If you're throwing a Hawaiian-themed party, you could purchase inflatable palm trees and set out those little dashboard hula dolls for a quick fix. But why not go all out to decorate with lots of great, colorful ideas? Get your guests in the mood to hula and limbo by doing something a little more authentic and impressive. Here's the way to decorate for an awesome Hawaiian party.
Use Hawaiian Natural Resources---Even If They're Artificial
You can set the scene for an authentic Hawaiian party best if you decorate with the kinds of natural resources you would typically find in Hawaii. Granted, you may not have access to the real thing, depending on where you live. And that's why you may need to rely on artificial substitutes for some things, but try to use the real thing wherever you can.
Palm trees are a must-have. You can purchase life-size or close-to-life-size artificial palm trees you can use over and over again, or you can get little tabletop artificial palm trees to use as centerpieces to save money. Set them out throughout your party area.
You can also purchase artificial tropical leaves and flowers---like hibiscus flowers---and use them to accent everything from the buffet table to the bar. Set tropical leaves on the buffet table and set a food dish on each one to highlight your food display nicely.
Float real or artificial flowers in a swimming pool (if you have one) or in a fountain, birdbath or in clear glass bowls filled with water set around the room or patio area.
Spread some sand in a controlled area---even if you just fill a kiddie pool with it, you'll get a nice effect---and scatter seashells in the sand. Stand a couple of surfboards upright in the sand and toss a pair or two of brightly colored flip-flop shoes into the sand, as well.
Use raffia grass skirts to disguise tables and chairs. Drape sections of fishing nets from ceilings and on walls and tuck a faux starfish into the net.
Fill shallow wooden dishes or trays with red lava rocks---which you can purchase by the bag where lawn and garden supplies are sold. Push some of the lava rocks aside to make room for a primitive-looking tiki statue or warrior in the middle. This makes a great centerpiece or accents throughout your party area.
Incorporate coconuts and pineapples wherever you can. You can use the real thing for a centerpiece or table accent or hollow out the middle of one and fill it with other fruits, fruit on skewers and/or real or silk tropical flowers.
Get some coconut cups---either real or plastic---and add straws and tropical umbrellas to the drinks. Hang real or silk flower leis everywhere and make sure you have enough for your guests to wear, too.
Decorate with pieces of bamboo by hanging them at odd angles, and hang tribal masks on the wall. Put out small clear glass fishbowls and display real tropical fish, or decorate with fake tropical fish. Tuck a fake parrot into an artificial palm tree.
Fill your backyard or patio area with tiki or Polynesian torches, decorate with tiny white lights in the trees and start a bonfire. Then get ready for the party to begin!
Tags: decorate with, artificial palm, palm trees, real thing, your party area, artificial palm trees, buffet table