Your Guide to a
SEAFOOD BOIL
The Theme
Step out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary by hosting a seafood boil theme party that brings the flavors of the coast to your home and a memorable dining experience for your guests.
With the unmistakable aroma of Old Bay seasoning, the vibrant colors of fresh seafood, and the communal atmosphere of a boil, this themed gathering is guaranteed to be a hit.
The Menu
A mix of our tried-and-true homemade recipes and storebought ready-to-serve shortcuts from our favorite foodies and retailers!
Hors D’oeUvres
SIDE DISHES
The Main Event
With your choice of seafood plus potatoes and sausage. Served with garlic butter sauce, Old Bay seasoning & assorted hot sauces.
DESSERT
Notes from the Gals
Customize your boil with an assortment of seafood - such as crab legs, clams, mussels, shrimp and lobster - to fit your budget and taste preferences. Buy seafood the morning of for optimal freshness.
Make sure you have a big enough pot. Or you can use multiple smaller pots and divvy up the recipe between your pots.
Set up a grazing table for the seafood spread by lining a table with multiple layers of kraft paper. Set out tongs for easy self-serving.
You can often find an assortment of fish dips at your local fish market or your grocery store’s seafood counter.
We love Costco’s ready-to-bake Mac & Cheese for easy day of prep.
Hummers are a quintessential Michigan dessert! This boozy vanilla milkshake is chef’s kiss after this meal on a hot summer night.
The Bar
There are always a few different directions you can take with the bar! One option is bringing in a bartender or two and crafting up on-theme signature cocktails. Another direction is a self-serve bar complete with beer, seltzers, wine, spritzes and cocktails.
The Make Your Own Spritz bar was the perfect send off to Summer and a fun added touch for guests. It had all the fixings for three popular spritz recipes.
Signature Cocktails
Make Your Own
LARGE BATCH COCKTAILS
Use drink dispensers to make a handful of large batch cocktails ahead of time. This alleviates the need for you to be on cocktail duty and can enjoy the party alongside your guests.
Signage
Last but not least! Don’t forget about bar signage so guests know their options. Customize this Canva template for a bar menu with an on-theme red and white checkered border.
Notes from the Gals
Choose at least two whites, two reds, one rose and one sparkling to cover all your guests’ wine preferences.
Choose three different alcohol bases for your large batch cocktails – such as bourbon, tequila and vodka – to appeal to a wide variety of preferences.
Get creative with your glassware display! We used this cube organizer for extra tabletop storage.
Always have extra disposable cups on hand in case you run out of glassware mid-party.
Complete your MYO Spritz Bar with signage that includes recipe for each spritz.
The Look
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The Feel
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Lawn Games
Invite guests over early for a round of backyard games and pre-dinner cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Cornhole (or Bags) and Croquet are classic options or switch things up a bit and challenge your guests to a round of Golf Pong, BattleChip, Ladder Toss or Giant Jenga.
Dinner by Candlelight
As the sun sets and the dinner portion of the evening commences, tiki torches scattered throughout the backyard set a fun and festive tone while adding necessary extra light (extra bonus if you live in a bug-filled area). Fill your tables with votives to make the evening really sparkle.
Nightcaps & Cigars
Gather your guests for a final toast to summer by transforming your back patio into a cigar lounge. Grab a few dozen cigars are your local cigar or liquor shop, along with ashtrays, lighters and cutters, for a memorable end to the evening.
Music
Download this curated Backyard Party Playlist for a crowd-pleasing mix of rock, pop, and country.
xo, Margherita & Alysa