Sun, sea and sand are already a pretty perfect combination. Throw in some great friends, top tunes, refreshing drinks and delicious-tasting food, and you have a recipe for a night to remember forever.

Here at Sanwin Beachwear, we love beach parties more than almost anything else. Being on the beach already encourages people to let their hair down, forget their cares and the stresses of everyday life, and revel in having a great time together… so getting into the party spirit couldn’t be easier. A well-planned beach party is the perfect way to meet new people, make the most of the freedom that comes with being next to the sea, and - of course - showing off your stylish swim shorts to the assembled crowds.

However, as everyone knows, the essence of style is preparation. If you really want your beach party to make an impact for all the right reasons, you’re going to have to put some forethought into. After all you want to ensure it hits all the right notes, and stays in people’s minds for years to come. Luckily for you, the team here at Sanwin Beachwear has been to more beach parties than we’d care to remember, and we’ve got some great advice for those looking to party on the shore in style!

Tip 1: Location, Location, Location

It goes without saying that the location of a beach party is key to its success. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s impossible to have a great night unless you’re in some far-flung tropical location, but it does mean that you’ll have to be selective with where you choose to hold your coastal bash.

Make sure your beach party is reasonable accessible. Nobody wants to have to clamber over cliffs and scrubland to get to where the fun is, and however amazing your favourite ‘secret’ bay might be, after a few drinks, it might be less than perfect to get back from. However, unless you want to party with more revellers than you might have bargained for, it’s probably best to not hold your event on the most popular beach in town. A happy medium is probably best - somewhere that you and your mates can be left in peace, but which isn’t going to take a map, compass and pair of hiking boots to get to.

Tip 2: Keep the Menu Easy

You might consider yourself something of a masterchef, but believe us, nobody wants to sit down with a china plate and knife and fork on the sand. Beach food means finger food - but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative if you want to.

Of course, the classic beach party menu revolves around a couple of disposable barbeques. Get some local specialities on the go, and even some fresh fish or shellfish that wouldn’t be too difficult or fiddly to eat with your fingers and a hunk of fresh bread. Alternatively, stock up on nibbles, chips, sandwiches, and plenty of fresh and thirst-quenching fruits like sliced watermelon and mango. Keep it light, keep it healthy, keep it fresh. Nice!

Tip 3: Avoid Themes

Beach parties are at their best when they’re well-planned and organised in advance, but essentially laid-back and relaxed on the night. To be honest, we’re pretty sick and tired of beach parties which have been set up with a theme… and not least because that theme tends to involve things like plastic palm trees, unattractive ‘comedy’ swimwear and all sorts of other mildly embarrassing nonsense.

If you’ve chosen your location well, then the beach itself should provide all of the thematic details and set decoration you could possibly wish for. The warm sand, the crashing surf, the starry skies… what more could you possibly want?

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with bringing some decorative touches to your night - just keep it classy and remember you aren’t organising a 9th birthday party. Fairy lights work well, as do tiki torches and other cool accessories that bring some atmosphere and heighten the ambience of the event.

Tip 4: Think Drink

Hey, what would a beach party be without a bit of booze? Make sure you’ve stocked up plenty of light, refreshing beers (which are going to require a cool bag or similar to keep them from getting warm), and bring along a few fruit juices too for those not wanting to drink.

It’s also a great idea to pre-mix a big batch of a favourite cocktail or punch for the night. Sangria works really well, and adds a proper tropical vibe to the proceedings… plus it’s incredibly easy to make in large quantities.

Tip 5: Don’t Stop The Music

Set up a playlist which veers between the old and the new, the avant-garde and the crowd-pleasing, and don’t be uptight over people wanting to add their favourites to the list! Get hold of a top set of portable speakers and be sure to pack some spare batteries - there’s no need to drag your whole sound system down to the beach!

Tip 6: Have a Plan B

Coastal regions and beaches can be pretty unpredictable when it comes to weather, and it’s actually quite surprising how much the temperature can plummet once the sun has gone down. So long as there aren’t any restrictions on you doing so, setting up a camp fire is a great way to keep people warm once they’re partying under the moonlight, but it’s probably worth having a plan B should the weather turn bad.

Check out nearby pubs, clubs and beach bars you could head to if it gets cold, windy or rainy, and keep the party going whatever may happen!

There you have it. Six great tips to throw an unforgettable beach party. With good company, you just can't go wrong. Now, get your swim shorts and off to beach it is 'cause nothing beats a great beach party! Enjoy!