How2Day: Jimmy Buffet Birthday Party Ideas

Anyone who attends a Jimmy Buffet concert is probably struck by the festive, partylike atmosphere. Both Buffet's laid-back, mellow persona and music have a tropical feel, and his fans, known as Parrot Heads, are charmed by the beach-life daydreams that Buffet evokes. If you have a loved one who enjoys Buffet's music, throwing a Jimmy Buffet-themed party may be a fun option. Keep the tropical feel in mind when organizing, and your plans should come together without a hitch.

Making your own invitations for a Jimmy Buffet party is probably the best option because it allows you to customize them. Jimmy Buffet postcards are available on his Margaritaville website, and they make ideal invitations for a Buffet-themed party. You can also create homemade invitations, using clip art from your word processing program that has a tropical theme, such as palm trees, flamingos, parrots or ocean scenes. Including lyrics from some of Buffet's most popular songs is a fun touch. For a quick, easy option, you may also purchase premade invitations with a tropical theme from a party supply, mass merchandise or stationery store.

To create a festive, tropical theme for your Jimmy Buffet party, be sure to use bright, bold colors. Colorful beach towels featuring a tropical theme can be hung on the walls, and crepe-paper palm trees, parrots, fish and flamingos may be purchased at a party supply store for table centerpieces. Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville website also features many party supplies as well, such as parrot- and flip flop-shaped string lights; coasters and napkins with Jimmy Buffet logos; and tropical-themed bottle toppers and swizzle sticks. Using a galvanized steel bucket filled with ice to hold bottles also adds a fun, beachlike feel to the party.

One of Jimmy Buffet's best known songs is "Cheeseburger in Paradise," so no Buffet party's menu is complete without a selection of cheeseburgers and toppings. Foods with a tropical flair may complete the menu, such as coconut shrimp, crab cakes, grilled fish and fruit salsas. For dessert, key lime pie and fresh, tropical fruit are good options. If you prefer a traditional birthday cake, consider using a fruit filling such as pineapple, and decorate the top with tropical flowers or other images that fit the theme.

"Margaritaville" is another of Buffet's better known songs, so margaritas are a must-have at any Buffet-themed birthday party. The Margaritaville website has a wide range of margarita recipes, so you should be able to find a selection that will please most guests. Other frozen drinks, like daiquiris or pina coladas, are also good options. You may want to have some brightly colored paper umbrellas on hand to add to drinks for a festive look.

Guests at your Jimmy Buffet party will likely be disappointed if you do not feature the appropriate music. Hiring a Jimmy Buffet cover band or a DJ to play Buffet tunes will give your party an authentic feel. If your budget is tight, create a Buffet play list on your MP3 player and connect it to speakers, so your guests can be treated to his classic songs.

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