Theme

Theme parties are great for kids or adults. If you're planning a Luau, decide whether you want the party to be a casual event with hor 'douerves or buffet, or perhaps a more formal event with a sit down dinner. Either way, with the right decorations and planning your party will leave your friends talking about it for weeks.

Party Plans

Planning and hosting a party should be fun, not stressful! Make sure you plan ahead, starting at least 6-8 weeks in advance depending on the theme, so that you're not rushed the day of the party. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtful planning and attention to detail, and you'll enjoy yourself more throughout the party planning process.

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.

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

Schedule

The length of your party will vary depending on the theme, the number of guests, the type of food served, and the activities that are scheduled during the event. Think about the events, and allocate time appropriately.

Guests

It's tempting to not want to leave anyone out when planning a party. But remember, it's important to keep the party size managable. Determine what will work best for you and your party setting. If the party is a large event with lots of guests, recruit some friends 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 luau theme. Start by reinforcing the theme with coordinating wall and table decorations. Incorporate raffia tableskirts.

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, tiki torches, flower garlands, pink flamingos, coconuts, tissue or foam parrots, fish nets, bamboo, small inflatable pools with floating candles, and more.

Add seasonal decorations for a more authentic look. Include items like sea shells, sand, tissue tropical fish, plastic coconut cups, and tissue drink umbrellas.

Twinkling lights add to the party atmosphere. Add them to centerpieces, table decorations, or wall décor to make everything sparkle!

Don't forget the Hawaiian music! This will go a long way in adding an authentic feel to your luau.

Activities/Games

What's a party without games? If it's appropriate for your event, be sure to have a few games ready in case your guests are interested. Simple word or trivia games, charades, card games, even limbo or hula dancing can be great ice breakers if you have a mixed group. Make sure to have some simple prizes on hand for the ultimate winners.

Other Ideas

Remember the photo you "snapped" as your guest arrived? Create a simple frame from colored cardstock from your local craft store and give to your guests as a party memento.

Create nametags for your guests to wear with both their English and Hawaiian names.

Party Wearables

If it's appropriate, ask your guests to come "dressed" in luau attire. Create an "experience" your friends will enjoy! If it fits within your budget, provide each guest with a lei as they arrive.

Favors/Prizes

Let your budget be your guide. Most likely your guests are not expecting anything, so this can be simple (pineapples, leis, flower bracelets, shell necklaces, toy ukeleles).

Game prizes are fun for both winners and losers. If you opt for prizes, keep them 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

The type of food you serve will be dependent on several factors, including the location, the size of the group, and the time of day. Taking all these things into consideration, as well as your budget, you may opt for simple snacks, appetizers, or a sit down dinner. Whatever you choose, take the extra step to coordinate the food and drinks to the theme of the party. Your guests will be impressed, and you will make the event even more memorable!

When preparing your menu, consider foods that you have made previously, that are easy to prepare, or that can be made ahead of time and frozen. Now is not the time to experiment, unless you have time to prepare ahead of time as a test. The party will be much more enjoyable for you as the host if you are mingling with the guests rather than hanging out alone in the kitchen!

Make the meal authentic by incorporating tropical fruits and drinks. The internet and your local bookstore are great resources for Hawaiian recipes.

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!