Leis are traditional accessories at luau parties.
As explained by the Hawaiian Luau website, a luau party is the traditional Hawaiian way to celebrate nearly any event, including graduations and birthdays. Luau parties provide a relaxed, tropical atmosphere for your guests with good food, music and hula dancing. Even though luaus are laid-back, it takes some work and planning to put one together. This shouldn't discourage you from having a luau. Rather, it should inspire you to take the time to make your luau authentic and filled with fun activities for everyone. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Look for a location to have the luau. Traditionally luaus are held in backyards but beaches make good spots for luaus as well. A park is another good option. Check with your city for party regulations in the space you're considering.
2. Think about what furniture you'll need. At minimum, you'll need some blankets or folding chairs for seating and a table or two for food and drinks. Choose furniture based on the space you've selected.
3. Visit your local department or dollar stores for luau decorations. Purchase items like flower leis, colorful tablecloths with tropical themes, bright balloons, inflatable palm trees and tiki torches. Additional items to consider are shells, raffia hula grass for around the tables, beach balls and sunglasses.
4. Purchase some Hawaiian CDs or ask some friends to play some music on guitars. Songs like "Aloha Oe" are classic but don't forget about songs like "Rock-a-Hula Baby" by Elvis Presley.
5. Ask your guests what the most convenient dates would be for your party. Pick a date that is free for the majority of people.
6. Decide on the wording for your invitations. Print the invitations and send them out at least a month in advance.
7. Create a food menu for the party once you know how many people will be attending. Drain some coconuts and use the juice for mixed drinks. The shells make good food bowls. Salmon and tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapple work well or you can be traditional and have roast pork but the most important thing is to develop a reasonably priced menu that everyone likes. Let the purpose of the luau impact the menu if need be. For example, if you're celebrating a victory for your sports team, include some dishes like brats or burgers.
8. Learn some basic hula moves. You'll want to lead your guests in dancing during the party.
9. Come up with a few outdoor games for guests to play. Games like limbo and hula hoop contests work well but horseshoes and volleyball are fine, too.
10. Set a schedule for setting up and taking down the luau if you are planning it at a beach or park. Assign people specific tasks to handle if you are getting help.
Tags: your guests, good food, Hawaiian Luau, make good, work well