Plan a colorful luau with tropical flower centerpieces and fresh fruit.
A luau-themed party isn't just for kids: Adults can create a festive island-inspired party as well. This themed party creates the allure of the eternal summers found only on the Hawaiian Islands. By incorporating Hawaiian themes into your d cor, food, cocktail and music choices your luau can be anything from contemporary fusion of East meets West or the bash can have a retro theme commemorating a 1950s Hawaii. Show your adult friends some authentic aloha with your version of this Polynesian feast. Does this Spark an idea?
Hawaiian Decor
Because the d cor is imperative for setting the mood of any gathering, ensure the decorations reflect your vision of the party. For a nod to the retro, casual or romantic, gather tiki torches and hang paper lanterns to adorn walkways. Also use the lanterns to highlight areas of interest, such as an intimate corner of a room or the buffet table. For a modern take on Polynesian lighting, add floating tea light candles in a bowl of sand and decorative glass as table centerpieces. Or use unscented candles nestled in flora native to the Hawaiian islands, think orchids or birds of paradise. Decorate the walls of interior spaces by checking local vintage and donation stores for old travel posters and insignia from the Hawaiian Islands. Mix different colors of paper and use textures in ways that will surprise your guests with a one of a kind Hawaiian experience. Use papers, posters and maps for tablecloths. Alternatively, use brightly colored paper and create an origami sculpture.
Luau Cuisine
Though a cooked, whole pig (known on the islands as a kalua pig) is one element that creates an authentic luau, such a dish is not required. Create a smorgåsbord of surf and turf with seafood such as tilapia or shrimp. For vegetarians, offer a buffet of fresh and tropical fruit such as pineapple, papaya, coconut, banana and passion fruit. Also, incorporate lighter, Japanese-inspired rolls and sushis commonly found on the island. Experiment with other popular Hawaiian dishes like poi and poke until your menu is bursting with taste and originality.
Tropical Drinks
The sky is the limit when creating a cocktail for a luau. The islands are famous for their umbrella-adorned coconut concoctions and intoxicating pineapple drinks. Classic rum-based cocktails such as the mai tai are popular on the islands, while fresh juices and hibiscus teas are good non-alcoholic alternatives. Beer is just as widely consumed in Hawaii as on the mainland: Offer an assortment of beer to your guests. For a fresh take on Hawaiian drinks, serve ice-blended coffee beverages mixed with liquor. Both macadamia nuts and coffee are grown on the big island. Offering your luau guests an authentic Hawaiian coffee blend with ground macadamia nuts on top as a casual after dinner beverage is a great way to incorporate authentic Hawaiian flavor.
Luau Music
Richard Perry writes in his book, "Retro Luau; Planning the Perfect Polynesian Party," that "once you are in the Luau mood, you're ready to roll." Whether you use music as soothing background sound to a quiet dinner or you use music as motivation to get those bodies on the dance floor, music plays a pivotal role for every great party. Think about the mood of the party when making a list of music. Consider a live band, disc jockey or music player and ensure your guests are surrounded by the experience. Perry suggests that for a retro sound, play the Hawaiian-themed songs of Elvis Presley and Don Ho. If you are looking for more authentic island sounds, play Hawaiian folk hero, Israel Kamakawewo Ole or, surprisingly, the Walt Disney movie soundtrack to "Lilo & Stitch." Good luck and aloha.
Tags: your guests, authentic Hawaiian, Hawaiian Islands, macadamia nuts, your luau