Fun and Easy Luau Decorations to Make
Any do-it-yourself decorator can make simple yet festive decorations for a Polynesian or Hawaiian luau event. By sticking with certain kinds of flowers, a beach-like atmosphere and an overall tropical feel, you can create a number of table and wall decorations that will truly complement any type of luau event.
Reuse Tropical-Type Clothing
Purchase a bunch of brightly colored Hawaiian shirts, bikinis, flower-printed bathing suits and other tropical-inspired clothing from your local thrift store, and launder them for reuse. Also purchase three to four grass skirts from your local craft store. Using wooden clothespins and heavy string or jute, secure the clothing items to the string, much like you would do when hanging clothes to dry on a clothesline. Hang clothing items in a haphazard manner, mixing tropical-shirts with grass skirts and bikinis and so on. In other words, do not hang all of the tops next to each other on the string; intersperse them with the other tropical-inspired items that you purchased. When you have secured all of your clothing items to the string, hang the full length of the string (using cup hooks, nails or other fasteners) from corner to corner in your party space to create an instant luau garland that is simple and festive.
When you visit the thrift store, also purchase enough Hawaiian print shirts (preferably in size XL or XLL) to place across the tops of each guest table to create a quick and easy tablecloth. If covering larger tables, place several shirts across tabletops to establish the look.
Make Easy Coconut Candleholders
To make your luau space both look and smell tropical, whip up several coconut candleholders to place on guest and buffet tables, bar areas and other party surfaces. Determine how many coconut candleholders that you want. Then purchase coconuts from your local grocery store and 3- to 4-inch-high coconut-scented votive candles and play sand from your local craft store.
Cut each coconut in half. Scoop out the coconut in each half shell. If desired, place the coconut in a sealed container to use for luau-inspired food and drink items. Place enough play sand in each coconut shell so that you can easily and securely wedge a coconut-scented votive candle into the sand. Make sure that more than half of the candle is securely wedged into the sand. Once you have placed all votives into the candleholders, light candles and scatter your one-of-a-kind decorations on guest tables and surfaces. The room will have a tropical glow and aroma all throughout the party.
Create Fresh or Imitation Tropical Leis
Create tropical-themed leis for your luau using real or artificial silk flowers that are available at your local craft store or florist. After purchasing flowers, cut off all flower stems. Poke a hole through the center of each flower so that you can string the flowers onto a piece of heavy string or jute. When you reach the desired lei length, tie the two ends of the string together. As guests arrive at your luau, place a lei around their necks to really set the mood.
Light Up Your Space With DIY Luminaries
Line the entrance to your luau by making simple, yet elegant luminaries. Purchase enough 5-inch-high tin buckets, play sand and 3- to 4-inch-high coconut-scented votive candles to create the amount of luminaries that you desire. Fill the 5-inch-high tin buckets about half full with play sand and then push a coconut-scented votive candle into the center of the sand in each bucket. Make sure that more than half of the candle is fully wedged into the sand. When complete, light all candles and line your party space entranceways with your elegant, yet easy luminaries. As an added touch, have tropical-themed music or Reggae playing in the background.
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