I am a huge fan of Amy Atlas and her incredible events. So on a whim, this afternoon I decided to put together an Amy-Atlas-inspired snack picnic buffet for my boys. Since this took zero planning on my part and mere minutes to put together, I really shouldn’t compare it to an Amy Atlas event! But I think it’s important to note that it doesn’t always take planning and money to make special happen!
I shopped my mom’s house for everything, so it didn’t cost me (or my mom) a dime. I decided to go with a blue and white beach theme and started with the seat cushions. The cushions are originally pink and yellow floral, so I simply took a blue & white check tablecloth and matching table runner from the closet and wrapped them around the cushions.
A large net of clearance PB sea stars were sitting in my mom’s hutch, and I knew just how I wanted to use them! To make the sea star garland, I strung the stars onto some curling ribbon and secured them to the window sashes with tape. So sweet and simple.
I used the leftover sea star net for our catch of the day….chocolate!
I bought the cute crab plate as a gift for my mom a few years ago and I love this plate! I get good use out of it each time I visit :).
These are adorable double stuffed beach themed Oreos. Can you say adorable and double stuffed in the same sentence? I placed a row of Oreos in a butter dish.
Share the Fun is what my sandcastle Oreo is saying to me. Good advice Oreo….good advice indeed!
This cute crab dish matches the butter dish and is filled with Crabbers crackers. They are yummy little crackers seasoned with Old Bay seasoning. I had never seen them before, but my mom had them in the pantry and they looked perfect for our snack picnic!
Shell-skewered grilled cheese bites were placed on a candle pillar for easy eating.
The gorgeous shell mermaid was custom designed for my mom. It was a very special gift from my dad, and I have no business touching it. But I LOVE it!
Here is a side view. This deck wraps around the house. If I were smarter, I would have set this up in the gazebo at the front of the house so that the beach was in the background of each of my shots! But…I wasn’t thinking full-picture-opportunity here. I was thinking “surprise boys”!!!
Surprise boys! You can’t see Asher’s face here, but he is squealing in delight. Both of my boys have a huge appreciation for little details and notice them all…especially Asher. He said, “Mommy, this is the best picnic EVER, and you are the best Mommy ever!” Sigh. Mission accomplished :).
Oh yes, they are definitely my children. Both go for the chocolate first!
I know that everyone thinks they have beautiful children, but I am continually amazed at how gorgeous my boys are. Just look at those eyes! My eyes are blue and Hubs’ eyes are bluish/green hazel, so their golden eyes are a bit of a surprise to me. For all you Twilight fans, they look a bit Cullenish, no?
The drink is simply white grape juice with a few drops of blue food coloring.
Notice the drink below is flowing in two directions! Oops.
Needless to say, we’re having fun at the beach! I hope this inspires you to make special memories with what you have on hand peeps.
Linking up today with:
Share this:
Related Posts
Want my decorating tips weekly? Sign up for my newsletter.
Your information will never be shared or sold to a 3rd party.
that looks so fun – and i want those crackers!!!
adorable!
Found you via Sunday Showcase party. This is such a lovely display of goodies!
What a precious party!!!
This absolutely adorable! And that mermaid…I want one! 🙂
I really should remember that the little things are the one's that matter the most. This is so special and I bet they'll be telling their kids the time when their mom create a special picnic for them.
i love that you made something so special for your boys. i am sure they felt so loved and valued knowing you did this for them. or maybe not, since they are still so young, but i think it really is amazing that you carefully selected each and every item and it wasn't for a big to-do or dinner event.
Oh, what a special treat for your boys! I love that you gathered things around and came up with a wonderful beach themed table!
Hi Beth! I'll be featuring your beach buffet tomorrow. Stop by and grab a featured button if you like! Thanks again for linking up to The Sunday Showcase! ~ Stephanie Lynn
Beth,
You have such a great way of making simple events special! I bet your boys loved it! 🙂
I am glad that you are having a good time at the beach! : )
Gorgeous Beth! The double stuffed beach themed oreos…amazing! {yummy – I'll take two please} You're such a wonderful Mommy! Looks fabulous! Thanks so much for joining The Sunday Showcase Party. I greatly appreciate it! Hope you have a wonderful week! ~ Stephanie Lynn
What fun!! I wish I'd thought of this kind of fun when my kids were little. So easy and so special. Maybe it's not too late? 🙂
What a sweet idea! Those are the things your boys will remember years from now! You should send it in to Amy Atlas…I am sure she would love it and appreciate it being a mom herself! Enjoy your summer…
Looks so inviting that I could pull up a stair and stay.
How sweet! I love the blue and white up against the yellow house.
And those cookies? YUM!!
Your sons are very beautiful, handsome boys! It's so great that they appreciate what you did for them. Your beach themed surprise turned out wonderfully! I want to find those Oreo's, they are so cute!
What a gorgeous picnic! I would never be able to put something like that together.
Your boys are adorable!
Yes you do have beautiful children! They take after their mama….
Looks like you had a ton of fun this weekend!
Well after what you have been through you deserve it.
You are too cute!! How fun!!!
What a lovely picnic buffet, Beth! The last pic of your son sipping from the straw and tipping the glass reminds me of my kids when they were little. I can't tell you how many times drink wound up going down the front of their shirts, while they had a straw! Those oreo's look pretty good and I have to say I'd go for the chocolate first, too!
Magnificent Beth! I'd bet your little getaway is doing all of you a world of good! I so could be there right now… heavenly!
Donna
can you come do my daughters beach themed wedding reception??!?!
great inspiration. that mermaid is to die for!
i have not seen those oreos, will be looking! what a beautiful beach home!
So fun, Beth! I know my girls would have flipped for it, and I would have too. 😉 Love those "Cullen eyes." 😉 I have never seen those crab crackers–they look yummy. Thanks for sharing your picnic with us. 🙂
So inspiring! I wasn't too familiar with Amy Atlas. Her stuff is amazing. But, your porch party is something I could do.
Oh my WORD!! You are so creative!! I love it!
You had me at double stuffed, then you REALLY had me at Old Bay, then I melted with the mermaid, but puddled at your sweet boys! What fun!
What fun! I love all of the details. You are such a great mom. 🙂 Your boys ARE gorgeous.
What a beautiful picnic and tablescape for your little guys! I love it all!! I know what you mean about Amy Atlas but yours is up there too!! Their eyes are really special (Cullen-like!). 🙂
heather
What a wonderful buffet! I love your seashell picks. So cute!
Well Beth, this is just too much fun! I loved it!
so sweet, such precious boys..lovely picnic..thanks for sharing your great pix!
xo
My boys will eat anything on a toothpick (sword)! What a great picnic!!!!!! Where are you???? We need a beach retreat!
Looks great, and SO delicious. I made some of the little shell toothpicks the other day too! Enjoy the rest of your weekend 🙂