How to Host a St. John-Inspired Party
You may not be in the islands every day, but you can channel the energy of Love City no matter where you are by throwing a St. John inspired gathering for your closest friends! Here are the essentials needed to get you in vacation mode right in the comfort of your own backyard.
Décor
Ambiance is key. Set the stage with tiki torches, tropical scented candles and/or string lights to illuminate your space. Bring on the color, Carnival style! Decorate with the colors of the Virgin Islands flag; yellow, blue, red and green. Blow up palm trees, seashells, grass table skirts and bamboo are perfect for creating a beachy vibe. Scatter beach blankets, swim towels and/or blown up pool rafts in various seating areas throughout your space.
Food & Drink
You can’t have a Caribbean party without authentic island beverages – painkillers, bushwackers and rum punch are staples. Kick it up a notch by serving drinks in plastic or real coconuts. Label your pitchers with luggage tags for a special travel-related touch. Keep it simple by filling a kiddie pool with iced cold beer. Keep coconut water and fruit-infused water handy for non-alcoholic options.
Main dishes may include seafood, barbecue, jerk chicken or surf and turf. Key lime pie, plantains, and papaya and mango ice cream are classic island desserts. Feeling creative? Try your hand at preparing traditional native dishes such as curried goat, rice and peas, johnnie cakes, roti or pate. Utilize hollowed out pineapples or sandbox toys as clever serving vessels.
Music
Keep the party hopping with the right music genre such as steel drums, reggae and calypso on your playlist.
Dress Code
Casual and comfortable is the name of the game. Dress the part in tropical shirts, flip flops or deck shoes, floral prints and summer linens.
Entertainment
Set up some lively activities to keep your guests amused. If your party is outdoors, think volleyball, cornhole or horseshoes. How about a treasure hunt complete with a pirate map to locate take-home party favors? Fire up the grill or a fire pit and provide a DIY kabob station to engage partygoers in preparing their own dinner. Everyone loves a photo op – decorate a tropical inspired photo booth with balloons, greenery and floral garland or recreate your favorite beach bar scene.
Party Favors
Send your guests home with a playfully themed gift as a reminder of a fun-filled day! Some ideas:
• Sunglasses
• Luggage tag
• Reusable water bottle
• Koozie
• Temporary tattoos
• Silicone bracelet
• Bottle opener keychain
• Squirt gun
• Island spices
• St. John decal or sticker
• Mini Cruzan or Blue Chair Bay rum bottles
• Delicious snacks
We hope these tropical party ideas inspire your gathering and get you geared up for your next St. John vacation. Contact us to reserve your favorite villa today!
