Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Luau Party


Luau Party
A Hawaiian Luau is one of the most popular themes used for parties today. Think about it- it’s all about sand, sea, and fun in a relaxing beach setting. A Hawaiian theme can liven up any party because of its tropical appeal, and bright, colorful hues. 

But where to start?  There are hundreds of ways to plan a Luau party so I’ve put together a few of the best ideas for a party your guests will be talking about for quite some time.

Invitations

Hawaiian invitations can come in various designs, including seashells, hibiscus flowers, and even scenery from the beach.  For those who want to be creative, homemade invites are also a budget-friendly option. All you need is some paper, coloring materials and a bit of patience and hard work.

Dress

You can’t call it a Hawaiian party unless everyone is wearing their best beach attire.  Men can wear Hawaiian shirts and beach shorts, while women can wear hula skirts, bikinis or floral sun dresses.  You can also give out leis or flip flops to the guests as soon as they enter the party area.
Décor

Presentation is also very important for Hawaiian parties. Use brightly colored plates and party supplies.  For a unique twist, have your guests eat on tiki or hibiscus plates.  Another fun idea is to use
Luau Raffia Round Placemat plates to serve food on.  For a centerpiece, use coconut cups and add some colorful flowers to them.  Arrange in one central area or spread throughout your venue. 
Ambiance
You don’t have to be on the beach to hold a successful Hawaiian party. As long as you have proper decorations, you can hold the party indoors or your backyard. Try using bamboo garland, tiki torches, and sea shells around the place.  Have colorful lanterns hanging all around.  If you can, use actual sand. For a dramatic touch, have a sandcastle in the middle of your party area or in an area where children can create their own.   If indoors, use a scene setter to really get that tropical feel. 

Favors
Some people like to give favors to their guests as a sign of appreciation and so they will always remember the event. There are numerous options you can consider for these items. It all depends on what you like and what will fit in your budget.  Some fun favors are: leis, flip flops, hibiscus tattoos, or mini fans.

Menu
Try serving melon, coconut, or mango shakes as drinks. Mai Tais are always great for an alcoholic drink choice. Use umbrella drink holders for a tropical touch. A fun idea for children is to serve drinks in your own "Hawaiian Cola" with these cute labelsbelow).

As for the main course, serve seafood delicacies with fresh vegetables as the side dish. End the meal with a yummy fruit salad dessert or, if you don’t want to use real sand, try this cute sandcastle cake as a centerpiece and yummy dessert option (see recipe below).

 Having a Tropical Luau will never be difficult as long as you properly prepare for it. Keep these considerations in mind as you organize the event. When everything is set, put on your bikini, lei, and grass skirt, and get ready to have an enjoyable and refreshing beach party! 

Recipe:  Sandcastle Cake
Ingredients:
2 boxes of favorite cake mix
3 cups of brown sugar
Ice cream cones (about 5-7)
2 cans of frosting (white works best)
Square cereal (Cinnamon Toast Crunch works great)
Extras:
Toothpick flags or pinwheels
Seashells or starfish
Plastic palm trees
Directions:
1.     It is important to have all the ingredients at room temperature.
2.     Preheat oven (check cake mix box for temperature). Grease and flour 3 different sized round or square cake pans; tap out excess flour.
3.     Follow directions on cake mix box.  You made need to use 2 or 3 boxes depending on the size of your cake.  Bake until the cake begins to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 
4.     Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool upright in the pan for 15 minutes. 
After cooling, tap the cake pan gently on a work surface to loosen the cake. Set the rack over a sheet of waxed paper, invert the pan onto the rack and lift off the pan.
5.     Very lightly frost all pieces of the cake with frosting; this just needs to be thick enough to add the sugar and cereal.  
6.     Then carefully stack the cake with the biggest cake on bottom and smallest on top on whatever serving tray you choose.
7.     Crush some cereal very finely in a bowl and add brown sugar to it.  Mix well.  Sprinkle brown sugar mix over top of cake and on surrounding plate.
8.     Decorate by adding whole pieces of cereal around the edge of the cake.
9.     Take cones and cut squares in the top of the cones to look like towers.  Strategically place the ice cream cones around the cake.  To keep cones from falling over, I used a toothpick to hold them in place.
10.   Add extra ambience by adding seashells, starfish, or plastic palm trees around your castle area.  Put toothpick flags or pinwheels in the top of the cones.  Viola!  You have a spectacular beach castle cake for your Luau!