What Food To Bring for a Party on a Boat
There’s something special about being out on the water and having a party with friends or family. Everyone has a chance to mingle and enjoy the gorgeous views and gentle rocking of the waves. However, it’s not much of a party without food, so what kind of menu do you plan? Let’s make sure your snacks and bites are as smooth as the waves—here are the best food ideas that will keep your guests munching and cruising in style!
Fresh, Hydrating Foods
Many people bring pretzels, chips, and dip onto boats, and while foods like these have their place, they also come with a notable drawback: salt. Most boat parties last for several hours, and salty snacks can speed up the effects of dehydration. If you’re going to have salty snacks on board, make sure that you have extra water available for every guest.
Instead, we recommend fresh, rehydrating foods like cut-up melon, bowls of berries, or a nice crudité platter of healthy vegetables. If you’re renting a boat and want to get the most out of it, having accessible, healthier snacks is the alternative you want. Fruits and veggies provide a refreshing alternative that’s easy to set up, eat, and pack up at the end of the night.
Avoid Overcomplicated Foods
The more complex your food, the less likely it is to make for a good boat party item. Potato salad or baked beans are great for a backyard BBQ, but on a boat, they require plates, forks, and lots of napkins. Ideally, you want to focus on finger foods that aren’t too messy and don’t require a lot of extra accessories.
Chicken wings can be a good option, but we recommend using a dry rub instead of going heavy on the sauces. Overall, try to limit yourself to things guests can eat with their hands, or at most a toothpick.
Break Out the Charcuterie
When trying to figure out what food to bring for a party on a boat, a charcuterie board is a wonderful addition. These large platters of cheese, meats, crackers, and other easy-to-snack-on foods are perfect for a casual get together in almost any environment.
You can buy these platters pre-assembled or make your own. A charcuterie board can have something as simple as some slices of hard salami and cheese wedges to more decadent foods like feta-stuffed olives. Use your imagination and consider what your guests might enjoy.
Ideally, you just want to focus on foods that don’t require a lot of setup. Bowls and rimmed trays are your best friends on a boat—they keep your snacks from taking a dive into the water, no matter how wild the waves get!
With the perfect spread on board, your boat party is sure to sail smoothly and keep everyone hungry for more fun!