9 Ideas for the Perfect Shark Week Party

Aug. 4 2013— -- intro: Attention, shark fans: Shark Week is nearly upon us. If you've never tuned in for the week-long Discovery Channel event, starting Aug. 4, get ready for what promises to be the most compelling TV you'll see all year. But whether you're a Shark Week newbie or a devotee to the week-long celebration, we have a few ways to spice up your viewing experience.

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title: Indulge in Ice Creamtext: In the mood for something sweet? Cold Stone Creamery teamed up with Discovery Channel to create two specialty treats for Shark Week. This Cake Bites is a devil's food cake with blue sweet cream ice cream, topped in blue ice frosting and decorated with gummy sharks. Not your thing? Try the Shark Week Frenzy sundae: blue sweet cream ice cream with graham cracker pie crust (looks like sand, right?) and gummy sharks.

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quicklist: 2title: Let Them (or Yourself!) Eat Caketext: Georgetown Cupcake, which is featured on the TLC show, "DC Cupcakes," is also celebrating Shark Week with specialty confections perfect for viewing parties. Don't live near one of their bakeries? No problem: They have nationwide delivery.media:19854941

quicklist: 3title: Make a Fashion Statementtext: Love Toms? You're in luck! The shoe company, which donates footwear to children in need, developed a limited edition "The Shark Shoe" to celebrate the TV event. Feel good splurging on yourself, too: $5 from each pair sold will go toward Oceana's shark conservation efforts.media:19854695

quicklist: 4title: ... Even at the Office text: Have to work? No problem. Buy yourself a pair of shark-themed socks to wear to the office. These come from Amazon.com. media:19854809

quicklist: 5title: Kick Back With a Cold One text: No time to prep for a party? No problem. Serve your guests festive Landshark Lager!media:19854605

quicklist: 6title: Have a Cocktailtext: Whip up the Shark Bite cocktail from BLT Fish Shack, and don't forget a decorative shark! Here's the recipe:

1 oz. blood orange puree

1 oz. crème de cassis

4 oz sparkling wine

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quicklist: 6title: And, Why Not? Have Another!text: Plan on watching your favorite episode in the morning? Indulge in a Shark Bite Bloody Mary from Skinnygirl.

Ingredients

2 parts Skinnygirl Cucumber vodka

2 parts low-sodium tomato juice

Splash of fresh lemon juice

Squeeze of fresh lime juice

Dash of Worcestershire sauce (to taste)

Dash of hot sauce

Sprinkle of celery salt

Lime, cucumber and celery stalk for garnish

DirectionsMix all ingredients together in a tall glass

Garnish with lime, cucumber and celery stalk and serve.

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quicklist: 7title: No Matter What, Spice Up Your Beveragestext: Sticking with water or soda? You can still get in the spirit. These ice cubes from Amazon.com make every drink look festive.media:19854533

quicklist: 8title: Have a Pool Partytext: Shark Week may make you want to stay out of the ocean for a bit, so have a pool party instead. Impress your guests with a shark-themed swim suit like this one from storenvy.com. media:19854488

quicklist: 9title: And When It's Over, Get Excited for "Sharknado 2"text: The end of Shark Week is pretty sad, but never fear: "Sharknado 2" is already in the works!media:19651561