What is Coastal Entertaining?

Coastal entertaining is for those who cherish the coast, whether they are lucky enough to live near it or not. This type of entertaining aims to replicate the relaxed, carefree, and natural ambiance of coastal living in your own environment.

What does it include?

Coastal entertaining involves creating gatherings and experiences which capture the essence of the sea and its surroundings. We love to infuse events with coastal aesthetics, flavors, and activities. Whether through beach-themed decor, seafood-centric menus, seaside-inspired cocktails, or outdoor activities that mimic coastal pastimes, coastal entertaining allows us to celebrate and enjoy the spirit of the coast, no matter the geographic location. It’s about savoring the serenity, simplicity, and the camaraderie that coastal regions evoke, bringing the coastal paradise closer to home for those who hold a special place in their hearts for the sea.

Gather at the table

Coastal-style gatherings are also a celebration of togetherness. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or even strangers who share a love for the coast, ocean-inspired hospitality fosters connections and creates lasting memories. Coastal entertaining isn’t just an event; it’s an experience that strengthens bonds and leaves everyone with a sense of contentment.  As we prepare together and eat together, family and friends know they’ve celebrated life’s beauty in a truly special way. 

Entertain Anywhere

While the optimal gathering might include sand between your toes, the beauty of coastal entertaining lies in your ability to bring your love of the sea to any setting and share those coastal vibes with friends and loved ones. Whether you’re lakeside, in the heart of a bustling city, or nestled in the countryside, the spirit of the coast can be infused into your gatherings, creating cherished moments and a sense of seaside serenity that transcends location.

Decorate in Style

It’s fun to transform your space with coastal decor elements like seashells, beach-inspired artwork, and nautical accents, creating a seaside atmosphere. Coastal colors also bring the peaceful ocean feeling into your space. 

Seafood Feasts

Host seafood-centered dinners featuring fresh fish, shrimp, or crab, even if you’re inland, to evoke coastal dining experiences. Our family loves Frogmore Stew, which combines many seafood flavors, and can be prepared and enjoyed anywhere. Uncommonly Coastal has a new cookbook, entitled “Culinary Shores: Coastal Inspired Recipes”, filled with amazing coastal-inspired recipes – and it should be out soon.  We can’t wait to share it with you…

Seaside Sips

Craft coastal-inspired cocktails using ingredients like coconut, pineapple, and tropical fruit juices, to bring the vacation ambiance to your gathering. Mock-cocktails or fun juices give the same vibe, especially if you add fresh fruit and mint to the rim of the glass.

Tropical Tunes

Curate playlists filled with beachy tunes like reggae, surf rock, or laid-back acoustic songs to set the coastal energy. These musical genres transport you to the seaside, evoking the carefree spirit of beach days and salty breezes, no matter where you are.

Beach Games

Organize beach games like beach volleyball, frisbee, or paddleball in your backyard, local park or open area. However, for our family, card and board games are the highlight of our time together.  We have a game called ‘reunion-rummy” that we play at the beach and at home often. The combination of being together playing cards, puts us right into a relaxed vacation mode immediately. 

Movie Nights

Host outdoor movie nights with beach-themed films projected onto a screen or a wall, complete with blankets and popcorn. On our last one, we had grilled shrimp tacos with pineapple jalapeño salsa – Yum!! 

Get the Fires Going

There is nothing like the special ambiance of a bonfire right on the beach for a great gathering point. If the beach isn’t close by, a fire pit in your own backyard is certainly a luxury.  But, a fireplace can offer the same warm feeling, right in your own home if available.  Friends love to be invited to a cozy evening next to the bonfire (fire pit, fireplace).  

Watch the Sunset

Twilight can be a special time, whether you are viewing from a beach view balcony, on the sand or even in the city. Capture the feeling of relaxed and magical sunsets from any location. Explore the night sky from your own backyard or a nearby stargazing spot, connecting with the celestial wonders much like you would at the coast.

By incorporating these coastal entertaining ideas, you can capture the essence of coastal living and enjoy the relaxed and joyful atmosphere of the coast, no matter where you are located. 

Remember that it’s not just about the activities or the location; it’s about the spirit of embracing life by the sea, cherishing the moments that matter, and creating an atmosphere where everyone can revel in the unique magic of coastal living.

So, raise a toast to the coastal lifestyle, where the sea’s timeless allure knows no bounds, and where every gathering becomes an opportunity to celebrate life’s simple pleasures with those who matter most.