There are about 2,000 chickens and roosters strutting their stuff on the streets of Key West. These beloved fowl have become one of the most recognized interests of this tiny island.
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Instead of adopting roosters to get into the Florida Keys spirit, homeowners can do plenty of other things to bring the Keys home and into their entertaining. It could be through the food served, decor choices, landscaping, or the home’s exterior colors. This guide will help homeowners feel like they are in Key West no matter where their home is.
The Food of Key West
Despite the island’s small size, it boasts a thriving food culture. Its Key lime pie, gulf oysters, Key West pink shrimp, and conch fritters are all standouts.
It may be challenging to find authentic Key West shrimp, gulf oysters, and conch fritters at the local grocery store. But one thing anyone can have is Key lime pie. Kermit Carpenter, one of the most famous purveyors of this sweet and slightly sour dessert, has sold his key lime pie in downtown Key West for 27 years.
Try his recipe for a Key West-themed event, or anytime you want to put a smile on your guests’ faces. Here’s one pointer, Key limes should not be substituted with Persian limes. It is vital to use Key limes or their juice for authentic flavor. You can read more about the Key lime flavor profile in this Southern Living article, “The Real Difference Between a Florida Key Lime and a Regular Lime.”
Key West Home Decor
It is easy to add small touches to create a Florida Keys vibe to your home. By mixing tropical, coastal, and vintage decor, homeowners can create an authentic Florida Keys vibe. Try to bring the outdoors in by having large French or sliding doors to open up a space.
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Look for furniture pieces made of wicker, rattan, or bamboo. If wood is preferred, stick with the lighter shades. Choose a color palette that is light and bright. Embrace colors like pink, yellow, and teal. Add in plenty of tropical patterns that fit into the chosen color palette.
The Landscaping
Embrace the Florida Key lifestyle by heading outdoors to the backyard. Create a tropical paradise by building up the soil with plenty of nutrients. Then plant blooming greens, quick-growing vines, and orchids that grow from the trees. Palms of varying sizes can provide plenty of shade and are a hallmark of Florida landscaping. The Gardenista has ten landscaping ideas you can steal from Key West to make any home feel more tropical.
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The Colors of the Florida Keys
Stroll down the narrow streets, and it is apparent that the residents love color. Bring this trend home by painting the front door a Florida Keys inspired color. If a homeowner’s association prevents this, embrace the colors of the island in less permanent ways. Flowerpots, an outdoor rug, and throw pillows are the perfect places to embrace the color while complying with local restrictions.
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While you are at it, take a cue by painting a front or back porch ceiling blue. When strolling along the tree-lined sidewalks in the Florida Keys, visitors will notice that most porches have a blue ceiling. Not only is this soothing and inviting, but there is an intriguing piece of history behind this decor choice.
Entertain in Florida Keys Style
With these small touches, any homeowner can feel as though the Florida Keys are in their home. It starts vivid paint colors, then continues with the decor. The finishing touches are a tropical oasis in the backyard with plenty of island-inspired nibbles to serve guests. No matter the time of year, homeowners can feel like they’re on holiday in the Florida Keys by trying some of these tips and tricks.
