Winter isn’t coming, it’s here. Cold commutes, long nights, and frigid temps can make even the perkiest VINA feel a little blue… especially if a spontaneous Caribbean escape isn’t in your budget. So, if you can’t go to the tropics, let the tropics come to you with a killer tropical party!
INGREDIENTS
It ain’t a tropical bash without fruity cocktails. You can keep it simple with DIY bar full of fresh cut pineapple and watermelon slices, or you can go full mixologist with one of these fancy recipes. Our hot tip? Switch out the regular vodka with cachaça, a white spirit made from sugarcane in sunny Brazil. Oh, and cocktail umbrellas are essential.
BIG DRINKS
Want to be the hostess with the tropical most-ess? Whip up a batch of tropical cocktails before your guests arrive and serve them straight out of a watermelon with this awesome watermelon tap! Or, if you’re ready to make a life-investment, you could really take it it to the next level with a Frozen Margarita Machine.
PARTY SWAG
Tropical is hot right now, so there’s no shortage of cute party ware to set the mood. If you’re keeping it cheap and cheerful, we recommend these cute watermelon napkins and fruity straws. If you feel like getting crazy, treat yourself and your fellow hosts these baller pineapple Moscow Mule mugs! Or, just use actual pineapples to serve your drinks.
DECOR
No palm trees? No worries. Pick up an inflatable palm tree for the living room, or go all out with a holographic light up version. Next, add decorations – we love these hanging flamingos, pop up parots, and colorful lanterns. For lighting, choose from string lights of pineapples or cocktail umbrellas. Complete the tropical illusion with an insta-worthy beachside photobooth backdrop and pineapple party photobooth props.
ULTIMATE PLAYLIST
Set the vacay mood with the Beach Boys, Bob Marley and Sublime throwbacks, then warm everybody up with some cheesy vacation classics like It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere, Sex on the Beach, and We’re Going to Ibiza. Once the daiquiris are flowing, take it up a notch with island-inspired rhythms from Major Lazer and Viceroy, and tropical house from the likes of Kygo, Todd Terje, Klingande and Matoma. We love this playlist from NYC sustainability blog EcoCult for inspiration!
Moral of the story? It doesn’t have to be sunny outside to throw a killer tropical party. Throw on your winter coat over a hawaiian shirt, and get to it!
VINAZINE 