When a vacation to Hawaii would rock your world, but a backyard get-together around your swimming pool is a more realistic goal, throw a Hawaiian pool party. You can set a mood and capture the aura and ambiance of the islands with a little planning and creativity. Does this Spark an idea?
Set the Scene
Invite your guests to come dressed in Hawaiian prints or resort wear with swimsuits in hand. Cover deck chairs with bright beach towels to encourage friends to use and enjoy the pool. When you envision Hawaii, flowers may come to mind. See what you can find locally that will create the illusion of a Hawaiian garden. Gardenias, for example, emit a tropical, delicious scent. Let a few flowers float in the swimming pool. In the evening, on a lighted pool, they look especially tropical.
Around the backyard, stage a few potted palms, bamboo, banana plants or any other lush tropical greenery. If living plants are not practical or available, use attractive artificial plants. Decorate them with small white lights for an evening event. Add tiki torches for additional flair. If your area has pestering summer insects, remember that insect repelling tiki oil for the torches is often available at home and garden stores. Table centerpieces can be as simple as a tray filled with beach sand, a few seashells and tea lights. You can greet your guests with a flower lei for them to wear. Provide island music in the background. If your guests love to dance, have some Hawaiian dance music on hand.
Make a Feast
The traditional roast pig of the Hawaiian luau is authentic Hawaiian feast fare, but not every party host wants that much authenticity. Grilled ham or chicken are also island favorites. Add pineapple or a sweet and sour barbecue sauce. Grilled fish or coconut shrimp are also appropriate island food.
Adopt the Culture
When guests arrive, welcome them with a warm "Aloha" and the phrase "Komo Mai" to say "come in." If your guest has a host or hostess gift for you, be sure to say "Mahalo," meaning "thank you." Offer each female guest a flower to wear in her hair. Wearing a flower behind her left ear means she is either married or in a committed relationship. If she wears the flower behind her right ear, that indicates she is available. Naturally, a man can wear a flower if he chooses. In most instances, men wear a smaller, very fragrant flower. It emits a pleasant perfume with no related meaning on his availability.
Tags: your guests, flower behind, swimming pool, them with, tiki torches