A luau is fun for any age.
Coming up with a teenage party idea is sometimes tricky because they are at an in-between age. During the warmer months, a luau party is festive and fun for teenagers because it's colorful and has a theme that everyone likes. Depending on your budget, there are a variety of things you can do to make sure your teenager has an amazing party. A Hawaiian luau party is sure to be enjoyed by everyone who attends. Does this Spark an idea?
Invitations
Set the tone of the party by sending out themed invitations. Mail Hawaiian postcards to the guests instead of regular party invitations. Along with the invitations, stuff the envelope with a plastic lei that must be worn to get into the party. It would be best to use a large envelope, like a manila envelope, to fit the lei. Guests will get in the Hawaiian spirit before even getting to the party. If you can't find Hawaiian postcards, draw a small flip flop on card stock, cut it out and mail it out as an invitation along with a plastic lei. Make sure you include important information, like time and location.
Decorations
Finding Hawaiian luau decorations at a party or craft store allows you to decorate, even on a budget. Cover each table with a white or green plastic tablecloth, then hang grass skirts around the tables for the luau vibe. Place tiki torches outdoors around the seating, which will providing lighting and ambiance for the teens. In the background, play a CD of island music. Decorate the indoor or outdoor area with vibrant streamers in hot pink, turquoise, lime green and yellow for a tropical feel, and place fresh fruit and coconuts on the tables as centerpieces and as finger food for the teenagers as they mingle. These decorations work well for both indoor and outdoor parties. Instead of the torches, string up clear mini lights to illuminate indoor seating areas.
Games
A Hawaiian luau is not complete without themed games. One way to have fun is to have a hula hoop contest, giving a prize to the teen that is able to keep the hoop around their waist for the longest period of time. Take classic games and transform them into a tropical game, such as "pass the coconut," playing it the same way as you would "hot potato." Another classic game is musical chairs, which you can play with beach towels spread around the lawn. Use Hawaiian music to keep the game going, then turn it off to determine who stays in or out.
Food and Beverages
Since food is luau themed, set up tropical fruit around the party for teens to snack on. Tropical fruit ideas include cubed pineapple, mango and bananas. Grill or broil chicken and pineapple kabobs to pass out or make Hawaiian pizza by topping it with small pieces of ham and pineapple. Fill a punch bowl with tropical punch found at a grocery store, or make your own Hawaiian drinks by mixing together 6 oz. of frozen lemonade concentrate, 12 oz. of frozen pineapple concentrate, 1 1/4 cups of chilled ginger ale and 12 oz. of chilled apricot nectar. Mix them together in a bowl and allow teens to serve themselves with a ladle.
Party Favors
For inexpensive party favors, pass out flip flops in different sizes for guests to wear at the party or to take home. Retail stores offer flip flops in various sizes and colors for a low cost during the summer months. You may also pass out party decor as favors for guests to take home. For example, use a sand pail to hold flowers or seashells, then raffle them off at the end of the night as favors. Blow up inexpensive beach balls, and use a permanent marker to write the name of each guest onto the ball for a personalized favor.
Tags: Hawaiian luau, flip flops, Hawaiian postcards, indoor outdoor, luau party, take home