Plastic flamingos make tacky lawn ornaments but perfect luau decorations.
Any party or special occasion can become a luau with the right decorations. A luau is a festive and simple party theme for everything from birthdays to neighborhood get-togethers, and it is cheap to plan. With just a few luau-themed decorations and a touch of creativity, you can transform your backyard into a tropical paradise. Does this Spark an idea?
Table Decorations
As a lot of luau parties are held outside, most of the decoration will go on the tables. Create centerpieces for each table using different luau items, such as tiki statues, seashells, plastic flamingos and tropical fruits like pineapples and coconuts. Use grass table skirts around gift and food tables---they look nice but can be annoying to have to sit around. Use a brightly colored tablecloth and pair it with tropical-themed floral place mats. Raid the garage and attic for table centerpiece items like fishing nets, sandcastle molds, inflatable beach balls and straw hats.
Lighting
The right lighting can give your luau that authentic look and set the right mood for the party. Use bamboo tiki torches to both illuminate the party area and keep bugs away. Floating candles in a fishbowl or small pool give the luau a radiant glow to simulate the reflection of light off of the ocean. Look for luau-themed party lights in the shape of tiki idols, palm trees or tropical fish. Add a few paper lanterns in a floral pattern with either an electric light or candle inside.
Greenery and Flowers
Plants and flowers can add color and a fresh smell to your luau. Use floral leis in your luau decorations by wrapping them around centerpieces or stringing them around tables and walkways. Create your own floral leis by stringing silk flowers on floral wiring and fastening it with floral tape. Use fresh fruit as part of your menu and your decor. Lay out pineapples, coconuts and other tropical fruit on green palm fronds for a colorful edible centerpiece. Hawaiian flowers like orchids and lilies give your luau an authentic look and smell.
Other Luau Details
Sometimes it's the little details or the big additions that make the party look the best. Throw down flower petals on the path to the luau to give it that extra special touch. Buy inflatable luau decorations like giant tiki gods, palm trees and flamingos. Colorful rubber balloons or Mylar balloons in luau shapes may not be authentic to a real Hawaiian luau, but they look good all the same. Use a little sprinkle of tropical-colored confetti over the tables for an extra festive look.
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