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Christmas Party Decor with a Beach Twist: Celebrating the Season by the Sea
There’s something special about celebrating Christmas with a beach twist! Recently, I planned a holiday party for a group of high school seniors, and we took it outdoors – right to the sand. The goal? To blend festive Christmas elements with a relaxed, seaside vibe.
If you’re planning your own holiday celebration and love the idea of a Christmas picnic on the beach, let me walk you through every step. It’s an easy, festive way to enjoy the season while keeping things lighthearted and memorable.
This post is all about Christmas party decor.
Best Christmas Party Decor Ideas
1 | The Classic Red, White, and Green Theme – with a Beachy Spin
I didn’t want to give up on the traditional red, white, and green colors – they’re just so festive! But I found ways to soften them and mix in elements that felt right for the beach.
The classic colors made the setting feel like Christmas, while the sand, surf, and sunshine brought in the laid-back, coastal vibes. If you’re trying to balance both, remember to use these colors as accents rather than overwhelming the scene.
Plus, adding beach fringe umbrellas was such a beachy vibe—they offered shade while adding that iconic, laid-back coastal feel.
2. Natural Pine Garland with a Touch of Red
A big part of making this beachy Christmas party feel festive was decorating the picnic tables with pine garlands. I chose a long, natural pine garland as the table’s centerpiece and added pops of red with berries, along with rustic pinecones.
It’s amazing how a simple garland can bring the holiday spirit into any setting, even on a beach! The garland’s pine scent mixed beautifully with the ocean air. If you can, add a touch of greenery like this to make any outdoor setup feel cozy and winter-ready.
3 | Decorating with Wooden Christmas Trees
Wooden Christmas trees are one of my favorite decor items for this kind of gathering. They fit perfectly with both the beach’s natural elements and the festive vibe we wanted.
I placed tall wooden trees along the table, blending them with the pine garland. Their minimalist look adds charm without being overly decorative, and the wood texture feels right at home on the sand. They make for fun Christmas party decor!
4 | Floral Centerpieces
For the floral centerpieces, I chose seasonal blooms that highlighted the reds and whites of our theme. Flowers add softness to the table and bring another layer of color that feels both festive and natural.
If you want to keep things simple, opt for flowers that won’t wilt quickly in the sun. Roses, red carnations, or even succulents are great choices for an outdoor holiday setup. Plus, the flowers add a lovely fragrance, mixing beautifully with the ocean breeze. This is definitely one of my favorite DIY Christmas party decor ideas!
If you’re enjoying these Christmas party decor tips, check out 9 BRILLIANT CHRISTMAS PARTY DECORATION IDEAS: DREAMY PINK AND RED THEME for more inspiration!
You also won’t want to miss 13 FESTIVE CHRISTMAS PICNIC IDEAS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON OUTDOORS
5 | Elegant Christmas Party Decor
To keep the look simple yet polished, I used woven placemats, red and white cloth napkins, white plates, and silver utensils. The placemats added texture, grounding each place setting with a natural look that fits the sandy beach setting.
White plates kept the decor light and clean, contrasting nicely with the festive colors around them. Silver utensils added just a hint of formality, perfect for making this casual beach picnic feel like a Christmas event.
6 | Mix of Clear and Green Cups for a Festive Touch
For drinks, I set out a combination of clear and green cups. The green ones added a subtle holiday vibe, and when mixed with the clear cups, they didn’t feel too bold. This little detail can be a great way to bring color without overwhelming your table setup.
7 | Mini Nutcrackers as Place Settings
One of my favorite parts? Placing mini nutcrackers at each setting. These adorable little figures were such an easy Christmas party decor idea and brought in a playful touch and were a big hit with the guests.
Plus, they made the table look extra festive! Each guest got to take one home as a keepsake, which added a fun holiday touch to our party.
8 | Red and White Candlesticks
Red and white candlesticks made a lovely decorative addition as the sun began to set. They enhanced the cozy, holiday vibe perfect for any Christmas celebration without being lit.
Since we were outdoors, I arranged them around the table for visual appeal. If you’re hosting near the water, using decorative candle holders is essential—they create a festive atmosphere while keeping the look cohesive.
9 | A Small Christmas Tree on the Sand
No outdoor Christmas party decor is complete without a Christmas tree, so we set up a small one right on the sand. Decorated with simple ornaments, it was perfect for holding a few wrapped presents for the guests.
A beach Christmas tree is such a fun twist on the classic and served as the centerpiece of our celebration area. We even used it for pictures!
To add extra sparkle, try hanging small battery-powered lights on it; they look great as the evening approaches and enhance the magical feel.
10 | Christmas Blankets and Cozy Seating
If you’re planning a beachy Christmas party, definitely think about bringing some cozy Christmas blankets for everyone to sit on. They look super festive and keep you warm against the cool sand.
Plus, blankets with fun patterns like buffalo plaid or holiday stripes can add some extra charm to the setup. It’s such an easy way to make everyone feel comfy and cozy while enjoying the holiday vibes!
Other Christmas Party Ideas Are:
11 | Fun Christmas Party Games
Christmas Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of holiday-themed items for guests to find on the beach. Items can include seashells shaped like ornaments, a red beach ball, or even a piece of seaweed that looks like a Christmas tree!
Holiday Trivia: Put together some fun trivia questions about Christmas traditions from around the world. You can even have a prize for the winner, like a festive mug or a homemade treat.
Christmas Charades: This classic game gets a holiday twist! Write down Christmas movie titles, holiday songs, or festive activities on slips of paper. Players take turns acting them out while the others guess.
Beachy Christmas Pictionary: Use a large sketch pad or a whiteboard for this one. Draw holiday-themed items or scenes and let your guests guess what they are. Bonus points for drawing in the sand!
12 | Gift Exchange Ideas
Secret Santa: Keep it simple with a classic Secret Santa exchange. Set a price limit and let guests draw names. You can even add a beach twist by suggesting gifts that are summer-themed or practical for a day at the beach.
White Elephant Gift Exchange: This one’s always a crowd-pleaser! Encourage guests to bring a quirky or funny gift that can be “stolen” by others. It’s all about the laughs!
Themed Gift Exchange: Set a theme for the gifts—like “beach essentials” or “cozy winter items.” This adds an extra layer of fun and creativity to your exchange!
Personalized Gift Exchange: Have guests bring a gift that reflects something personal about the person they’re giving it to. This adds a thoughtful touch and can lead to great stories and laughter.
In the end, this beachside Christmas party was exactly what I hoped for – fun, festive, and full of holiday spirit. The combination of traditional Christmas decor with beach elements created an unforgettable experience, and it was a blast planning it all!
This post was all about Christmas Party Decor.
