Surf's up, dude!
Summer is the ideal time to celebrate the beauty, fun, and food of the Hawaiian Islands with a colorful luau party, a perennial summertime favorite no matter where you live.
In Hawaii, luaus are generally organized to commemorate a significant event so it seems apropos to use them to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, or other special occasions. And while you might be missing the clear blue water, island breezes, and swaying coconut palms, there are plenty of ways to make your luau successful and memorable.
Decorate, decorate, decorate! - Nothing sets the mood of a party like the proper decorations that reflect the theme of the event. Decorating for a luau has gotten easier and easier as the theme has become more and more popular. These days, especially during the summer months, party stores and online party supply websites offer scores of luau-related decorations ranging from giant inflatable tiki poles and palm trees to grass skirts and coconut bras to torches and lanterns for a nighttime party. Leis can be purchased by the box and are appropriate not only for your guests to wear but also as table or wall decorations. You can also decorate with edible delights, like pineapples and other fruit, or with those tiny drink umbrellas, sea shells, and tropical flowers (either real or silk). Set the Mood - While the decorations will certainly serve to put your guests in a luau frame of mind, it's a good idea to keep some island music playing as well. Ideally, find a few CDs of genuine Hawaiian music, the kind that hula dancers use. But you can also use Jimmy Buffet or Beach Boys tunes or even Elvis' soundtrack from Blue Hawaii. And then there's Don Ho, considered by many to be quintessential Hawaii! Can't find any of these at your local record store? Check out Hula Records (www.hawaiian-music.com) for a huge selection. Plan the Menu Carefully - When most mainlanders think of Hawaiian food, coconuts and pineapples come to mind. But they are so many more traditional foods from which to choose. Some, however, are a little unusual - like poi - so you may want to think about whether to include these native foods in your menu, lest you waste lots of time and ingredients. It's probably best to stick with more common selections such as a Kalua Pig (roast pig cooked in a pit), coconut shrimp or seafood kebobs, chicken long rice or teriyaki chicken, Hawaiian sweet potatoes, and a rich coconut cake for dessert. Serve refreshing island beverages including traditional pina coladas. Make it buffet style so guests can go back to the table again and again. Many of these foods take plenty of advanced preparation, so plan accordingly. Dress the Part - A luau seems more like a luau when your guests arrive in Hawaiian fashion! Ladies can choose from traditional grass skirts and bikini tops (you may want to forego the coconut bra!), Hawaiian muumuus, or sarong-style wraps. Sandals are appropriate footwear. Men can opt for shorts and Hawaiian print shirts. Greet each guest with a hug or kiss and a lei, made from a variety of materials, ranging from plastic to silk to shells. Party Games - Keep the luau lively by including a few party games, especially if there are children present. You can do the limbo, have a coconut juggling contest, or play beach volleyball. If there are a lot of children at the party, organize some fun activities like lei-making, sand art, and flip-flop decorating. If you don't want to take time out from the party to supervise activities, spend a few dollars to hire a teenager or other individual who enjoys working with kids. Water Activities - If it's really hot where you live or if the temperature climbs on the day of your party, consider including some water activities for your guests. This will give them a chance to cool off and avoid dangerous heat exhaustion and may just save the party. Water activities can range from a small pool for the kids to a "slip and slide"-type attraction for all ages to water balloon games. Be sure to have towels for drying off and provide a place where guests can change without having to trek water through your house. Learn to Hula! - Depending on where you're located, you may be able to find a hula instructor who can come to your party and teach your guests the intricacies of traditional hula dancing. It that's not possible, however, take some time to read about this graceful art and try teaching it yourself. It nothing else, your guests will have lots of fun and there will be plenty of photo opportunities!
Don't forget to take plenty of photos to remind you and your guests of what's bound to be a memorable occasion!
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