How To Plan A Seafood Bar And Grill-Inspired Event
If you're a seafood lover and you want to host a relaxed event that is sure to please all of your guests, go with an ocean-inspired bar and grill theme. From the coastal decor to fresh seafood appetizers and entrees, the event will make attendees feel as if they're on an island getaway.
A seafood bar and grill theme will work for any type of special occasion, such as holiday and birthday bashes, wedding receptions, bridal and baby showers and romantic Valentine's Day and anniversary soirees. The casually elegant theme is especially appropriate for outdoor events, but can also be ideal for indoor parties as well.
Here are some ideas for planning a seafood bar and grill-inspired affair without breaking your party-planning budget:
Decorations
The easiest way to set the tone of the event and give your event venue ambiance is with the right decor elements. When going for a coastal bar and grill-themed look, choose pieces that reflect the beach, such as rattan and wicker furniture, and watery shades of blue and green.
If you hosting the party outside, set up tiki torches to five the space an island feel, and hang round paper lanterns from tree branches or beams. You can also wrap strings of white lights around railings and tree trunks to create a soft, relaxing glow.
For an indoor event, hang fisherman's nets filled with large seashells, starfish and sand dollars on the walls. You can can also hang paper streamers in ocean-inspired blue and green colors from a wall, doorway or any other open space.
When it comes to table decor, keep things casual with burlap runners strewn with seashells and starfish. You can also place tea lights down the runners to give the tables warm illumination. Other table decor ideas include silver sand buckets filled with napkins and silverware, and vases fill with brightly colored tropical blooms.
Menu
When guests arrive, treat them to grilled skewers filled with fresh ingredients such as shrimp and pineapple and scallops and mango. Drizzle the skewers with a sweet teriyaki glaze and serve on a bed of jasmine rice. Ceviche, shrimp cocktail, coconut shrimp with an orange marmalade dipping sauce and crab cakes are other appetizer ideas.
For main courses, go with seafood bar and grill staples such as grilled fish sandwiches served with French fries, fresh salads topped with fried shrimp or oysters, beer-battered fish with coleslaw, and Asian-inspired seared ahi tuna steaks.
Finish the meal on a sweet note with key lime pie, mango cheesecake or fresh tropical fruit bowls.
For more ideas, check with places like 316 Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill.