photo via Myexpression.com)

SWEET SLURPS

Quench your thirst with some festive cocktails! Try making your own Lava Lamps at your beach blowout. This mixture of Jell-O, vodka and champagne is easy to make in bulk and can be kept cool by storing in a large bucket or container filled with ice.

Ingredients:

    1 (3 ounce) package red or blue colored instant gelatin mix

    1 cup boiling water

    1 cup vodka

    1 (750 milliliter) bottle champagne

Mix it up:

Pour gelatin mix in boiling water then add vodka. Let it sit for about 2 hours. Pour champagne into each glass, and splash pieces of Jell-O into champagne-filled glass. The friction of these combinations will create the appearance of a lava explosion.

For those under 21, replace vodka with appropriate amount of water, and consider using sparkling cider instead of champagne.

Patriotic Additions: use blue Jell-O, adding a bit of fruity flavor.

(Cocktail photo and instructions via of allrecipes.com)

EASY EATS

Don’t fret trying to make an extravagant meal for your beach bums. Stick to typical beach BBQ foods, only add a little twist. While you can’t go wrong with hamburgers and hot dogs, try throwing some corn on the grill to add a little flavor.

For dessert, try making a dainty, yet easy to make, red, white and blue parfait!

Ingredients:

          1 carton of vanilla yogurt

¼ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

½ of an 8-ounce container of frozen light whipped dessert topping (also consider using Cool Whip)

3 cups of fresh raspberries or strawberries

3 cups of fresh blueberries

Mix it up:

Stir the yogurt and almond or vanilla extra together, then add in the whipped cream. Create layers of the whipped cream-yogurt mixture, with berries mixed in between.

Experts suggest serving in a 12-oz cup or dessert platter. Also consider using paper cups rather than pricy platters, to cut down the cost.

(Recipe and photo via Better Homes and Gardens)

BONFIRES, BIKINIS AND BEACH BABES

Stick to a truly beachy theme with classic seaside activities. Enjoy an afternoon of beach volleyball, badminton, Frisbee and a fabulous game of limbo (we’re never to old for it). Carry your party into the night with a roaring bonfire.

And if you’re in the mood for a little old fashion Americana, consider brightening up your night with some sparklers, because every Fourth of July party needs fireworks!

THE PLAYLIST

No beach bonfire is complete without music! Entertain your guests with your favorite party tunes. Some of my favorites include:

-Third Eye Blind--Semi-Charmed Life

-Journey--Don’t Stop Believing

-Anything by Bon Jovi!

-Red Hot Chili Peppers--Californication

Most importantly, have fun! (And abide by all local beach rules and regulations, of course.)