// How To Throw An Epic Shark Week Party

I moved the August giveaway yet again (to tomorrow!) because duh! SHARK WEEK! It starts tomorrow! And if you know anything about me, you know that I basically live for shark week! It's a religion in our house. Mike and I threw a Shark Week premier party in 2011 and we've been itching to do it again ever since. I was out of town last year (but still caught the premier at a bar with my best friend in Indianapolis... dedication!) and this year we're 2 hours away from all of our friends. I'm thinking 2014 will mark the return of the Flynn's Shark Week party... yeah? Who's coming?!

Since we can't whip up a big to-do this year, we're planning on celebrating in our own way. Just the three of us and some snacks. Can't really argue with that! I wanted to share my tips on throwing the best shark-inspired bash, that way YOU can celebrate the greatest animal to ever live! ;)

The food and drink at any party is crucial. But when you're talking shark theme, you really need to theme it up!

A few handy things we always have on hand for Shark Week include:

1. Goldfish crackers!

2. Swedish fish (I'm totally not a fan of the taste, but hey, some people are!)

3. Shark cupcakes! (Our 2009 version was all gore... these are a lot nicer hey?)

4. Lifesaver candy (Bonus points if you spring for the gummies!)

5. Salsa. It may not sound as appetizing when you think of chum, but it's perfect and delicious!

6. Tortilla chips. There's something swimming in your salsa!

7. Shark cookies. Everyone needs a shark shaped cookie cutter in their pantry!

8. Land Shark lager. The perfect beer for Shark Week!

If you're getting really fancy and want to go all out, you can add some sushi to your menu, too! We usually have small finger foods and sandwiches (cut into triangles... naturally) since I'm not really a sushi person. But I'm sure you can see how it fits the theme!

When we're having an actual party with guests and all that jazz, we tend to whip up an "Ocean Water" punch to serve our guests. You can make it as a cocktail or mocktail! We like to serve both since we have some friends who don't drink, or they volunteer to DD!

Ocean Water (cocktail) Punch

3 cups Malibu (coconut) Rum

3/4 cups Blue Curacao

2L Sprite

Garnish with Lifesaver gummies + Swedish Fish

Ocean Water (mocktail) Punch

5 cups coconut water

2L Sprite

~5 drops blue food coloring (or until you reach desired hue)

Juice of 1 fresh orange

Garnish with Lifesaver gummies + Swedish Fish

Once the food and drink have been taken care of, it's time to think about entertainment! Of course Shark Week in itself is plenty good entertainment, but sometimes it's fun to spice it up a bit. If you're having an adult-only shindig, you can play the Shark Week drinking game (below!). Regardless of the age range in attendance, you can also play Shark Week Bingo! Just change up the rules and prizes accordingly. (Click here for several Shark Week Bingo cards!) Psst... Goldfish crackers make great bingo chips! I'm also not above playing some drunken/blindfolded "Pin the fin on the shark" haha! That's a great DIY game to whip up. Or even a costume contest! Everyone loves an excuse to dress up!

(click here to download + print the drinking game rules)

If you need some decorations for your party, toss out some crepe streamers in various shades of blue. If it's a kids' bash, let your littles craft some fish out of paper plates and paint! You can even download the shark infographic I made back in 2010 and teach your guests a few things while entertaining! (Shark trivia, anyone?!)

The great thing about Shark Week is that it appeals to such a wide variety of viewers! Shark fanatics, casual observers, and people who just love a good party! You can tailor your Shark Week fete to fit kids and adults of all ages! I can't wait for tomorrow's premier... but I really can't wait until next year so I can get back in the groove of throwing a massive Shark Week bonanza! You're all invited! haha

Would you attend a Shark Week party?! Happy Shark Week!