Party ideas: Beach parties for winter birthdays

Here's an idea to melt away the cold weather blues for your next Winter Birthday celebration.

How to throw  an Indoor "Beach" party

Location - Check out local gymnasiums or fitness facilities for an indoor pool. South Suburban Parks and Rec has several locations and offers various party packages. Some hotels may offer similar accommodations. Whichever location you choose, be sure to have a trained lifeguard on duty.

Invitations - A cute idea is "message- in-a-bottle" invites. Follow these steps: 1) Print party details on beach themed stationery, roll it and secure with a colorful mini rubber band. 2) Insert rolled invite in a clear plastic bottle (available at craft stores). 3) Add a little sand, some fun beach accessories like cocktail parasols and shells. 4) Secure the lid with a little tape and apply large mailing labels to the outside of the bottle.

Decorations - These should be bright and colorful. Hot pink, yellow and orange will add warmth to an otherwise cool day. Top the tables with mini sand dunes adding sea shells & umbrellas for color and fun.

Games & Activities - Marco polo, water volleyball, water gun target practice and water basketball.

Food - Submarine sandwiches, fruit salad, tropical punch and Sandy Beach cupcakes for dessert.

Party Favors - Try water goggles, sea shell necklaces, beach ball & other fun beach accessories. Toss it all in a cute beach bag. Check out these bags available at Oriental Trading Company.

Remember, just because the temperatures have dropped, doesn't mean you can't have a "summer" themed birthday party.