Throwing an ocean-themed party is a fun way to celebrate birthdays, summer gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a splash of creativity. For ocean-themed party food, go for dishes that are delicious and look great. Here’s a rundown of great ideas that will transport your guests to the seaside.
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Savory Ocean Themed Party Delights
Crab Croissants
These little croissants are a hit at any gathering. Start with pre-made croissant dough. Fill each one with a mixture of crab meat, cream cheese, green onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Bake them until golden brown. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking and look adorable on a platter.
Shrimp Cocktail
A classic that never goes out of style. Arrange shrimp around a bowl of cocktail sauce on a bed of ice. Garnish with lemon wedges for an elegant touch. The cool, refreshing taste is perfect for a summer party.
Fish Stick Bites
For a kid-friendly option, cut fish sticks into bite-sized pieces and serve with various dipping sauces. It’s simple, quick, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike will enjoy these crunchy morsels.
Sushi Rolls
Sushi can be a great addition to your party spread. You can make simple rolls with cucumber, avocado, and crab meat, or opt for store-bought options. Arrange them on a wooden board with pickled ginger and wasabi for an authentic touch.
Fun Ocean Themed Party Snacks
Ocean Jello Cups
These are a hit with kids and adults. Make blue jello and pour it into clear plastic cups. Once the jello is set, top with whipped cream and gummy fish. The layers look like waves, and the gummies add a fun element.
Popcorn Clams
Transform ordinary popcorn into a sea-themed snack by adding a touch of creativity. Use caramel popcorn for a sweet version, or seasoned popcorn for a savory version. Then place them in small, clam-shaped containers for a fun presentation.
Seaweed Dip
Make a spinach and artichoke dip and serve it with blue corn tortilla chips. The green dip mimics seaweed, while the blue chips add to the ocean theme. It’s a delicious and healthy option that fits right in with the party vibe.
Sweet Treats: Ocean Themed Party Foods
Sand Dollar Cookies
These cookies are simple sugar cookies with a twist. Use a round cookie cutter to shape the dough, then press almond slivers into the top to resemble sand dollars. Dust with powdered sugar after baking for a beachy look.
Sand Dollar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the cookies:
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten and decorate:
- Gently flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand. Press 5 almond slices into the top of each cookie in a star pattern to resemble a sand dollar.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies to stay soft.
- Cool and dust:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar to give them a sandy appearance.
- Serve:
- Arrange the sand dollar cookies on a platter and enjoy!
Mermaid Cupcakes
Whip up your favorite cupcake recipe and decorate with ocean-themed frosting. Use blue and green colors, and top with edible glitter, candy pearls, and mini mermaid tails made from fondant. These cupcakes will be the centerpiece of your dessert table.
Sea Creature Candies
Chocolate molds in the shape of sea creatures can be filled with melted chocolate or candy melts. Let them set and then pop them out for an easy, themed treat. Arrange them in clear bowls or scatter them across the dessert table.
Sea Creature Molds
This pack includes 8 pink mermaid-themed fondant molds made from flexible, non-stick silicone, ideal for baking and crafting. The food-grade silicone is safe, reusable, and easy to clean, suitable for a wide range of uses from cakes to clay. Perfect for decorating cupcakes, candies, and DIY projects.
Refreshing Drinks
Blue Lemonade
Turn regular lemonade into a magical drink by adding a few drops of blue food coloring. Serve in clear pitchers or beverage dispensers with slices of lemon and a few blueberries for a pretty touch.
Ocean Water Punch
Combine lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and a bit of coconut extract for a tropical punch. Add a few drops of blue food coloring to get that ocean hue. Serve in a large punch bowl with floating orange slices and maraschino cherries.
Shark Bite Mocktail
For a non-alcoholic option that’s fun and festive, mix blue sports drink with lemon-lime soda. Add a splash of grenadine to each glass for a “shark bite” effect. The red grenadine will sink to the bottom, creating a striking look.
Presentation Tips
- Serveware: Use seashell-shaped dishes, wooden boards, and clear glassware to enhance the ocean theme.
- Decorations: Scatter some sand, shells, and small beach toys around the food table. Use blue and green tablecloths and napkins to keep with the ocean colors.
- Labels: Make little labels for each dish using blue card stock and white marker. Write names like “Seaweed Dip” and “Crab Croissants” to make the food even more appealing.
Final Touches
Don’t forget to keep the theme going with other party elements. Decorate your space with ocean-inspired decor like fishnets, balloons in shades of blue, and inflatable sea creatures. Play some beachy tunes in the background to set the mood.
When planning your ocean-themed party food, remember that the goal is to have fun and make your guests feel like they’ve taken a trip to the beach. With these ideas, your party will be a hit, and everyone will leave with great memories and a full belly. Enjoy the celebration and the creative process of bringing the ocean to your party!
