by Catalogs.com Info Guru Angela K. Van Winkle

For those who don’t know, parrot heads (or parrotheads) are Jimmy Buffett fans who all know it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, and that changes in latitudes lead to changes in attitudes.

If you love the idea of throwing a parrot head party, find that lost shaker of salt, put on your favorite beachwear, and let’s make our way down to one particular harbor for a little get together.

10. Welcome Guests with Style

First impressions set the tone for any great party. Decorate your front door with beach-y, tropical paradise elements, set out a great parrot welcome mat, and a sign that says, “No shoes, no shirt, no problem.” They’ll know they came to the right place.

9. Margaritaville Attire Required

Tell your guests to come in Margaritaville appropriate attire! Hawaiian shirts, Bermuda shorts, and, of course, flip flops are the dress code. Even bathing suits aren’t out of the question. Think “beach bum” and you have the right idea.

8. Appetizers

Before the party-goers arrive, set out some appetizers in case they came on an empty stomach. Tropical weather foods like chips and cold dips (salsa, guacamole, etc.), chilled shrimp, and lettuce wraps are all great starters. Make sure you have big serving bowls for setting out the spread.

7. Fire Pit

No beach party is complete without a good fire going outside. Light up that fire pit and let guests roast their own kabobs, marshmallows, or hot dogs. At the very least, the smell of a wood fire and those mesmerizing flickering flames will get you in a luau mood like nothing else.

6. Parrots… On Your Head

Okay, so maybe not real parrots, but they don’t call Buffett fans Parrotheads for nothing! Get creative and make up some of your own parrothead hats (check Pinterest; it’s loaded with ideas) to pass out to guests who haven’t brought their own.

5. Get Fruity

It ain’t tropical without some tropical fruit. Among your food selections, you absolutely must incorporate pineapples, mangos, maybe some papayas, etc. into the mix. Have a fruit tray or add them to the kabob options. It just doesn’t taste like summer without it.

4. Cheeseburgers in Paradise

Warm weather screams grilled food (even if you’re having your party in winter). Any sort of barbeque fare is acceptable, but any self-respecting Parrothead party includes cheeseburgers. Because paradise.

3. We’re Going to Need Palm Trees

If your party isn’t happening “on location,” create that island look by adding some fake palm trees. Throw in a few bags’ worth of sand over a section of grass and some beach chairs for a little island oasis, and hang lights around the outdoor area (tiki torches, maybe?) so this little shindig can go well into the night.

2. Um… Margaritas?

It isn’t Margaritaville without margaritas. You can also offer the very theme-appropriate Landshark Lager (by Margaritaville Brewing Company) and some virgin island drinks for the parakeets. Just be sure to serve those ‘ritas in unbreakable margarita glasses and take guests’ keys when they walk in the door. Let’s make this a responsible Parrothead party.

1. Jimmy Buffett

What kind of party would this be without the man himself? You’re probably not lucky enough to have a personal appearance by Mr. Buffett, but you can put on a DVD inside of a live Jimmy Buffett concert, and pipe his music out to the backyard for your outdoor guests. All those singalongs are really what you did this for, aren’t they? Admit it, you’re already humming his tunes.