Completing a Master's degree definitely calls for a party. We decided the perfect inspiration would be the newest Pirates of the Caribbean movie to honor Captain Andrew's accomplishments. We had a blast buying all sorts of themed items for a swashbuckling good time. There was plenty of grub, grog and great friends. Although at the end of the night we still found ourselves saying "Why is the run always gone?" Here are the party planning details...
Decorations
First we had to set the scene. There were some things we had around the house that worked well for the theme. Some ideas included rum bottles, dish ware, Halloween skeleton decor, candles, etc. Then we layered in some purchased items such as:
A few large pirate flags such as this official Jack Sparrow flag
We hung up movie posters and vintage Disney attraction posters
Fish netting from the Dollar Store
Chocolate coins from a candy store
Skull themed paper supplies from a party store (plates, napkins, cups, etc.)
This awesome Pirate Ship Cupcake Stand and matching Cupcake Kit
Then Julie designed some custom paper goods such as:
Pirate graphics to place in frames
Signage to direct guests around the house
Food labels
Party Straws
Food & Drink
With a party comes lots of delicious food and drink. We wanted items that was on theme and created a pretty robust menu of main dishes, sides, snacks, desserts and drinks:
Jack's Jerk Chicken Wings
Plundering Pulled Pork
Pirate Shaped Pasta Salad
Captain's Coleslaw
Sparrows' Shrimp
Captain's Cheese Platter
Salazar's Salsa & Guac
Forbidden Fruit Salad
Peg Leg Veggies & Dip
Individual bags of Pirate Booty
Ocean themed gummies
Blackbeard's Brownies
Drunken Rum Cupcakes (these were amazing, check out the recipe HERE)
Seven Seas Jello Shooters
Rum Runner Punch
Other Rums like Cocoblast from Captain Morgan
Wench Wines
Assorted Beers (we found great sea inspired brands like Heavy Seas, Loose Cannon and Landshark)
Fountain of Youth Water
Then finally there were some other details that really pulled the evening together:
Costumes
We scored some fun Pirate costumes for 50% off at an after Halloween sale. To complete the look we ordered an official captain hat for Andrew from Disney Parks. We encouraged our guests to dress up if they wish and some truly went all out. We also knew some friends would come casual so we made sure to stock up on some bandanas, eye patches and a few other goodies for anyone who wanted to get a little more on theme when they arrived.
Activities
We prepped some action stations upon arrival such as a photo booth with an ocean backdrop with some props like plastic weapons and an inflatable parrot. We also set up a "Tattoo Parlor" with temporary tattoos, spray bottle and directions. Some people got a little crazy inking themselves up! We put out some Pirate games like Liar's Dice and cards and then set up "Cannon Pong" in the garage for later in the evening.
Final Details
We had the movie soundtracks playing as people entered the house and then had Island style music on in the main party area. We also scored some fun swag from our movie screening reps to give out to guests. Thanks Allied Integrated Marketing for the mini movie posters, temporary tattoos and branded bandanas, they were a hit!
