Pre-planning
Save the Date. Choose a date early on and send out your save the dates. If you’re visiting the island with friends and family, ensure they haven’t made alternative arrangements for the group during that time.
Find a venue. If your party will take place at your holiday rental apartment, then you're all set, but if you want to host your event at one of Grand Cayman’s many popular dining establishments, be sure to reserve your table way in advance as these tend to fill up at the very beginning of high season( November ).
Plan your menu and set a budget. Cayman is considered as one of the most expensive places on the planet. If you're on a tight budget ensure your invite clearly states that each person is financially responsible for themselves and supply a few bottles of wine and/or refreshments for the whole table on your own account. If hosting at your vacation home, consider a potluck theme, a fun and cost-effective way to entertain.
2 weeks before the party
As the time of your party draws near, it's time to take care of the important details. Below we've are some suggestions of how you could add subtle and not so subtle tropical touches and details to your party food, entertainment and decor.
Food – Finalize your menu and perhaps consider shopping for any essentials now. Keep in mind that most shops in Grand Cayman are closed on a Sunday. Your menu should feature a few traditional foods and dishes served at Christmas time, including cider and Christmas cookies to get your guests into the season's spirit. However, adding traditional Caymanian food favourites like jonny cakes, jerk chicken and conch fritters to your menu, will add a tropical twist and infuse it with the wonderful tastes of Cayman. You also have the option to have it catered and save yourself some stress. to have your day catered, booking a caterer in advance is highly advised as this is their busiest season on the island. Mise En Place is a professional catering company operating in Cayman and Fosters also offer catering. Whatever you decide, make your meal as pleasing to the eyes and stomach as the rest of your party!
Decorations – Traditional Christmas decorations include a Christmas tree, candles, lights, and other holiday decorations. Make it tropical by hanging lots of sparkly decor and traditional ornaments on driftwood. Set the table with traditional colors like red and green and add a touch of rustic wood. If it's a themed party decorate accordingly.
Entertainment and games – Make the party lively by having outdoor games such as beach bats and beach balls and themed entertainment. Beach Boys and Boney M are popular Christmas party playlist picks and on-theme. Be sure to ask your guests to dress up according to the tropical Christmas theme and wear only red and/ or green.
Favors – nothing says thank you more than a parting gift. A great island style Christmas party favor idea is the handmade tropical themed Christmas ornaments from Three girls and a Kiln found in Camana Bay. You could also hand out some edible treats such as 'Santa in swimwear' decorated sugar cookies.
“The people who give you their food give you their heart”, and that’s especially true at the restaurants on Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman. Having visited the island with my family on eight different occasions during the last decade or so, I can honestly that I have been blessed with some outstanding meals at various eateries at this great location. The restaurants here are filled with passion, love and high-quality food. After a day resting in the Cayman sun, there is no better way to prepare for another day’s relaxation than to indulge oneself in a heart-warming meal on Seven Mile Beach. Here are some of my favourite restaurants on Seven Mile Beach, starting with a touch of Italy.