There's something about the ocean that captures little imaginations: shimmering shells, tiny sea creatures, and the dream of a mermaid splashing just past the waves. It's no wonder an under the sea party is one of the most-loved birthday themes, especially in an Australian summer, when a backyard full of blue and a bucket of sand feel just right.
Here's how to plan an under the sea birthday that looks magical, without needing a professional stylist.
Set the scene with a soft ocean palette
Skip the loud primary blues. A softer palette of seafoam green, sky blue, sandy neutrals and a hint of pearl or white feels dreamy and photographs beautifully.
- A balloon garland in mixed blues, greens and white, with a few pearl or iridescent balloons
- Fishing net or sheer fabric draped over the table
- Real shells, sand dollars and driftwood as table scatter
- Paper lanterns or jellyfish made from lanterns and ribbon streamers
Make the food part of the theme
Themed food is where the party really comes to life, and it doesn't need to be complicated.
- Ocean jelly cups: blue jelly with gummy fish "swimming" inside
- Goldfish crackers served in little sand buckets
- Seaweed sandwiches: cucumber or spinach wraps cut into rounds
- Sea shell biscuits or chocolate shells
- A cake with buttercream waves, edible pearls and a scatter of shells
Activities the kids will love
- Treasure hunt: bury "pearls" or gold coins in a sandpit
- Fishing game: paper fish with paperclips and magnetic rods
- Shell decorating: paint and glitter-glue station
- Water play: if it's warm, a sprinkler or water table keeps everyone happy
Dress the birthday girl (or boy) in the theme
The birthday child deserves to feel like the star of the ocean. Our Paradiso print was hand-painted with ocean-inspired motifs in soft green and blue, so it's made for an under the sea celebration without being a costume.
- The Solenne Linen Dress has a gathered waist made for twirling, an open back with a tie, and red ric rac trim. It's breathable linen-cotton, fully lined, so it stays comfortable through cake, games and a very long afternoon.
- The Kids Linen Set is a collared shirt and shorts with an elastic waist and pockets (for collecting party treasures), in a soft linen and Tencel® blend. Perfect for little boys, or girls who'd rather not wear a dress.
Match the whole family
Birthday photos are ones you'll keep forever. Matching your birthday child makes them even more special.
- Mum (and nan) in the Maya Maxi Dress, fully lined with a tie back and white ric rac trim
- Sisters in the Solenne Linen Dress, so the girls all match
- Dad and grandad in the unisex Adults Linen Shirt and Shorts
- Brothers in the Kids Linen Set, matching dad down to the collar
As seen on @thebarbieblank
Little extras that make it special
- Invitations in the soft ocean palette, asking guests to wear blue or green
- Party bags in mini sand buckets with a shell, bubbles and a sticker sheet
- A "splash zone" photo backdrop of streamers and balloons
Shop the under the sea edit
Paradiso is in its final run, so sizes are limited. Mix and match pieces for the whole family and save: buy 2 for 10% off, 3 for 15% off, or 4 or more for 20% off. Australian orders over $250 ship free.
