Leis are a fun and festive "must" for Hawaiian-themed parties.
A Hawaiian or luau theme is ideal both to celebrate the summer and to take a break from the bitter winter. In fact, any time of year works for a Hawaiian-themed party, as long as the decorations, refreshments, apparel and games all suit the theme. Transform your party area with the look and feel of a Hawaiian island for a great start to a successful luau-style party. Does this Spark an idea?
Decorations
Place vases filled with colorful, tropical flowers around the party area. The flowers can be real or artificial. Exotic flowers such as orchids or bright flowers like tiger lilies will work best. Cut the waist bands off grass skirts from party supply stores and use them to line tables and doorways. Wind brightly colored Christmas lights around the edges of tables and around doorways as well, to splash bright colors over the skirts. Arrange seashells and sand in clear glass bowls to complete the island look for the party.
Apparel
Ask guests to come in brightly colored clothing, such as Hawaiian print shirts, sundresses, and island footwear such as flip-flops. If you're holding the party in colder months, set up a changing room and have the guests bring their tropical clothes to change into on arrival. Greet the guests with leis to wear during the party, which will also double as favors when they leave.
Refreshments
Serve tropical fruit punch and lemonade. Put out Swedish fish, gummy sharks and other brightly colored, island-themed candy on trays for children. Teriyaki chicken, skewers and crisp vegetables work well for the main food. Serve pineapple upside down cake for dessert.
Games
Provide all of your guests with a hula skirt. Play Hawaiian or island music and show a quick hula dancing video demonstration; you can find plenty of these online. Hold a hula dance-off to see who can hula the best or the longest. Appoint three judges to determine a winner.
Tags: brightly colored, guests with, Hawaiian island, party area