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
-
Cook the shrimp quickly in boiling water until pink. Drizzle with the olive oil.
-
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…

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!
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.
It was really fun!
I would also like to know where you purchased this fuschia dress. Thank you.
A little store in Jacksonville. I will look at the label when I am home this weekend.
Happy Birthday! What an amazing beach party, so pretty.
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.
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
Thanks so much, Martha!!
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
Thanks so much, Heidi!!
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.
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.
Happy Birthday! Looks like a great party. I love your dress😍
Kim
Thanks so much, Kim!
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
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!
That looks delightful! And very stylish! Wish we lived near the beach. Can’t wait to try the shrimp! Lovely family! Happy Birthday!
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.
Happy Birthday Mary Ann! What a great group. Your beach photos are wonderful!!!
Thanks, Pat. You are so sweet.
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!!
Hi Mary Ann,
Happy belated Birthday! What a fun post.
I also like your dress. Would appreciate any info about it.
Thanking you,
Vivian
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
Aren’t we lucky to have such great sons???! We love Anna Maria island!
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.
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.
There is another game we have played on the beach called Kube. You might check it out also.
I will!! Thanks, Linda.
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!
Us too, Sheri. I want to do it more often.
Happy birthday and wow! What a beautiful set-up. You make 67 look very good!
Thanks so much, Patricia!
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
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.
Great birthday pics, Mary Ann. Happy belated birthday 🎉. I’m saving this shrimp appetizer. It looks delish!
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!!
Great idea, Cindy!
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!
Great idea! Thanks Beth!
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.