// How To Throw An Epic Shark Week Party

I moved the August giveaway yet again (to tomorrow!) because duh! SHARK WEEK! It starts tomorrow! And if you know anything about me, you know that I basically live for shark week! It's a religion in our house. Mike and I threw a Shark Week premier party in 2011 and we've been itching to do it again ever since. I was out of town last year (but still caught the premier at a bar with my best friend in Indianapolis... dedication!) and this year we're 2 hours away from all of our friends. I'm thinking 2014 will mark the return of the Flynn's Shark Week party... yeah? Who's coming?!

Since we can't whip up a big to-do this year, we're planning on celebrating in our own way. Just the three of us and some snacks. Can't really argue with that! I wanted to share my tips on throwing the best shark-inspired bash, that way YOU can celebrate the greatest animal to ever live! ;)

The food and drink at any party is crucial. But when you're talking shark theme, you really need to theme it up!

A few handy things we always have on hand for Shark Week include:

1. Goldfish crackers!

2. Swedish fish (I'm totally not a fan of the taste, but hey, some people are!)

3. Shark cupcakes! (Our 2009 version was all gore... these are a lot nicer hey?)

4. Lifesaver candy (Bonus points if you spring for the gummies!)

5. Salsa. It may not sound as appetizing when you think of chum, but it's perfect and delicious!

6. Tortilla chips. There's something swimming in your salsa!

7. Shark cookies. Everyone needs a shark shaped cookie cutter in their pantry!

8. Land Shark lager. The perfect beer for Shark Week!

If you're getting really fancy and want to go all out, you can add some sushi to your menu, too! We usually have small finger foods and sandwiches (cut into triangles... naturally) since I'm not really a sushi person. But I'm sure you can see how it fits the theme!

When we're having an actual party with guests and all that jazz, we tend to whip up an "Ocean Water" punch to serve our guests. You can make it as a cocktail or mocktail! We like to serve both since we have some friends who don't drink, or they volunteer to DD!

Ocean Water (cocktail) Punch

3 cups Malibu (coconut) Rum

3/4 cups Blue Curacao

2L Sprite

Garnish with Lifesaver gummies + Swedish Fish

Ocean Water (mocktail) Punch

5 cups coconut water

2L Sprite

~5 drops blue food coloring (or until you reach desired hue)

Juice of 1 fresh orange

Garnish with Lifesaver gummies + Swedish Fish

Once the food and drink have been taken care of, it's time to think about entertainment! Of course Shark Week in itself is plenty good entertainment, but sometimes it's fun to spice it up a bit. If you're having an adult-only shindig, you can play the Shark Week drinking game (below!). Regardless of the age range in attendance, you can also play Shark Week Bingo! Just change up the rules and prizes accordingly. (Click here for several Shark Week Bingo cards!) Psst... Goldfish crackers make great bingo chips! I'm also not above playing some drunken/blindfolded "Pin the fin on the shark" haha! That's a great DIY game to whip up. Or even a costume contest! Everyone loves an excuse to dress up!

(click here to download + print the drinking game rules)

If you need some decorations for your party, toss out some crepe streamers in various shades of blue. If it's a kids' bash, let your littles craft some fish out of paper plates and paint! You can even download the shark infographic I made back in 2010 and teach your guests a few things while entertaining! (Shark trivia, anyone?!)

The great thing about Shark Week is that it appeals to such a wide variety of viewers! Shark fanatics, casual observers, and people who just love a good party! You can tailor your Shark Week fete to fit kids and adults of all ages! I can't wait for tomorrow's premier... but I really can't wait until next year so I can get back in the groove of throwing a massive Shark Week bonanza! You're all invited! haha

Would you attend a Shark Week party?! Happy Shark Week!

Shark Week 2011

If you've been reading my blog for a while then you may already be well aware of my fascination with all things shark related. Everything. I live, breathe, and sleep sharks. My life goal is to free dive with a Great White (after many many many cage diving experiences, of course!). Some people get excited for Harry Potter (or did, I should say), Twilight or maybe even the newest Judd Apatow film... but me... I get excited for Shark Week. I have all of the DVDs, books, and even a collection of plush sharks to commemorate the annual event. Last year we rushed to move into our new place and had cable installed the day of Shark Week's premier so we wouldn't miss it.

Last year's Shark Week set up!

My love for sharks doesn't stop at the jaw-dropping entertainment on Discovery. Instead of just watching the shows or learning about them, we should also make a conscious effort to help keep them alive. With overfishing, finning, and sport, Great Whites are now more endangered than tigers! That's kind of huge. The population of white sharks have dropped 90% in the last 2 decades. Since I've been alive! To think that I may not have the chance to educate my children on the incredible creature that lives in our oceans is a horrifying thought. Sharks have been around for 400 million years! And we're managing to wipe them out without a second thought. With the booming popularity of Shark Week, other shows have made a break in mainstream media such as Expedition Great White. These shows help educate the general public that white sharks don't eat people for fun. They're actually very very intelligent creatures. We all need to do our part to help.

Whether it's donating money to a conservation organization, adopting a shark of your own, or signing a petition to help stop shark finning, we can do so much with so little. (Sharks aren't the only sea creatures that need our help. Please check out the above links and do what you can to help save our waters!)

Tonight we're throwing a Shark Week party. Shark and ocean themed food and drink. Balloons, decorations, and some Andy Samberg. Hopefully our guests will finally be able to see just how passionate I am about these mysterious but magical creatures! (And I have a petition here for all of the guests to sign, too!) 

I urge you all to check out Shark Week, check out various resources around the web, and to get involved! (and swing by our party if you're in Nashville!) Happy Shark Week! 

PS; Here's my shark infographic from my final semester of college! I can't seem to find the version where all of the typos are fixed so you'll have to make due with this one! (Click to view it larger!)

SHARK WEEK 2010!

It is my favorite time of year! Shark Week has bestowed upon us 7 glorious days of entertainment and fascination. (This is like my Christmas!) I'm taking a break from putting together the house to ring in Shark Week with 100%, undivided attention. Ultimate Air Jaws in just 47 minutes! Yes... I AM excited!

xoxo