Best Tips for Entertaining on a Pontoon Boat

Part of the fun of owning a Bennington pontoon is getting to share it with family and friends. The comfortable seats, the spacious layout, and the smooth riding experience all lend themselves well to hosting a party out on the water. Below you'll find our favorite tips and tricks for entertaining out on your pontoon. If you have any questions or want to look at Bennington pontoons for sale, visit Richardson's Boat Yard. We proudly serve those in Portland, Windham, Standish, and Auburn, Maine.

1. Choose a Party Theme

A party theme helps take your outing to the next level. It creates a cohesive look and feel to your party while also making it more memorable. You can choose anything from a casino night to a tropical vacation.

Use decorations to help showcase the theme throughout your Bennington pontoon boat. Streamers, napkins, and coasters can all help build the atmosphere. You can even make a playlist related to the theme and encourage your guests to show up in related attire.

2. Make the Meal Easy

A great party involves food (of course). But there's no reason you need to spend hours prepping in the kitchen to make an elaborate multi-course meal. Keep things simple.

Utilize Finger Foods

Finger foods are a great option on a boat. Guests can easily nibble as much or as little as they like. Plus, they are a breeze to prepare. Throw together a cracker and cheese plate, a hummus and pita bread tray, or even pick up a fruit and veggie tray from the store.

Ask Guests to Contribute

Many party hosts hesitate asking guests to bring items to their party. But the reality is most people enjoy being able to contribute! They appreciate your hard work getting everything coordinated. The least they can do is bring along an appetizer, small side dish, or a dessert. It'll let your guests bring something they enjoy cooking while also giving you a much-needed break.

3. Avoid Common Food Problems

Eating on a Bennington pontoon is different than eating in your dining room. Out on the open water, you'll need to deal with everything from wind to bugs.

Keep the Food Safe

You'd be surprised at how much water spray or how many wandering bugs can end up on your food. Always use some form of guard to keep your food covered when it's not in use by people adding to their plates, such as Saran Wrap, aluminum foil, or a plastic cover.

Get the Right Dishware

Avoid bringing glass on board. If it breaks, it can cause a hazard to all on board. It can be difficult clearing away glass from a boat, so it's best to avoid it altogether. Instead, use plastic or paper options. You can even get creative and serve food in disposable champagne flutes!

4. Plan Memorable Activities

While eating can be the main focus of your excursion, it's fun to throw something else into the mix. How about a game night? Get guests to teach the group their favorite card game. Or how about a movie night? Get a portable projector, a sheet, and your laptop for a great way to watch a movie. There are plenty of fun activities you can do out on the water, so get creative!

We hope you find these tips helpful! If you have any questions or want to look at Bennington pontoons for sale, visit Richardson's Boat Yard. Our friendly staff is happy to chat with you. We proudly serve those in Portland, Windham, Standish, and Auburn, Maine.