Festidy
Plan a party

Birthday theme

A coastal summer party

Navy stripes, a lobster-red pop, and a table that feels like the coast.

Plan this partyFree printables

Coastal invitations

Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.

Coastal summer invitation, Marina designMarinaUse this designCoastal summer invitation, Signal flags designSignal flagsUse this designCoastal summer invitation, Lighthouse designLighthouseUse this designCoastal summer invitation, Sailcloth designSailclothUse this designCoastal summer invitation, Scallop designScallopUse this designCoastal summer invitation, Sailboat designSailboatUse this design

Ideas for your coastal party

Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.

Decor

  • Navy, white and red foil balloons
  • Striped tablecloths with paper sailboat garlands
  • A foam life ring and oars as a photo spot
  • Lobster and anchor cutouts on the drink table

Food

  • Mini chicken salad or lobster rolls
  • Corn on the cob cut into short pieces
  • Watermelon wedges and blueberries in little cups
  • Lemonade and iced tea in a dispenser

Cake

A white layer cake with navy stripes, a sugar rope border and a small red lobster on top.

Favors

Optional. Something small and edible travels best.

Colors

DeepBrightPopSoft

Pick one bright color for balloons and napkins, and keep plates plain.

Activities for your coastal party

How to play and what you need. Pick them in your plan and the supplies go on your shopping list.

Paper boat race

Ages 5 to 12 · 15 min

Each player folds a paper boat and sets it at one end of a kiddie pool. Blow it across with a straw. First boat to the other side wins.

You’ll need: Paper, A kiddie pool with a little water, Straws

Knot-tying challenge

Ages 7 and up · 15 min

Teach one easy knot, then teams race to tie it in a thick rope. Best knot after two minutes wins.

You’ll need: Thick rope, cut into 3-foot lengths, A timer

Sailor says

Ages 5 to 12 · 10 min

Play Simon Says with sea commands: hoist the sails, scrub the deck, man the oars. Anyone who moves without 'Sailor says' does a silly sea shanty line.

Nothing to buy.

Ladder toss

Ages 6 and up · 25 min

Teams of two toss rope-linked balls at a three-rung ladder from a tape line. First team to 21 wins.

You’ll need: A ladder toss set, Masking tape

Shop the coastal look

Plates, decor, favors and a cake idea in the theme's colors. The Shop counts each one for your guest list.

PlatesCupsNapkinsBannerBalloonsFavor bagsPhoto propsCake

Open the coastal shop

What to do and when

The plan for a birthday party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it. See the full graduation party plan.

  1. 6 to 8 weeks out

    • Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
    • Set a budget and choose your big two
    • Write the guest list
    • Choose a theme or a look
    • Lock in the location and a rain plan
    • Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs

  2. 4 to 6 weeks out

    • Decide on music and one main activity
    • Book rentals if you need them
    • Decide: cater, order trays, or cook
    • Collect photos and messages from friends
    • Book a photographer or pick a friend to shoot
    • Send the invitations
    • Order the cake or dessertsCake idea: A white layer cake with navy stripes, a sugar rope border and a small red lobster on top.
    • Ask helpers and give them roles
    • Make one contact and confirmation list

  3. 2 to 3 weeks out

    • Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Navy, white and red foil balloons
    • Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Mini chicken salad or lobster rolls
    • Plan the one or two moments that matterActivity idea: Paper boat races in a kiddie pool
    • Follow up on RSVPs
    • Plan drinks, including good non-alcoholic options
    • Build your one-stop shopping list

  4. The week before

    • Confirm every vendor
    • Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
    • Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
    • Write the party-day schedule
    • Send the final party note

  5. The day before

    • Pick up the cake and set up what you can
    • Pack a party-day kit
    • Charge devices and share the run sheet
    • Make the final weather and space call

  6. Party day

    • Set up an hour before
    • Run the party and finish on time
    • Reset the space and check for left-behind items

  7. After the party

    • Share photos and settle any remaining balances
    • Send thank-yous
    • Save photos and notes for next year
    • Leave a quick note for your future self

Party-day run of show

For a 3-hour party starting at 2 pm.

  • Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
  • Arrivals and drinksGreeter welcomes guests and handles coats.
  • FoodFood lead opens the food and keeps it stocked.
  • Toasts and slideshowCo-host introduces two or three short toasts.
  • CakePhotographer gets the candle moment and a group photo.
  • Music and dancingEntertainment lead turns up the playlist.
  • Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.

Free coastal printables

Print at home on letter paper or card stock.

You're invitedFill-in invitationTwo to a sheetThank youThank-you cardsFour to a sheetWelcomeDoor signOne full pageBingoCoastal bingoFour cards and a calling sheet

More birthdays themes

Garden tea partyArt studioWinter wonderlandBlack and goldSpa dayRodeo roundupGlowCampingParisDiscoLuauPool partyFiestaTailgateBackyard cookoutSage and blushBohoWildflowerAmalfi lemonsPearls and champagneCelestialSupper clubPicnic in the parkMasqueradePalm SpringsPickleballBookwormYogaWoodshopBird watchingKnittingGone fishingRoaring twentiesMurder mystery dinnerThrowbackGame nightAdventure awaits