DIY: *Fancy* Easy and Cheap Beach Blanket

I recently wrote a post about my party essentials, seen here, and wanted to share how I am executing #5: using a tablecloth as a beach blanket.  It was super easy and cheap.  I picked up a vinyl waterproof tablecloth for $7 at a local store and already had an unused blanket on hand but Wal-Mart is a good source for both of these at great prices.

DIY: *Fancy* Easy and Cheap Beach Blanket

What you need:

~vinyl waterproof tablecloth

~any blanket in a similar size

~thread/needle/sewing machine

Here's how you do it:

1. Place the tablecloth and blanket right side against each other and wrong side out.

2. Pin all the way around.  I didn't use as many pins as I should have so be excessive.

3. Sew only 3/4 of the blanket on the sewing machine, leaving 1/4 of it open to be hand sewn later.

4. Using the un-sewn opening, turn the blanket right side out

5. Then hand sew the opening closed.  I don't have pictures but I actually added a ribbon at this point.

6. Roll up, tie with a ribbon for portability, and you are all set for the beach.

There you have it!  An easy DIY beach blanket.  Not only is it super cheap but super *fancy* for the beach!

*Fancy* Party Essentials

In a few weeks we are throwing a beach party and I'm already making a list of items I need.  Here is what I am stocking up on...

1. A large drink dispenser makes serving a signature drink easy.

Wal-Mart Mainstays 2-Gallon Dispenser, $19.96 

2. Disposable serve ware doesn't have to be boring!  Go with a color theme and play with patterns.  I know these aren't entirely good for the environment but keep a separate garbage can for paper products so you can recycle later.

Spritz at Target Plates and Napkins and Plastic Cups at Target Varies  

3. Keep beverages cool in style with a galvanized bucket.

Galvanized Beverage Bucket at Kohl's, $42.99

 4. For a kid friendly party be sure you have shade options, especially for napping babies!  A pop up beach tent is perfect.

Beach Tent at Target, $25.99  

5. My tip is using water-proof heavy duty plastic tablecloths as beach blankets.  They keep the sand at bay and food contained so bugs aren't crawling around later.  Just lay your towel on top to keep cool. For the cost I don't mind just throwing this away at the end of the night.

Heavy Duty Tablecloth at Target, $3.50  

6. Bugs and accidental fires at the beach?  No thank you!  That is why I stock up on flame less bug repellent candles.  If you have little ones running around these are especially useful and safe.  Plus you don't have to give up the ambiance candles provide.

Flameless Insect Repellant Candle at Menards, Varies

  

7. July will be filled with fireworks displays and sparklers are always entertaining for family fun.  Obviously check your state laws and fire bans before using.  And be smart people!

Sparklers Image Credit

House Rules

Living on the beach I know we will be a hub for summer parties...entertaining and enjoying all Northern Michigan has to offer right at our back door large groups of family and friends.  When it comes to entertaining you need to set some ground rules, which I outlined in this 2011 post here.  The problem is how do you communicate expectations?  Solution found!  

Lately, I've been seeing *fancy* "house rules" signs all of the WWW and found some nice versions on Etsy.  (Click here to see what I am talking about).  However, I decided to make my own and personalize.

I'm going to take my PDF to a local copy shop, print it out on heavy card stock, frame it, and hang it up for all to easily see.  House rules made easy!