A Beach Ball theme brings out the bright colors.

The official theme was “Beach Ball,” but the overall effect was definitely more on the “beach” and less on the “ball.”

When spring break isn’t quite here and winter has been around for what seems like eternity, everyone is eager to relive some of the summer fun enjoyed so many weeks before.  Sand, sun, and water may still be months away, but it’s nice to have a party that reminds us of the warm sunshine that is coming.

This school did a lovely job of brightening up a fellowship hall to make it festive and fun for guests.  Guests did their part by showing up in colorful beach-themed wear.  (No swimming suits were seen, but lots of flowered shirts.) 

Here are some of the theme elements at this auction which really stood out.

Maybe some of these will trigger ideas for your own event.

1.  The decor started outside

I loved how they found a lifeguard chair and put it outside the school.  I asked one of the auction co-chairs where on earth they’d found a lifeguard chair.  She wasn’t sure, but thought it came from one of the parents.  (It’s amazing what we keep in our garages, isn’t it?!)

The registration team is suited up, and ready for the crowd.

Upon entering through the glass doors, guests saw another display.  This one was of Adirondack chairs with a palm tree.

Carrying a theme through from beginning to end is what makes it special.  The earlier you can introduce the theme, the better.  Imagine the impact that would have been made if guests would have been picked up and escorted to the auction in a 1950 Dodge woodie station wagon .. the kind used by California surfers?  That would have caused a stir!

2.  The Registration Team Wore Costumes

Signage was put onto surfboards.

By the time our guests reached the registration table, they’d seen two decor elements and now — at check-in — they are being greeted by lifeguards.

I like how the uniforms make it easy for guests to identify someone who can help them.  It’s easier to see a red shirt with a lifeguard cross on it than it is to, say, see a namebadge.

3.  Signage had a beach theme

The colorful signage scattered throughout the venue was cut into the shape of surfboards.  This is a simple idea to incorporate into your auction.  All you need to do is decide upon an appropriate shape for your theme.

For more ideas, scroll down this blog post.

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The cabana was used to sell raffle tickets.

Swim up to the bar for drinks.

Colorful tablecloths brightened up the space.

These are easy centerpieces for anyone to make.

This decor piece was the first element guests saw upon entering through the double-doors.