While we were having this Fall sunset beach party, we thought “why don’t we do this more often?!” It’s not difficult to take drinks and appetizers to the sand to enjoy the beautiful ocean here in Atlantic Beach, Florida. Especially if you have a few extra hands like we did for my birthday last Sunday.
And today we have some talented bloggers sharing their outdoor entertaining ideas from their “necks of the woods.” Their links are at the end of the post.
Fall Sunset Beach Party Setup
This literally took five minutes to set up with help (especially from the cute guy in the red cap). It was a little windy but we lucked out with the weather!
Spicy Jalapeño Margarita
Once that was done, our son, Tommy passed out his delicious homemade spicy margaritas on ice in acrylic wine glasses. The folding table is on sale now. We love the Bose portable speaker...sounds great.
Tommy’s Recipe Via Text
Bocci Ball Game
This was a fun idea that our friend, Miles and his girlfriend Lizzie brought. I’d like to ask for the game for Christmas.
Mercedes’ Shrimp Ceviche
She offered to bring it and I said “Sure!.”
I’ve shared this great recipe before.
This is a zesty shrimp salad that can be served in small bowls as an appetizer.
- 3 lb. shelled, deveined large cooked shrimp, diced
- 1 1/2 medium cucumber, seeded and diced
- 6 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 3/4 cup thinly sliced and chopped red onion
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3/4 cup lime juice
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
- 3 tbs good olive oil
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Cook the shrimp quickly in boiling water until pink. Drizzle with the olive oil.
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Combine cooked shrimp, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and salt in a bowl and toss to coat.
Cover and refrigerate before serving.
Cozy Island In The Sand
Something about staking out your spot on the immense beach makes the party feel intimate. And fresh air is good for everyone’s mood.
Note: isn’t Tommy’s girlfriend, Mona, beautiful?
Nice For A Birthday Celebration
Tommy doesn’t think his 67 year old mama is too old to pick up 🙂
East Coast Sunset With Friends
We are used to west coast sunsets…but this is so nice too!
After this we went home to a delicious grilled Mexican dinner on the patio prepared by Howard and Tommy…that could be another post!
Fall Sunset Beach Party Checklist
As it gets cooler, I would add throw blankets to the list. And Mercedes says you can get a permit to have a bond fire (just have to dig the pit). So that could be fun at Christmas.
Let’s see what these ladies have for us…
Brenda says
Happy Birthday to you and welcome to the Club 67! Your beach celebration looks just right. I’m a bit further south of you in Florida where it is still 🥵 hot. But always a fabulous breeze at the ocean. May this be the best year yet!
Katherine says
Happy belated birthday. All the pictures you shared speak to the wonderful celebration you had with your family and friends. You looked so happy, how can you miss when you were surrounded by so much love.
I agree, yes Mona is a beautiful lady.
Mary Ann Pickett says
It was really fun!
June says
I would also like to know where you purchased this fuschia dress. Thank you.
Mary Ann Pickett says
A little store in Jacksonville. I will look at the label when I am home this weekend.
Trish says
Happy Birthday! What an amazing beach party, so pretty.
Judy says
Beautiful birthday. Beautiful friends and family.
No alcohol allowed on the beaches where we live in Florida. But food and friends and sunsets all permitted.
Martha Foss says
It looks like you had a wonderful 67th birthday! Welcome to the 67 club!! I am saving all your picnic ideas on the beach! Our place in Florida is not too far from you so will have to try it out. The recipes look wonderful as well.
Have a fantastic year! I always enjoy your blog, even if I don’t have time to leave you a message
Xo martha
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Martha!!
Heidi says
Happy Birthday Mary Ann! Looks like you had a wonderful celebration. Picnics on the beach are one of my favorite things, and grabbing spot at a fire ring in the early evening is always the beginning of a fun ( chilly, foggy!) time.
Wishing you all the best and happiest wished for your birthday,
Xo Heidi
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Heidi!!
Teresa says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Loved seeing your music selections included Jimmy Buffet music. His sister Lucy lives in our area and it is rumored that his song Cheeseburger in Paradise was first sung by him at Pirates Cove which is in our community.
Nancy says
Love the beach picnic! Looks like great fun. Did I miss it; did you mention your dress and where you got it?
I like to follow you because I’m a petite too. Love to see your fashion.
Kim says
Happy Birthday! Looks like a great party. I love your dress😍
Kim
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Kim!
Gail says
That was the perfect, and my kind of birthday celebration, on a beautiful beach with good friends and family. You look radiant in the gorgeous fuchsia dress. And yes, Tommy’s girlfriend is beautiful. Happy birthday dear friend.
XO Gail
Francesca B says
Happy Birthday Mary Ann !! What a fantastic way to spend the day and l loved your son’s cocktail recipe going to try it!! Looks like such a fun gathering just the sort of thing we like to do. The horseshoe game is fun for the beach too!
Catherine says
That looks delightful! And very stylish! Wish we lived near the beach. Can’t wait to try the shrimp! Lovely family! Happy Birthday!
Joan says
Lovely way to commemorate your birthday, Mary Ann! And you raised a wonderful son!
I’m always squeamish about uncooked seafood and meat, so glad to see that the Ceviche is actually cooked (not just by the acid of the lime juice): will definitely try this recipe.
Pat Huber says
Happy Birthday Mary Ann! What a great group. Your beach photos are wonderful!!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Pat. You are so sweet.
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann! Your birthday picnic beach party looks like so much fun! I love your dress! And it’s so sweet how Tommy adores you!!
Vivian says
Hi Mary Ann,
Happy belated Birthday! What a fun post.
I also like your dress. Would appreciate any info about it.
Thanking you,
Vivian
Barb says
Happy Belated Birthday! I also had a birthday recently on October 7th. I love all of your beach picnic recipes. We are headed to Anna Maria Island next week (near Bradenton) and might use some of your ideas. I chuckled when I saw Tommy lifting you. Our younger son does the same thing every time our visits end. He starts with a hug and then lifts me off the floor! lol
Mary Ann Pickett says
Aren’t we lucky to have such great sons???! We love Anna Maria island!
Charlotte says
Happy birthday lady. Your beach party looks like so mu
ch fun. I love your dress. Would you share information about it. I would love one for Fall.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I got it at a little store in Jacksonville…its a small brand name. I’m in California now but I can look it up when I get home.
Linda says
There is another game we have played on the beach called Kube. You might check it out also.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I will!! Thanks, Linda.
sheri silver says
Mary Ann I couldn’t love this more – we are beach people forever and sunset is one of our favorite times of day to be there – the magic hour! This looks like such fun and that shrimp dish sounds refreshing and delicious!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Us too, Sheri. I want to do it more often.
Patricia L Godek says
Happy birthday and wow! What a beautiful set-up. You make 67 look very good!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Patricia!
Deann Freeman says
What a great idea. Thank you for the recipes. Do you have a link for the dress you are wearing? Love the color
Thank you
Deanna freeman
Mary Ann Pickett says
I got it at a little store in Jacksonville…its a small brand name. I’m in California now but I can look it up when I get home.
Karen H. says
Great birthday pics, Mary Ann. Happy belated birthday 🎉. I’m saving this shrimp appetizer. It looks delish!
cindy says
This looks like so much fun and margaritas and ceviche are right up my alley!! Maybe we can make them the night we have seafood!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Great idea, Cindy!
Beth Mazur says
What a fun birthday! Quick FYI that for those who do not shop at Serena and Lily, the same exact table by the same manufacturer is on sale at One Kings Lane for a blink of an eye less than $80. I bought some last week for Christmas gifts. https://www.onekingslane.com/p-teak-P77628614?sku=77628614 Hope your grilled Mexican dinner was equally terrific!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Great idea! Thanks Beth!
Kim says
Mary Ann what a fun way to celebrate your birthday!! You have a sweet family. I love your dress. I think you do not age! isn’t it wonderful to be so close to the beach? Great chairs too . Tommy and Mona are sweet.