Luau Party
Luaus originated in the 1800s with Hawaiian royalty and are steeped in Hawaiian tradition. Hawaiians still use luaus to celebrate important events and milestones. A luau themed party can be great fun not only to attend but to plan. Food, flowers, music and Hawaiian dancing are the four main components that combine to create an authentic luau. Does this Spark an idea?
Decorations
If it's warm outside, set the scene for your luau by using inflatable palm trees in the front yard to greet guests as they arrive. You could also post a cardboard cut-out of a hula girl in the front yard to welcome your guests.
Wherever the party will be held, consider stringing luau lights along the ceiling or along the trees or deck railing outside. The twinkling luau lights will do wonders to set the atmosphere for your party.
If you have the space for it, you could put up a luau backdrop scene of a beach or some other tropical scene.
Make sure you have lots of tropical flowers placed around the party area. Garlands of silk flowers can add to the luau atmosphere. Try to have some real tropical flowers as well because they smell heavenly and will help create a tropical atmosphere. Flowers such as bird of paradise, red anthurium, orchids, lilies and gardenias would all be excellent choices for decorating.
If the luau is outside, you could put up tiki torches and paper lanterns as well.
Music and Dancing
Make sure you've got authentic Hawaiian music playing in the background to set the scene and put guests in the mood for a fun luau event. Choose some of the classic Hawaiian music by Don Ho or perhaps your guests would prefer more contemporary Hawaiian music by Na Leo Pilimehana. A mix of the two styles might be the perfect compromise. With some upbeat music, guests can participate in a rousing game of limbo or you might even provide hula lessons for willing guests.
Polynesian fire knife dancing is a regular spectacle at Hawaiian luaus. While this may be out of your range of expertise, you could play a DVD with authentic luau dancing and entertainment in the background at the party.
Food and Drink
Serve tropical drinks out of Hawaiian luau glasses that look like palm trees. Mai Tais, daiquiris or even a bowl of spiked Hawaiian punch would be suitable drinks to offer guests. Be sure to offer both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drink options for your guests.
Have plenty of tropical fresh fruit available for guests to nibble. An easy way to serve luau-type food at a luau is to prepare kabobs with hot dogs or sausages and assorted fruits and vegetables. Serve this with sweet corn and a green salad for a well-rounded meal.
A fitting dessert might be pineapple upside down cake.
Party Favors
Give each guest a lei as they arrive at the party. Traditional men's leis are made from kukui nuts or ti leaves. Women's leis can be made from a wide variety of flowers, including carnations, gardenias, ginger, orchids and plumeria. Women might receive a grass skirt and men might receive a Hawaiian-print shirt as a party favor so that everyone can dress in the spirit of the luau. You could also provide flowers for the ladies' hair and sunglasses for everyone.
Tags: Hawaiian music, your guests, authentic luau, could also, front yard, leis made