It’s getting hot here. This means it’s time for one of the best types of parties, a luau party. Luau theme parties are simple, easy, inexpensive and not to mention the perfect outdoor party on a summer’s eve. Throw a few leis at people and a couple of Mai Tai’s, and you’re in for some fun. Below is a Top Ten list to help you make your luau party truly memorable.
Send the Perfect Invitation
Let your guests know to dress luau-creative on the invite. Whether you go with a personalized invite from Party411 or create your own handmade luau invitation, make it extra special by including a lei inside. That will your guests talking long before the party!
Location
Where is the best place to host your luau? We really feel the best places would be on a beach, at the pool or your backyard. Of course the best place would be the island of Oahu. (While not the most economical alternative, it would certainly be the most memorable.)
This raises the problem of those pesky mosquitoes and other bugs. How do you deal with them? You could buy a bug bomb or bring out a company to spray for bugs. If this isn't in the budget you still have options. There are Tiki torches and citronella candles that will double as décor and help make a pathway for your guests to the seating area, the food and the bar. Another benefit of the citronella candles and oils is that they have floral and other fantastic scents.
Make a grand entrance
You want to make your house, or beach spot, or pool area easy to spot and build anticipation for the luau fun that will shortly ensue. Accomplish both of these things by lining your front walkway or drive with Tiki torches. This will guarantee a dramatic start to the festivities.
Serve authentic luau food
It’s not hard to find great Hawaiian recipes, try Allrecipes.com for some tasty and easy to prepare dishes. Here are a few suggestions to get your mind going: fruit kabobs with coconut scattered atop, chicken chunks with pineapple salsa, rice filled with fruit chunks and pork. Nothing is a must have but fruit, pork and coconut are luau staples.
You might be wondering, is it necessary to have a pig roast at my luau? It’s not at all necessary. You know your guests better than anyone, will they be turned off by a pig roast? If the answer is yes, then you might want to shy away from the pig roast, even if it’s traditional.
The Luau Bar
With all the delicious food you plan on serving you can’t forget about the drinks. I always have a tropical rum punch (saves money, too). You will also want to have flavored Piña Coladas, Mai Tai cocktails and maybe a choice of a Blue Hawaiian or a lime daquiri.
The Original Trader Vic Formula from 1944
2 oz of 17-year old J. Wray & Nephew Rum over shaved ice
Add juice from one fresh lime
1/2 oz French Garnier Orgeat Syrup
1/2 oz Holland DeKuyper Orange Curacao
1/4 oz Trader Vic's Rock Candy Syrup
Shake vigorously.
Add a sprig of fresh mint
Enjoy!
Luau music
Consider hiring a steel drum band. Not only will it set a great atmosphere, but your guest will love watching the performers! If a band is just not in the budget, buy a CD of island music featuring the top 10 luau favorites: Hawaii Five-O theme song, Oye Como Va, Surfin’ USA, Iko Iko and more.
Luau Party Activities
Party411.com has several great ideas for luau games, but one activity your luau has to have is the limbo! Just play some Hawaiian music, set up the limbo stick, (you can use a bamboo pole available at a hardware store), and see how low your guests can go!
You might be wondering, “The limbo is great, but I want more. What can you do for me?” Add some spear throwing (make sure you have a cleared out designated area for this), make a large checkerboard using painted coconuts; initiate a hula hoop dance contest. Even consider having someone come to teach the hula!
Decorate, decorate, decorate!
There are some really unique luau products out there. Try a few (or all) of these great decorations to set the scene for your tropical luau paradise:
- Tropical Scene Setters – these are great for decorating large spaces
- Rope Fishnet – Against a wall or in a corner is a nice touch
- Beach balls – have plenty of these all over the party
- Hawaiian Flowers – Whether fake or real these are a nice touch for your tables and décor
- 6' Inflatable Tiki Pole – let me repeat, 6' inflatable tiki pole, what’s not to like?
- Raffia Table Skirt – this is a luau staple, use one on every table
The decorations don’t apply to just your party location, they apply to your guests as well. Make sure you tell your guests you expect their best luau attire. What is considered luau attire? Your best Hawaiian shirt, colorful shorts and sandals; anything that doesn’t clash with a Hawaiian lei of any color. I would say this is definitely a more lei’d back affair. (Thank you, I’ll be here all week.)
Leis
Namely, what type of leis should you give out? Again, this comes down to knowing your guests and your budget as you have many choices. There are plastic leis, silk flower leis, shell leis, real flower leis and probably another dozen to choose from. Of course you can’t forget that there are wrist leis, flower combs, grass skirts and other items that you can use to decorate your guests.
Luau party favors
You should treat the leis as one party favor as your guests will certainly wear them home. You should probably plan on at least three leis per person. (Have you ever seen someone wearing just one lei? Neither have I.) Tropic plastic fish and folding fans make great practical favors when you are throwing a warm weather party.
For when your guests are leaving send them home with personalized luau candy bars. A sweet and delicious treat to be sure.
Do you have any luau questions? Feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Or if you have a luau party tip that you’ve had success with feel free to leave that in the comments below as well!
- More Luau Party Ideas from Party411.com
- Luau Theme Party
- Luau Party Games
- Luau Party Recipe
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