Planning a lakeside-themed party? Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while enjoying the company of friends and family. But before you dive into the festivities, why not add a personal touch by incorporating some DIY crafts into your party decor? From charming nautical centerpieces to whimsical lanterns, these DIY ideas will not only enhance the ambiance of your lakeside celebration but also showcase your creativity. So grab your craft supplies and let’s get started on making your lakeside party truly unforgettable.
Decorations
Floating Flower Arrangements
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your lakeside-themed party, consider creating floating flower arrangements. These beautiful decorations can add a romantic and whimsical ambiance to the event. You can use a variety of flowers, such as water lilies, lotus blossoms, or even simple daisies, and place them in clear glass bowls or vases filled with water. The floating flowers will create a stunning centerpiece that will captivate your guests and enhance the natural beauty of the lakeside setting.
DIY Bunting Flags
Bunting flags are a classic and charming decoration that can instantly elevate the atmosphere of any party. To create your own lakeside-themed bunting flags, choose fabrics in colors that reflect the natural elements of the lake, such as shades of blue, green, or sandy beige. Cut out triangular shapes from the fabric and sew them onto a string or ribbon. Hang these DIY bunting flags across trees, fences, or around the party area to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
Nautical Lanterns
To add a touch of maritime flair to your lakeside-themed party, consider incorporating nautical lanterns into your decorations. You can find lanterns in various sizes and styles, such as those resembling traditional sailor’s lanterns or ones shaped like lighthouses. Place these lanterns strategically around the party area to create a warm and inviting glow as the sun sets. Not only will they illuminate the surroundings, but they will also add a charming and cozy ambiance that your guests will love.
Mason Jar Candle Holders
Mason jars are a versatile and popular choice for DIY crafts, and they can also make beautiful candle holders for your lakeside-themed party. Fill mason jars with water and place floating candles inside. For an added touch, you can decorate the jars with nautical elements, such as seashells, starfish, or ropes. These charming candle holders can be placed on tables, hung from tree branches, or even lined up along the shoreline, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere for your guests to enjoy.
Table Settings
Seashell Place Card Holders
For a unique and personalized touch, consider using seashells as place card holders in your lakeside-themed party. Collect various seashells from the beach and clean them thoroughly. Once dry, use a small drill or hot glue to attach a wire or cardholder to the shell. Write your guests’ names on small cards, and place them on the holders. These seashell place card holders will not only guide your guests to their seats but will also bring a touch of the beach to your table settings.
DIY Napkin Rings
To add a pop of creativity to your table settings, create your own DIY napkin rings for your lakeside-themed party. Choose materials that reflect the lakeside theme, such as ropes, twine, or even colorful fishing lures. Wrap these materials around your napkins and secure them with hot glue or small knots. These DIY napkin rings will add an extra touch of charm and personality to your party table, and your guests will appreciate the thoughtful and creative details.
Beach-inspired Centerpieces
Centerpieces play a crucial role in creating a cohesive and visually appealing table setting. For a lakeside-themed party, consider incorporating beach-inspired centerpieces. Fill glass vases or jars with sand collected from the lake or a nearby beach. Add seashells, pebbles, or driftwood as decorative elements. To bring in a touch of color, consider adding fresh or artificial flowers in shades of blue or purple. These beach-inspired centerpieces will transport your guests to the lakeside and create a calming and soothing atmosphere.
Customized Drink Coasters
Protect your tables and enhance your lakeside-themed party with customized drink coasters. You can create your own coasters by using materials such as cork, reclaimed wood, or even pebbles from the lakeshore. Decorate these coasters with lake-themed designs or you can even personalize them with each guest’s initials. Not only will these coasters protect your tables from moisture, but they will also serve as unique party favors that your guests can take home as a memorable keepsake.
Party Favors
Seashell Jewelry
For a lakeside-themed party favor that your guests will cherish, consider making seashell jewelry. Collect various seashells from the lakeshore and drill small holes through them. String these seashells onto necklaces, bracelets, or even earrings using fishing line or delicate chains. Add some beads or small charms to enhance the design. These handmade seashell jewelry pieces will remind your guests of the lakeside party and serve as beautiful souvenirs of a memorable event.
Lakeside-themed Keychains
Another fun and practical party favor idea for your lakeside-themed party is personalized keychains. Purchase keychain rings and attach small charms or trinkets that represent the lakeside theme, such as mini sailboats, seagulls, or even tiny anchors. You can also add personalized touches, like engraved initials or event details, to make these party favors even more special. Your guests will appreciate this thoughtful and practical keepsake every time they use their keys.
Hand-painted Pebbles
If you’re looking for a unique and artistic party favor idea, consider hand-painted pebbles. Collect smooth pebbles from the lakeshore and thoroughly clean them. Use acrylic paints to create beautiful designs, such as landscapes, flowers, or even abstract patterns, on the pebbles. Once dry, you can seal them with a clear varnish to enhance the colors and protect the artwork. These hand-painted pebbles can be used as paperweights, decorative objects, or even as a unique addition to a garden or potted plant.
Customized Mini Succulent Pots
Succulents make lovely and low-maintenance plants that can thrive in various environments, including lakeside parties. Create customized mini succulent pots as party favors by purchasing small terracotta pots and painting them with lake-themed designs or personalized messages. Fill these pots with small succulents and provide care instructions for your guests. These mini succulent pots will not only serve as beautiful reminders of the lakeside party but also add life and greenery to your guests’ homes.
Games and Activities
DIY Fishing Pole Game
A lakeside-themed party wouldn’t be complete without some interactive and fun games. Create a DIY fishing pole game by sticking magnets to the end of thin wooden dowels or sticks. Cut out fish shapes from a variety of colored cardstock and attach paperclips to them. Create a makeshift fishing pond using a large container filled with water. Your guests can take turns “fishing” by trying to catch the paper fish with their magnetic fishing poles. This game will provide entertainment and laughter for everyone, young and old, at your lakeside party.
Lakeside Scavenger Hunt
Organize a lakeside scavenger hunt to encourage your guests to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings. Create a list of items or clues that relate to the lakeside environment, such as specific types of flowers, rocks, or even small critters. Divide your guests into teams and provide them with the lists or clues. The teams can then search for and collect the items or take photos as proof of their discoveries. This scavenger hunt will not only engage your guests but also create a sense of adventure and camaraderie among them.
Water Balloon Toss
When it’s time to cool off and have some fun by the water, a water balloon toss is a classic game that never fails to entertain. Fill balloons with water and divide your guests into pairs. Each pair should stand a certain distance apart and toss the water balloon back and forth. After each successful catch, the pairs should take a step back, increasing the difficulty. As the game progresses, the excitement and laughter will grow, as everyone tries their best to avoid getting soaked. This game is perfect for a lakeside party, adding refreshing and playful moments to your celebration.
Tie-dye T-shirt Station
For a creative and interactive activity, set up a tie-dye T-shirt station at your lakeside party. Provide white T-shirts, rubber bands, and a variety of tie-dye colors. Show your guests different tie-dye techniques, such as spiraling, folding, or crumpling, and let their imagination run wild as they create their own unique designs. After applying the dye, let the T-shirts sit for a while, allowing the colors to set. Rinse and wash the T-shirts, and have them dry before your guests take them home as a colorful and personalized souvenir of the lakeside party.
Photo Booth
Lakeside-inspired Backdrop
Capture the memories of your lakeside-themed party with a photo booth featuring a lakeside-inspired backdrop. Hang a large sheet or fabric in colors reminiscent of the lake, such as various shades of blue or green. Decorate the backdrop with seashells, starfish, or even pictures of the lake and its surroundings. This lakeside-inspired backdrop will provide the perfect setting for your guests to strike a pose, creating fun and memorable photos that they can take home as a keepsake of the wonderful time spent by the water.
DIY Photo Props
To add an extra element of fun to your photo booth, create DIY photo props that reflect the lakeside theme. Use sturdy cardstock or foam board to make oversized sunglasses, hats, mustaches, and even lake-themed signage. Paint or decorate these props with colors and patterns that match the overall aesthetic of your party. Your guests will have a blast posing with these whimsical and playful props, resulting in photographs that will be cherished for years to come.
Polaroid Guest Book
Instead of a traditional guest book, create a Polaroid guest book for your lakeside party. Set up a dedicated table with a Polaroid camera, film, and markers. Encourage your guests to take instant photos of themselves and write personalized messages on the white borders of the photos. They can then place the photos in a scrapbook or attach them to a display board. This unique guest book idea will not only memorialize your lakeside party, but it will also provide a visual representation of the love and joy shared by your guests on this special day.
Photo Booth Frame
Add an extra touch of creativity to your photo booth by having a DIY photo booth frame. Create a large frame using lightweight materials such as foam board or cardboard. Decorate it with lake-themed elements, such as cutout waves, sailboats, or even a sun. Leave an empty space in the middle for your guests to pose within. They can hold the frame up and strike fun and memorable poses. This photo booth frame will add an engaging and interactive element to your lakeside party, ensuring that every photo taken is filled with laughter and joy.
Party Invitations
Lake Map Invitations
For a unique and personalized touch, create party invitations that resemble lake maps. Use a template or draw the outline of your desired lake on a thick cardstock or parchment paper. Add landmarks or icons that represent points of interest around the lake, such as boat docks, hiking trails, or picnic areas. Fill in the necessary party details, such as the date, time, and location, and include a note inviting your guests to join you at your lakeside-themed party. These lake map invitations will set the tone for a memorable and exciting event.
Message in a Bottle Invitations
Add a sense of wonder and anticipation with message in a bottle invitations for your lakeside-themed party. Roll up your party details on a small piece of aged or parchment-like paper and place it inside small glass bottles. Decorate the bottles with nautical elements such as twine, seashells, or small anchors. Seal the bottles with corks or tightly wrapped twine, and hand-deliver or mail them to your guests. Opening these message in a bottle invitations will add a touch of excitement and intrigue as your guests anticipate a lakeside adventure.
DIY Nautical Knot Invitations
Create DIY nautical knot invitations to add a touch of maritime charm to your lakeside-themed party. Purchase or make thick cardstock invitations and decorate them with nautical knot patterns or designs. Include the necessary party details in elegant calligraphy or printed text. To add an extra touch, tie a small piece of twine or rope around the invitations, resembling an actual nautical knot. These DIY nautical knot invitations will set the stage for a party filled with lakeside charm and seafaring vibes.
Watercolor Lakeside Invitations
Capture the beauty and tranquility of the lake with watercolor lakeside invitations. Use watercolor paints to create a serene lakeside landscape on thick cardstock or watercolor paper. Incorporate shades of blue, green, and even purple to capture the essence of the lake’s reflection. Write the party details in elegant calligraphy or printed text on the front or back of the invitation. Your guests will be captivated by these artistic invitations and eagerly anticipate a lakeside party filled with natural beauty and relaxation.
Food and Drink
DIY Beverage Station
Offer your guests a refreshing and customizable experience with a DIY beverage station. Set up a table or cart with various drink options, such as lemonade, iced tea, or flavored water. Provide pitchers, dispensers, or even mason jars filled with the beverages. Include a variety of fruits, herbs, and garnishes like lemon slices, mint leaves, or berries, allowing your guests to personalize their drinks. This DIY beverage station will not only keep your guests hydrated but also add a touch of creativity and interaction to the lakeside party.
Lakeside Themed Cake
No celebration is complete without a cake, and for your lakeside-themed party, consider a cake that reflects the natural beauty of the lake. Decorate a round or square cake with shades of blue icing to resemble the water. Add edible pearls or decorations resembling fish, seashells, or floating flowers to enhance the lakeside theme. For an extra touch, you can even create a marbled effect with different shades of blue icing. This lakeside-themed cake will be a delicious centerpiece that delights both the eyes and taste buds of your guests.
Beach-inspired Snacks
Incorporate beach-inspired snacks into your lakeside-themed party menu to enhance the overall theme. Serve bite-sized sandwiches or sliders with seafood fillings, such as crabmeat, shrimp, or smoked salmon. Offer bowls of crispy fish and chips or shrimp cocktail for guests to enjoy. For a healthier option, create fruit skewers, pairing colorful fruits with marshmallow “floats” resembling small boats. These beach-inspired snacks will transport your guests to the shores of the lake and provide a taste of summertime by the water.
Frozen Fruit Popsicles
Beat the summer heat and offer your guests a cool and refreshing treat with homemade frozen fruit popsicles. Choose a variety of fruits such as berries, melons, or tropical fruits, and blend them with a little bit of water or fruit juice. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and insert popsicle sticks. Freeze the molds until the fruit popsicles are solid, and you’re ready to serve. These frozen fruit popsicles are not only delicious and healthy but also a fun and colorful addition to your lakeside party menu.
Music and Entertainment
Lakeside Playlist
Create a lakeside-themed playlist that sets the mood and enhances the ambiance of your party. Include a mix of relaxing and upbeat songs that evoke a lakeside vibe. Choose songs that mention the water, boats, or even summer adventures. Include artists such as Jack Johnson, John Mayer, or even traditional lake-themed tunes like “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay.” Your lakeside playlist will accompany your guests throughout the event and provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable lakeside party.
Live Acoustic Performance
To add an extra touch of live entertainment to your lakeside party, consider hiring a local acoustic performer. An acoustic performance will create a laid-back and intimate atmosphere, allowing your guests to relax and enjoy the music by the water. Choose artists or bands that specialize in acoustic versions of popular songs or even original compositions. The soothing sounds of live acoustic music will enhance the lakeside experience and create a memorable and enjoyable event for your guests.
DIY Dance Floor
If you’re looking to get your guests up and moving, create a DIY dance floor by clearing a designated area near the waterfront. Place outdoor-friendly flooring or sturdy wooden boards on level ground to create a solid surface. Decorate the dance floor with string lights, lanterns, or even flower petals for added ambiance. Make sure to provide a variety of upbeat and dance-worthy music to keep the energy alive and encourage your guests to let loose and dance the night away at your lakeside party.
Bonfire Sing-along
As the sun sets and the evening progresses, gather your guests around a bonfire for a cozy and memorable sing-along. Provide seating options such as comfortable chairs or even picnic blankets, and set up a safe and well-contained bonfire. Encourage your guests to bring their own musical instruments, such as guitars, harmonicas, or even tambourines. Sing classic campfire songs, folk tunes, or even popular hits that everyone can join in on. This bonfire sing-along will create a sense of togetherness and warmth, adding an unforgettable element to your lakeside party.
DIY Party Signs
Directional Signs
Guide your guests around the lakeside party area with DIY directional signs. Create signs using weather-resistant materials such as wooden boards or even repurposed pallets. Paint or attach printed arrows and clear text indicating key areas such as the parking lot, restrooms, food and drink stations, or the dance floor. For a lakeside touch, add nautical elements like seashells or anchors. These directional signs will ensure that your guests can find their way easily and enjoy every aspect of your lakeside-themed party.
Welcome Signs
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests by designing DIY welcome signs for your lakeside party. Use a sturdy material such as wood or chalkboards, and decorate them with lake-themed images or messages. Place these welcome signs near the entrance to your party or in other prominent areas. For an extra touch, add elements such as twinkle lights, colorful bunting flags, or even beach-inspired accents like seashells or starfish. These welcome signs will greet your guests with open arms, setting the tone for a memorable lakeside celebration.
Food and Drink Signs
Help your guests find their favorite treats and beverages with DIY food and drink signs. Label each food station, drink dispenser, or coolers with clear and attractive signage. Use materials such as chalkboards, cardstock, or even wooden boards. Write or print the names of each food or drink item, and add decorative elements such as drawings or cutouts of lake-themed elements. These food and drink signs will not only make it easier for your guests to navigate the menu but also enhance the overall aesthetics of your lakeside party.
Parking Signs
Ensure that your guests can park their vehicles easily and without confusion by creating DIY parking signs. Use brightly colored posters or boards and clearly write “Parking” alongside any specific instructions or guidelines. Place these signs near the entrance to your party or throughout the designated parking area if it is spread out. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful organization and clear directions, making it convenient for them to enjoy your lakeside-themed gathering.
Outdoor Lighting
DIY Mason Jar Lanterns
Create a charming and rustic ambiance at your lakeside party with DIY mason jar lanterns. Fill Mason jars with sand or small pebbles to give them stability, and place small candles or LED lights inside the jars. Hang these lanterns around the party area using wire or twine, or even place them on tables or along pathways. The soft glow emitted by the Mason jar lanterns will enhance the twilight atmosphere of your lakeside party and provide a cozy and inviting ambiance for your guests to enjoy.
Fairy Light Canopy
Transform your lakeside party area into a magical and enchanting space with a fairy light canopy. Hang strands of fairy lights from trees, pergolas, or other structures to create a starry ceiling effect. For an extra touch of elegance, add sheer fabric or tulle to the lights, creating a dreamy and whimsical ambiance. These fairy light canopies will provide a soft and warm glow that illuminates the lakeside setting, making your guests feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale.
Tiki Torches
Add a touch of tropical flair and illuminate your lakeside party with tiki torches. Place these torches along pathways, near seating areas, or around the perimeter of the party area to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Light the torches as the sun sets, and let their flickering flames and subtle scent transport your guests to a tropical getaway by the lake. The tiki torches will not only enhance the overall aesthetic of your lakeside-themed party but also provide a functional and visually appealing source of outdoor lighting.
Lakeside-inspired Candles
Candles are a timeless and versatile choice for creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. For your lakeside-themed party, incorporate lakeside-inspired candles such as those shaped like lighthouses, sailboats, or even seashells. Place these candles strategically around the party area, on tables, or even floating in small glass bowls filled with water. The soft and flickering glow of the candles will add a warm and inviting ambiance to your lakeside party, creating a memorable and magical experience for your guests.
In conclusion, a lakeside-themed party can be enhanced by a variety of DIY crafts and decorations. From floating flower arrangements and nautical lanterns to personalized party favors and interactive games, these elements can create a charming and memorable experience for your guests. Adding a photo booth with a lakeside-inspired backdrop, DIY party signs, and creative outdoor lighting will further enhance the atmosphere of your lakeside celebration. With the right decorations, table settings, music, and entertainment, your lakeside-themed party is sure to be a memorable event that your guests will cherish for years to come. So, grab your crafting supplies, let your creativity flow, and get ready to host an unforgettable lakeside gathering.