Lemondrop

With summer in full swing, your poor sweltering body could use a trip the beach. But if the budget for sandy shores is low (or all of your friends live in a landlocked state), try throwing a party that channels the oceanfront spirit. Here's how you can throw a faux beach party that provides all of the oceanfront fun -- and none of the annoying sand in your suit.

The Invite
Spread the word to your fellow beach bums with explicit info about what to expect. Should they wear a suit (or are they allowed to don less mortifying clothing)? Are you hosting at a place with a pool, or just putting a kiddie pool in the living room for aesthetics?

If you're going to be out in the sun, let them know. A packet of inexpensive sunblock or Chapstick taped to the invite (or as the invite -- a label maker simplifies your cutting and pasting) serves as a party favor with a purpose.

Click here for more beach-party tips after the jump ...

The Décor

If you're close to an actual beach (or even a pool), make sure you have the mobile essentials -- coolers, Hibachi, chairs, iPod dock, etc. -- and pack up your snacks and drinks a day in advance. Try a dry run at the site with a pal or two so you'll know what you'll need to bring and won't be left making last-minute runs for bug spray and tiki torches.

For the desperately inland, fake the shore with nautical accents. Swath surfaces in blue-hued linens and fill metal buckets with sand (so cleanup is less Dustbuster-intensive). Then, focus further -- are you Cape Cod prepster? Debauchery in Miami? Cali cool? Not all beach bums are equal, so pick a specific zone and accessorize in its vein for maximum impact.

The Drinks

Beach-bum beverages tend to have one hard and fast rule: They need to be served frosty cold. If you don't have a blender to slush things up, make beverages in advance and freeze overnight. Blend booze with frozen concentrate juices and water (bourbon + pineapple-orange concentrate + sugar = maximum hydration and happiness).

Another must: drink umbrellas. Either pick up inexpensive Rihanna-worthy toppers from your local party store (less than $2 a bag) or craft your own shade makers from scrapbook paper and bamboo skewers. Serve stuff on beach towels, tatami mats or even banana leaves for extra beach cred.