Brunch, Boats and BBQ Birthday Bash.
The secret to throwing the perfect birthday bash for your guy is to focus on the things he cherishes most. For me, that’s easy – his family and his boat. :-). + he loves a good barbecue to finish off the day.
I like to get the day started with a quick and easy late breakfast or brunch (my husband doesn’t “do” brunch so we will have a late breakfast).
Then it’s boat and sandbar time, complete with cocktails and snacks.
After a day of soaking up the sun and playing in the water, it’s time for a simple, low-key poolside barbecue.
It’s the perfect day.
BRUNCH MENU
Simple Scrambled Eggs with Roast Pepper
This is a super easy and tasty egg dish to feed a crowd. Perfect for your next breakfast or lunch.
The Secret to Perfect Bacon
Everything is better with bacon. Find out the secret to making perfectly crispy bacon without all the mess and time spent over a hot stove. + I’ll show you how to reduce the amount of greasiness.
Tropical Breakfast Bread Pudding
A Breakfast Bread Pudding is a super simple way to serve up a slightly sweet breakfast treat. Bananas, pecans and coconut syrup combine for the perfect alternative to boring french toast. + since you can make this in advance it’s a great dish to serve for a family breakfast.
Hash Browns
Everyone loves hash browns. Try this super simple hash brown dish. This perfect complement to any breakfast or brunch.
Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Growing up in the south, it just isn’t breakfast without a batch of flaky buttermilk biscuits. They are easy enough to make but I’ve found a frozen version that tastes homemade and makes it easy to serve biscuits any time. See the recipe and my pick for frozen biscuits.
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice or Try Natalie’s Orchid Island orange Juice – just as good as fresh squeezed.
Mimosa’s are always a big hit for a brunch, change it up by serving grapefruit Mimosa’s. Not as sweet but every bit as good.
BOAT DRINKS & SNACKS
Mocktail – Blackberry Sage Lemonade
Nothing is more refreshing on a hot summer day (or in my book – anytime) than lemonade. I love pairing other seasonal fruit and herbs. This is one of my favorite lemonade flavors.
Cocktail – Vodka Spiked Blackberry Sage Lemonade
Now that you’ve made a batch of Blackberry Sage Lemonade, Make it an adult beverage by adding a little vodka.
A cooler filled with Ice Cold Beer, Water, and Sparkling Water
Every party needs to have plenty of cold beverages for your guests.
Hummus is so easy to make you’ll never be tempted to buy prepackaged hummus. + fresh hummus tastes so good.
Super easy to make and always a hit. Whip up a batch for your next day at the sandbar or your backyard.
Or
This is by far my most requested appetizer. Filled with lump crab meat and gooey cheese and just a touch of hot and spicy, it’s sure to be your favorite too. To keep this warm for a boat trip or picnic. Keep this warm in the oven until you are ready to leave then wrap the entire dish in multiple layers of heavy duty tin foil and place in a thermal basket or cooler.
Bags of Tortilla Chips with Fresh Homemade Pico de Gallo.
Once you’ve made this super easy Pico de Gallo you’ll never buy jarred salsa again.
Homemade Guacamole
Fresh is best when it comes to guacamole. Just remember to buy your avocados a couple days in advance to make sure they are perfectly ripe.
BBQ MENU
Hot Italian Sausage and Peppers
Chicken Foil Packs with Peppers and Onions (I don’t eat sausage)
This variation on the traditional sausage and peppers is a super easy dish to serve any of your guest that are watching what they eat.
Veggie Foil Packs with Peppers and Onions (for the vegetarian) just follow the recipe for chicken foil packets ad substitute veggie chicken or tofu.
I love this dish. it’s so easy to make and perfect when serving a crowd for parties or holidays.
Or
Delicious and easy. This is a nice break from traditional potato salads.
Simple Arugula Salad with Nectarines and Blue Cheese
This is such as simple, light and healthy salad with big flavors and is the perfect complement to grilled meats.
Birthday Cake (buy this from the local bakery unless you love baking)
Plan The Perfect Birthday Bash For your Guy
Keep it simple:
- Good Quality Paper Plates or Melamine plates
- Good Quality Plastic Utensils
- Plastic Serving Pieces and Utensils (shop the Dollar Store)
- String lights
- Birthday Banner
- Tiki Torches
- Citronella candles
MAKE IT MEMORABLE
Find or make a wood sign for guests to sign with their birthday wishes.
For a special day, I like to make a sign like this… and attach a frame. That way we can take a family photo and it makes the perfect keepsake from the day.
I’ve also bought signs like this one from a wedding:
Keep it Simple so Guests can write on it.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Party Ideas for Every Occasion
Live More. Stress Less. Spend Better.
Caprese Salad an Italian Classic
Caprese Salad an Italian Classic. Layers of tomato and mozzarella topped with basil and drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Fresh and tasty.
Eggplant Milanese | Pan Fried Eggplant Cutlets
Eggplant Milanese. Better than take-out and done in 30 minutes. Special enough for a party, simple enough for tonight!
Skinny Pork Al Pastor with Pineapple Salsa
Pork Al Pastor perfectly pairs sweet pineapple with smokey chipotles. Using a slow cooker may not be authentic but it makes it easy to serve pork Al Pastor tacos for taco Tuesday or any day.
Food Philosophy
I love serving homemade meals and entertaining, but I don’t love spending all my time in the kitchen… Sound familiar? I’ll share my shortcuts for getting delicious, healthy food on the table – easy, fast & stress-free. All of my recipes have been tested on family and friends. We love them and I hope you will too.
Kelly
Chief Mermaid & Mojito Maker
Life’s amazing. Want to learn more?
