Say "aloha" to your guests at a Hawaiian-themed rehearsal dinner. Themed gatherings are becoming popular with couples who want to host a dinner that showcases a different look and feel than the ceremony and reception. Tropical decor, an island feast and fruity beverages can help guests relax and enjoy "island time"--even if it's only for one evening.
Instructions
1. Plan an appropriate menu for the rehearsal dinner, as a themed event calls for authentic food. Serve courses that are common in Hawaii, such as pork, sweet potatoes, poi, pineapple and banana bread. If you feel adventurous and have the means, honor a tradition in Hawaii by cooking a whole pig in an underground imu pit. RecipeCottage.com offers detailed instructions on undertake a Hawaiian pig roast (see Resources below).
2. Decorate the venue with paper streamers in bright, vibrant colors such as turquoise, fuchsia, bold yellow, kelly green, rich purple and sunny orange. You can carry this same color scheme into the tablecloths, plates and napkins. For a more restrained effect, keep your palette to two or three complimentary colors (for instance, purple, pink and orange).
3. Incorporate pineapples into your centerpieces. Not only is the pineapples a staple in Hawaii, but it was used throughout history as a symbol of hospitality. Place the pineapple in the center of a platter, then decorate the edges of the platter with tropical flowers such as orchids and hibiscus.
4. Illuminate the area with tiki torches, which are often used on the beaches of Hawaii to provide lights for a luau. Make sure each torch is securely anchored in the ground before you light it.
5. Serve themed drinks that are common on the islands of Hawaii, such as mai-tais, pina coladas, daiquiris or blue Hawaiis. For the best effect, serve your drinks from a palapa bar. (If you don't want to go to the trouble of renting one, simply attach imitation thatching around your existing bar area using double-sided tape.)
6. Plan to rent tables and chairs if they are not provided by the venue. For an authentic-looking luau, wooden chairs and tables are best. If your party rental company only carries the usual white event furniture, ask if colorful chair covers are available.
7. Offer a fruit table during the cocktail hour. Not only is fruit a staple of Hawaiian-themed feasts, but it adds a splash of color to your decor. Be sure to include tropical varieties such as kiwi, papaya, mango and starfruit.
8. Give your guests floral leis as a symbol of hospitality. It's less expensive to pick up fake leis at a party supply store, but fresh-flower leis add a much more elegant touch. You can string fresh flower buds on lengths of strong thread yourself to save a bit of money. Orchids and hibiscus are the traditional flowers used for leis.
9. Prepare a CD of Hawaiian music to set the mood for the evening. Check out the HawaiianMusicStore.com for an extensive range of traditional and contemporary choices (see Resources below).
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