I would do a chilled seafood tower for a high-impact starter and then serve a combination of hot seafood with very light sides-- lobster, shrimp, crab legs or crab cakes (buy frozen) -- with corn on the cob and cheddar bay rolls.

https://healthstartsinthekitchen.com/the-ultimate-holiday-chilled-seafood-tower-diy/

There is this great market in Potomac, called River Falls. We have done this a couple times and it is awesome. It is basically a lobster pot (I believe it is called a Nor'easter), and comes with all seafood, shrimp, clams, 2 lobsters, potatoes, etc. It comes in a big foil pot, that either you cook (or they can), we always do it ourselves so it is nice and hot!

The king crab legs from Costco are delicious and feel special. They are already cooked, so you just heat them. Serve with melted butter and crusty bread.

Crab legs are easy to prepare. Costco has them.
Add some corn or corn bread as a side and choco fondue for dessert. Fun, easy meal.

Mmm. I’d spread your table in brown paper, do a shrimp boil / clam bake type meal at home, and order in some crabs. My kids would love this.

Order from Profish Dc. You meet the truck with your order at one of the drop off sites. Better quality than the grocery store. All the info is on the website.

I’m in MD so can’t suggest a market, but I might go out for apps - someplace to get oysters and hot cider by a fire pit. Then come home to cioppino or shrimp scampi.

Get takeout from Jerry’s


https://www.jerrysseafood.com/menu

Mussels are easy to make at home

Get stone crab claws! Yum! Joe’s Stone Crab does take out.

DD is turning 13 just 2 weeks before Christmas. She is fortunate enough to not really need or want anything, except for an Apple Watch, which we are saving for Christmas. She loves all things seafood and has requested a special birthday dinner as a gift. We're still not dining indoors due to unvaccinated siblings so I'm trying to find a way to create a delicious meal at home for her. I'm thinking of some combination of things like lobster, crab/crabcakes, shrimp, maybe filet mignon...?

I'm a decent cook, but definitely open to takeout or pre-prepared meals/dishes that you finish at home. We're inside the beltway in Nova and I'm looking for recommendations where to source great ingredients or meals that could fit the bill. I suppose we'd also be open to outdoor dining, although December weather can be dicey.

So DCUM foodies, what recommendations or suggestions do you have? I really want to have an amazing and fun meal to celebrate this milestone birthday!