Everything You Need to Host a Coastal Christmas Party

Thinking of hosting a coastal Christmas this year? I’ve gathered everything you need to make your event successful!

This post uses affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission at no cost to you. As always, thoughts and opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Christmas by the coast, with relaxed yet festive vibes… Count me in! A coastal Christmas is different from traditional wintery celebrations, but is just as cheerful.

If you’re planning a coastal Christmas this year, you’re in the right place! I created a complete guide to decorations, menus, entertainment, and guest tips. It has everything you need to plan a successful event, without the stress.

Coastal Christmas Decor Essentials

The decor you use to decorate your home is the main event. When guests walk in the door, they’ll feel like they’ve walked into a coastal Christmas paradise.

Color Palette and Textures

Soft blues, sandy neutrals, and crisp whites are what set coastal Christmases apart from winter wonderlands. Incorporate natural textures like driftwood, seashells, and rope accents into your traditional Christmas decor.

Indoor Decorations

Sprinkle coastal-themed Christmas decor around your home. Here are some examples to get your creative juices flowing:

• Nautical-inspired Christmas tree ornaments
• Wreaths made with coastal elements
• Table centerpieces using shells, sand, and candles

See if you can use what you already have and add some coastal pieces to fit the theme.

Outdoor Decorations

We can’t forget about outdoor decorations! Being on the coast, you can probably spend some time outside with your guests. And the outside should match the inside in terms of aesthetic.

Try these cute outdoor decorations:

• String lights for a beachy glow
• Lanterns and hurricane lamps
• Coastal-themed yard decor

View all my favorite Coastal Christmas Decor items!

Coastal Christmas Menu Ideas

The next most important thing when hosting a coastal Christmas is the food! Keep everyone fed and festive with these menu ideas.

Appetizers and Starters

The grazing table, as I like to call it, is full of appetizers for people to munch on before the main meal. Mix traditional favorites with coastal items, like shrimp cocktail, seafood dips, or smoked fish platters.

Main Dishes

For the main meal, consider serving baked fish, lobster, or coastal-inspired ham for a festive feast. If you want to stay on theme with sides, serve tropical salads, roasted vegetables, or coconut rice.

Speaking of “dishes”, shop my favorite coastal kitchen finds on Amazon.

Desserts and Drinks

When everyone is stuffed but with room for dessert, bring out key lime pie, pineapple upside-down cake, coconut macaroons, or caramelized banana tart.

Impress guests with festive cocktails or mocktails with fresh citrus and tropical flavors. Think caramel apple cider, tropical punch, or a mango mojito.

Entertaining Guests

No party is complete without some entertainment! Apart from socializing with other guests, offer one of these entertainment options.

• Coastal-themed games or trivia
• DIY ornament station with seashells and sand
• Bonfire
• Coastal walks
• Sandcastle contests
• Shell hunts
• Message in a bottle notes
• Stargazing and hot cocoa
• White elephant gift exchange (here are some of my favorite gift ideas!)

Enhance the ambiance with a playlist of soft surf music mixed with holiday classics, and ocean-breeze candles with subtle holiday spices. 

Gift Giving and Party Favors

If you want to go above and beyond, offer party favors to your guests. 

Here are some ideas:

• Candles
• Soaps
• Ornaments
• DIY gifts using shells, driftwood, or sand in bottles
• Personalized beach towels or blankets

Your guests will feel like you truly thought of everything to make this coastal Christmas one to remember.

Planning Timeline for a Stress-Free Coastal Christmas

Party planning is stressful any time of year, but especially around the holidays. Let me make it a little easier for you.

This planning timeline can help you get everything organized before your event, so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute!

Make use of local resources like seafood markets or coastal craft stores. Enlist the help of friends or family for anything you choose to make yourself. You don’t have to do everything by yourself to make it a wonderful experience for your guests.

8–6 Weeks Before

• Decide on the guest list and send invitations.
• Choose your overall theme and color palette for decor and table settings.
• Plan the menu: appetizers, mains, sides, desserts, and drinks.
• Book any rentals (tables, chairs, outdoor heaters, tents, or projectors).

5–4 Weeks Before

• Purchase non-perishable food items and beverages.
• Order or gather decor items.
• Decide on entertainment.
• Plan seating arrangements and table layouts.

3 Weeks Before

• Start DIY projects: handmade ornaments, driftwood centerpieces, or photo booth props.
• Confirm any catering or seafood deliveries if using local suppliers.
• Shop for gifts, party favors, or stocking stuffer items.

2 Weeks Before

• Deep clean hosting space, both indoors and outdoors.
• Prep menu items that can be made ahead and frozen or refrigerated.
• Finalize playlists, printed games, and activity instructions.
• Check weather forecasts if hosting outdoors and plan contingencies.

1 Week Before

• Decorate indoor spaces and set up non-perishable displays.
• Chill drinks, prep garnishes, and freeze desserts that allow advance prep.
• Confirm guest RSVPs and make seating adjustments if needed.
• Test outdoor lighting, sound systems, or heaters.

Day Before

• Prep as much food as possible: marinate proteins, chop vegetables, and assemble desserts.
• Set tables, arrange centerpieces, and decorate outdoor areas.
• Set up activity stations and place games, crafts, or scavenger hunt items.

Day Of

• Cook or finish cooking last-minute dishes.
• Set out drinks, appetizers, and easy snacks for early arrivals.
• Light the candles, turn on the music, and check the final decor touches.
• Greet guests and enjoy your coastal Christmas celebration!

Host a Coastal Christmas This Year!

Embrace the relaxed, bright, and breezy spirit of a coastal Christmas this year. And don’t forget to incorporate your traditions—it’s what makes a party uniquely yours.

FAQs About Hosting a Coastal Christmas

How can I make a small space feel festive?

Use vertical decor, such as hanging ornaments, garlands, or wall-mounted wreaths, to save floor space. Incorporate light colors and reflective surfaces to open up the room. Small touches, like seashells or candles, create a festive atmosphere without clutter.

Are there eco-friendly ways to decorate for a coastal Christmas?

Collect natural elements like driftwood, seashells, or pinecones for decor instead of plastic items. Use LED lights and reusable ornaments to minimize waste. 

What’s a simple way to incorporate coastal elements without it feeling over-the-top?

Start with a few signature touches like a shell centerpiece, driftwood garland, or nautical-colored accents. Balance coastal decor with traditional Christmas elements to maintain a festive yet relaxed vibe. Less is often more when blending themes.