Recreating Lauren Conrad’s Duffy Boat Party

Here is the Lauren Conrad-inspired summer day on Newport Harbor, just in time for the 4th of July.

Decor By: @butfirstparty & Photo Credit: Valorie Darling Photography

Lauren Conrad, reality-TV star, lifestyle guru and O.C. native knows how to do summer right. Last year, she threw together a 4th of July party alongside But First Party, on a Duffy boat in Newport Harbor that set off visual fireworks. This year, we decided to cull all the destination resources you might need to host your own Duffy boat party right here in Newport Beach. From balloons to desserts, here’s a to-do list that’s certain to add sparkle to your Instagram feed.

Photo Credit: Wild Child

Get your party supplies at Wild Child in Lido Marina Village

To recreate Lauren Conrad’s Duffy boat party, you’re going to need balloons—and lots of them. Enter Wild Child—purveyor of everything party-decor-related, from balloon installations to event styling services. Need tableware in hues that suit your theme? They’ve got it. What about on-theme decorations? They’ll handle that, too. With the people at Wild Child taking care of your supplies, your shindig will be up and running in a snap.

Scoop up the best florals at French Buckets in Lido Marina Village

Anyone who’s ever planned a successful party before will tell you that flowers always add a layer of sophistication, a certain je ne sais quoi to any outdoor bash. If your only experience with floral arrangements involves artfully scrambling supermarket bouquets, then just leave it up to the professionals, aka French Buckets. Comprised of artists, florists and event designers, the team at French Buckets can dream up the perfect patriotic centerpieces to complement your spread and set the right mood for fireworks day.

Don’t forget to rent your Duffy boat at Boat Rentals of America

This is arguably the most important part of the whole affair—the Duffy boat itself. Located just off Balboa Blvd. in Balboa Village, Boat Rentals of America boasts a fleet of Duffy boats to choose from. It all comes down to how many people you want to bring on board. Orchestrating an afternoon for a group of eight or less? Opt for the 18-foot vessel. Planning to live it up with close-to twelve of your best friends? The 12-foot boat will do the trick. Just call ahead and pick your party playground.

Photo Credit: SusieCakes

Treat your guests to the loveliest baked goods from SusieCakes

No 4th of July party is complete without a few plates of something to nosh on. Free yourself from the kitchen and order your desserts from SusieCakes. The bakery, a go-to source for all things sweet, decadent and holy, churns out a smorgasbord of tri-colored cupcakes and cookies for special days like July 4th. And just like that, with a little bit of planning-ahead, all you’ll have to do on the day-of is sit back and take credit for your newfound, extraordinary baking chops. (We won’t tell if you don’t).

Photo Credit: Valorie Darling Photography

Finish the day at Balboa Village Fun Zone

Plates almost empty? Evening starting to drag? It’s time to kick your squad off the boat and take the party to Balboa Village Fun Zone. After a day of showing off your tip-top hosting skills, you’ve done your part. Now, you get to throw your hands up in the air—quite literally, if you hop on one of the rides at the Balboa Fun Zone. But there’s much more to enjoy at this waterfront attraction, including a Ferris wheel, an arcade room, and a handful of prime firework-ogling spots to end the night with a bang.

Written By: Mariam Makatsaria