Coconut drinks and coconut bras are both popular luau decorations.
A luau, in essence, is a giant Hawaiian beach party for those who do not live in Hawaii. Use a luau theme for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries or even Halloween. The only downside to a luau is turning the venue into a beach. A luau requires many decorations, for the guests to feel as if they are basking in the sun of Hawaii. While many party stores sell luau decorations, the cost adds up. If the luau is low-budget, make your own party decorations by hand to save money. Does this Spark an idea?
Leis
In Hawaiian culture, only people of importance wear leis, but now everyone at the luau can wear them. Make leis by stringing silk plumeria or hibiscus flowers on string. For the men, string kukui nuts. Tie a knot at the end of some string and thread it through a needle. Pull the needle through the center of a flower and push it to the knot. Continue stringing flowers until the string is full, then tie the two ends together. Make leis for around the neck, ankles and wrists. For ankle and wrist leis, use a stretchy string for slipping the lei on and off with ease. If the silk flowers and nuts are hard to come by where you live, use any bright-colored flowers from a craft store. For the VIPs at the luau, make leis out of real flowers, or use larger silk flowers to make them stand out in the crowd. Make real flower leis the day before, or the same day as the luau, so the flowers are fresh for the party.
Raffia
Raffia, a type of palm tree, comes naturally from Africa, not Hawaii, but dried raffia leaves are readily available at craft stores. Use it to make luau decorations. Cut long strips of plastic from a garbage bag, and glue the raffia so it dangles down from the plastic strips. Use the strips of glued raffia round the edge of tables. Glue raffia to the top of a beach umbrella so the entire top is covered. Wrap Christmas lights around the inside of the umbrella. Glue from the top of the umbrella to the bottom, so a little bit of the raffia dangles from the edge. Use the raffia to make grass skirts for the kids, or any guests who want to wear them. Cut strips of the raffia and string them on stretchy string. A cheaper way to make these decorations is to use green garbage bags. Cut strips out of the bags and use them to make table garlands, umbrellas and skirts.
Beach Towels
Instead of using paper tablecloths for the luau, make your own decorative ones using beach towels. Sew bright, colorful beach towels end-to-end to cover long tables. Turn the beach towels upside down and line up the ends. Sew the ends together by hand or with a sewing machine. Flip the towels over so the seam is not visible from the front. Wrap one end of a beach towel around a bamboo pole and glue the towel to the pole. Now you have beach towel flags to decorate doorways or parking entrances for the party.
Centerpieces
A luau is held at a beach, but it is not always possible to have the party at a beach location. Bring the beach to the party, instead. Partially fill glass bowls or vases with colorful sand. On top of the sand, place seashells, starfish or pretty rocks. Stick palm leaves deep inside the sand so they stick up outside the bowl or vase. Place a centerpiece at each table, but give the main guest table a bigger centerpiece. Give the guest of honor the centerpiece to take home after the party. Give the smaller ones away, or use them as decorations in the home.
Tags: beach towels, luau decorations, beach party, beach towel, ends together, luau make