What to Bring to an End-of-Summer Party at the Jersey Shore
Summer always seems to go by a little too fast, especially at the Jersey Shore. Before you know it, September is getting closer and everyone is trying to fit in one more beach day, backyard party, or weekend with friends.
An end-of-summer party is a great excuse to get everyone together before schedules get busy again. The good news is that you do not need to plan anything fancy. Most people just want good food, cold drinks, music, and a comfortable place to hang out.
If you have a Jersey Shore get-together coming up, here are a few simple things to bring so you can spend less time worrying about the details and more time enjoying the day.
Bring Food and Drinks Everyone Can Grab Easily
For a casual summer party, easy food is usually the best food.
Think about things people can grab whenever they are hungry. Chips and dip, fruit, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and simple snacks all work well. You do not need a huge menu. A few choices are usually enough, especially when everyone is spending most of the day talking, swimming, playing games, or relaxing outside.
Drinks can be just as simple.
Fill a cooler with water, soda, sparkling water, and whatever else your group enjoys. Make sure there is plenty of ice, especially if the party will last all afternoon.
For guests who are 21 or older, having a few ready-to-serve drink options can also make things easier. Jerzey Jungle is one option you can add to the cooler or drink table without turning the day into a big bartending project.
It is also smart to pack the little things people often forget. Bring cups, napkins, plates, utensils, a bottle opener, extra ice, and a few trash bags. They may not be exciting, but you will be glad you have them.
Pack a Few Things That Make the Day More Comfortable
If you are spending a few hours outside, comfort matters.
Bring sunscreen and extra towels if the party is near the beach or a pool. Folding chairs are helpful if seating is limited. An umbrella or pop-up tent can also give everyone a break from the sun.
Do not forget a portable speaker. You do not need to create the perfect playlist either. Put together a mix of songs everyone knows and let it play in the background.
A few easy games can help too. Cornhole, cards, a football, beach games, or a simple board game can keep people busy without making the party feel planned from start to finish.
It is also worth bringing a sweatshirt or light jacket if you will be there later in the evening. A hot August afternoon at the Shore can turn into a cooler night pretty quickly.
The goal is not to pack your entire house. Just think about what will help everyone stay comfortable for a few hours.
Keep the Plans Loose and Enjoy the Last Days of Summer
One of the best things about a summer party is that there does not have to be much of a schedule.
People can arrive, grab something to eat, catch up, listen to music, and enjoy the day.
If you are hosting, try to get the basic setup done before everyone arrives. Put drinks in the cooler, set out snacks, get the chairs ready, and turn on some music. Once your friends show up, you should be able to enjoy the party too.
You can also ask everyone to bring something. One person can bring snacks, someone else can bring ice, and another friend can bring a game or speaker. There is no reason for one person to handle everything.
If alcohol is being served, make sure everyone has a safe way home. Have water and food available, and encourage anyone drinking to arrange a designated driver, rideshare, or another safe option ahead of time.
There are only so many summer weekends at the Jersey Shore, so enjoy the ones you have left. Good friends, simple food, cold drinks, and a little music can be all you need for a great day. If you want to add Jerzey Jungle to your end-of-summer plans, use the store locator to find a nearby retailer or contact the team with any questions. Must be 21 or older to enjoy alcoholic beverages, and always drink responsibly.