Retro Beach Party!

What could be better than celebrating the summer at the beach? Probably not much. But what do you do if you're not remotely close to a beach and you want to host a Retro Beach Sweet 16 Party for your niece? Well, like usual I had a plan. 

And it involved bringing the surf inside.

Surf's Up Retro Beach Party!

As most parties do, it first started with the invitation and then of course the cookies. This was a set I could hardly wait to make.

And they turned out soooo cute, I just loved them.

Each cookies was packaged and placed on the platter. And trust me, it was like a military operation to get them in the bag without the fondant flowers breaking. Mission accomplished.

But I'm getting a little ahead of myself. You really need to see the invitation. 

They were hand made with the help of my cricut. After cutting the surfboard, wave and flower I got busy using all the skills I was taught in kindergarten. You know, cut and paste. Not like on the computer.

Once the invitations arrived, the guest of honor knew what the theme would be. You know it's a secret until the invitation. Sometimes I give a few clues, but until they open the envelope they don't know. Now that I think about it, the envelope usually gives it away. It's going to be GROOVY!

This party was easy for me to plan cuz I'm both retro and groovy. Mostly retro. My groovy days may be over.

When the guests walked into the room, the first display they would see is the island.

Complete with surf boards! And the colors I just loved! But wait until you see the cake. It was one of my favorite and one of the easiest cakes I have made.

Don't you agree? Isn't it the best retro cake ever?

On to the rest of the island. Hmm, I just realized I had an island just no water.

You've seen the cookies, so let's move on over to the Smiley Face Oreos and Peace Out Pretzels.

I just had to make the Smiley Face Oreos even though they're not my favorite dessert. 

But the kids at the party did. Like all the ages, from 3 - 90 they were a hit.

How about the chocolate coated pretzels? I mean who could resist the Peace, Love & Pretzels? They were another favorite.

Or the Peace Out Peanut Butter Bars? And yes, the peace sign is edible. Made with wafer paper.

Not really retro, but something other than sweets to munch on.

And one of the best desserts was Groovy Granola Topped Cheesecake. Served in little cups with spoons. Perfect size when there may be a lot of things you want to try.

Like the Chillin' Chocolate Covered Cherries.

I've got enough groovy ideas to have this party over and over. 

Groovy Vanilla Cupcakes topped with pink chocolate GROOVY letters. Too bad only six people got a cupcake. 

I'll call this surf island.

But not to worry, I think I had enough. Let's surf on over to the table.

Do you feel like you're at the beach? Lucky for me it was inside so nothing melted. And my feet didn't get sandy.

The top held the Flower Power Cake Pops.

And the middle was the Retro RKT.

The cutest of all was the Easy Breezy Popcorn Cups.

Here's a little secret, I spent so much time naming all the items. Seriously, a lot of time.

What direction will you go?

I think I'll head to the chocolate.

Please notice, the homemade donuts topped with edible retro decorations. YES they are little edible paper decorations.

It's really a good thing I have this blog, because someday no one will believe I actually made all of this. To be honest, I probably won't believe it either.

A few other desserts to choose from.

The fudge was retro only because of the groovy flower picks. And the colorful monster cookies in front. Hippie Chocolate Caramel Cakes were topped with peace and love.

Mini Lemon Love Cakes, drizzled with a tart lemon sauce...

Ohh so good. Hope I remember where I put this recipe.

And bite size dark chocolate sea salt caramels. Topped with an edible flower. Chocolate chunk cookies in the back.

Not sure why I felt the need to make Apple Cinnamon Muffins.

But I did and topped them with the Happy Birthday picks with all the right colors. 

And the drinks, coffee and tea.

Notice the cute plates and napkins.

The tea. 

Using my magical window cling method, the No Duh, Green Tea with Ginseng & Honey.

And berries. Don't forget the berries. The Laid Back Berries.

Served next to a pineapple, makes them tropical.

Now folks, please don't worry your pretty little heads. I actually served up some delicious food. 

First I was planning to make EVERYTHING. Then I thought about it. And I thought I don't want to. So I ordered everything. But made sure everything was served with respect. 

Like the Smokin' Hot Sushi. Tastes way better served off a silver platter than from a plastic tray.

These are a little extra add on.

Good Vibes Chicken Egg Rolls

Can You Dig It Cream Cheese Wontons

Hang Loose Spring Rolls

They went like hot cakes. Or I should say egg rolls and wontons.

Oh and the shrimp. I actually made a homemade cocktail sauce. So that's kind of cooking, right? Let the Sun Shine Shrimp Cocktail.

And a lot more food down the island, just no photos. When the food is set out it's party time!

Because you know when you come to one of my parties, there's always a little goodie box for all the guests to fill and take home.

And that they did. Filled them to the brim.

This Sweet 16 Birthday party was so much fun to create for my niece Nicolette. 

Now that the party has ended, it's time to throw the surfboard in the jeep and head home. 

Surf's up...one more cookie for the ride.

If you're still with me, thanks for looking through my Retro (Indoor) Beach Party!

Time to catch another wave...