Luau Theme Party

Party Plans

Planning a party should be fun for all, including the birthday child! If your child enjoys these types of activities, make sure to include him/her in all of the pre-party planning, such as developing the guest lists, planning the games, selecting the decorations, even preparing the party treats.

If your child is younger, consider creating a countdown calendar to keep track of the number of days until the party. Think how excited he/she will be by the time the big day arrives!

Deliver or mail your invitations at least 2-3 weeks in advance so that your guests can respond and plan accordingly.

Set a budget. Before you make any purchases or deposits, put together a list of all your expenses by item. If the total expenses are more than your budget, think of how you can creatively reduce your expenses by trimming some of the less important items. If necessary you may also need to trim your guest list.

Schedule

Consider limiting your party activities to no more than two hours. At this point the energy level of most children starts to fade, and all of those amazing party activities you have planned will cease to be fun. A two hour party will provide enough time for your child to greet all of his/her guests, play a few games, open gifts, celebrate with refreshments and cake, and say goodbyes.

Guests

It's tempting to not want to leave anyone out when planning a party for your child. Will this be a family event, or school friends only? What about brothers and sisters? Remember, it's important to keep the party size managable. If the weather permits, an outdoor event might provide more flexibility if you're working with a larger group. Together with your child develop his/her "wish" list of attendees, and then determine what will work best for your party setting. If the party is a large event with lots of guests, remember to include friends or family who are willing to lend a helping hand.

Decorations

Think about how you can "transform" areas of your home, yard, or other party space so that your guests truly experience the party theme. Reinforce the party theme with coordinating wall and table decorations. Let's Hula includes Banners, Centerpieces, Printed Hanging Cutouts, Lantern Garlands, and Party Fringe. With this theme the possibilities are endless, so don't stop there!

Are you creative? Try crafting a mini tiki hut for your party. A variety of different materials can be used depending on your level of detail and targeted finished size. Purchase bamboo sticks to create the frame of the hut. Use raffia, inexpensive match stick blinds, grass skirts or tablecovers for the hut roof. Check the internet, the library, or your local craft store for ideas on how best (and easiest!) to construct this item for your event.

If your party is at home, don't forget to decorate the outside of your house! This will help set the mood for the party and direct guests to the correct address. Consider: Palm trees, flower garlands, pink flamingos, coconuts, tissue or foam parrots, fish nets, and more.

If your guests are a little older, consider adding additional seasonal decorations for a more authentic look. Include items like fish net, sea shells, sand, tissue tropical fish, plastic coconut cups, and tissue drink umbrellas.

Activities/Games

To encourage participation from everyone at the party, it's always a good idea to stick to simple games that children may already know or can learn easily. Consider starting with something less active to allow the party goers to warm up to each other. It's also good to have these kinds of activities or games at the end of the party also, so that your guests can start to wind down prior to refreshments and saying goodbye.

Think of simple ways to adapt standard party games to complement the theme of the party. These include Pin the Lei on the Hula Girl, Hula Bingo, or Musical Chairs played with Hawaiian Music. If your event is taking place outdoors, consider different activities that involve the use of water. And of course, don't forget the popular Luau favorite - Limbo!

Make sure you have enough activities to last the length of the party, and then some. Running out of activities can quickly take your event from loads of fun to a party downer. Remember board games and craft materials can always be used in a pinch.

Other Ideas

Create Hawaiian names for each of your guests. As the guests arrive provide them with their own personalized lei to wear at the party. This also makes a great keepsake for the guests to take home.

Why not teach your guests a luau dance? Purchase instructive videos for your guests to watch and learn. Or, if you are more daring, purchase hawaiian music and teach your own hula dance! Of course, you can also check your local area - for a small fee you may be able to hire an instructor.

Create a memory book or box of the event. Take lots of photos, everything from the guests, to the food, to the games, and the gifts. Make special note of the current events of the day. Include a few small decorations or momentos.

Include your guests in a group photo and include the photo as a momento with your thank you notes. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and treasure the memory for years to come!

Party Wearables

Make all of your party guests hula dancers for the afternoon! When you send out your invitations, ask your guests to come dressed for a Luau. For girls, this might be bathing suit tops and fringe luau skirts. For boys, suggest Hawaiian shirts, bermuda style shorts, sandals, and other tropical attire. Be sure to have a few extra things on hand for guests that may forget or arrive "underdressed". Creative Expressions offers Hula Skirts, Leis, Hair Bands, and Bracelets.

Favors / Prizes

Look for Plastic Sunglasses,Temporary Tattoos, Leis, Stickers

Game prizes are fun for both winners and losers. Keep the prizes simple so others do not feel left out. Make sure to have some silly prizes on hand for the losers as well so they have something to take home.

Food

Treat your guests to a variety of creative Luau snacks complete with fun Hawaiian names. Try incorporating a variety of traditional island treats, including pineapple and coconut. Depending on the age group, create your own non-alcholic versions of Mai-tais or Pina Coladas for your guests to enjoy.

Don't Forget

What's a birthday cake without the candles? Make sure to have plenty on hand.

Unexpected

No matter how much you plan, be sure to expect the unexpected, both good and bad. Be prepared with a good attitude and a camera!