Gasparilla..aka how to throw an adult pirate party at 9 am

Gasparilla.

Tampa Bay's famous pirate invasion.

Mardi gras... with pirates! Arr!

I live near the parade, so at 9 am (well..actually earlier than that..) me mateys all got together for the party to end all parties! Yo ho ho!

First, the decorations:

Because yer reindeer be a pirate at heart! ARRR!

Centerpiece and treasure chest! Feather boas are amazing!

Beads, beads, everywhere! The trick is to hang beads EVERYWHERE! Put beads EVERYWHERE!!

Every pirate party needs a pirate plate!
Also, chocolate gold coins! MMM chocolate...

The table ends:

The food:

Brunch items are a must.

I went with some old stand-bys and new favorites.

Mama's Brunch Casserole:

Chile-Cheddar Brunch Squares:

I also made an amazing PALEO JALAPENO BACON bread from Virginia is for Hunter Gatherers and foolishly forgot to photograph it!

Two of my incredible friends made these awesome fruit swords:

We also had:

• Donoughts from Datz Dough
• Donut holes from Dunkin' (and coffee)
• Bagels and muffins from Panera
• Bacon
• Chorizo potatoes
• Cheesy hash browns
• Greek yogurt
• And a treasure chest of treats!

Plus, Bloody Mary's, Mimosas, and more! (Including that pirate favorite--grog!)

Pinterest is amazing for side items. I was so busy hostessing I forgot to take photos, but needless to say we had:

• Fish 'n chips (gold fish and potato chips)
• Fish bait (vodka soaked gummy worms)
• Dead man's fingers (I used the Trader Joe's chili lime cashews)
• Polly's crackers & cheese cubes
• Peg legs (corn dogs)
• Ocean jello shots (blue)
• Chocolate covered bacon (because why not?)
• And temporary tattoos!

Here's a candid shot of the food and guests:

 

And no pirate party is complete without a PHOTO BOOTH:

We got a printable "take your picture or walk the plank!" sign from Pinterest!

Props:

Pirate flag for a back-drop, some friends, flags, and fun faces! BOOM. Insta-photo booth! :)

Fun times!!!

Arrr you a fan of Gasparilla me matey?