A lot of people love the beach but not everyone has the time to take a break from school or from work to head out the city for a vacation.
So luau parties really are the next best thing.
Planning a themed party is hard but just follow these simple steps and soon you will realize you're lounging by a pool with a glass of tropical punch in one hand and a BBQ in the other.
It does not come as a surprise that a lot of people are throwing these Hawaiian- themed parties a lot nowadays.
It's relaxed, fun and it really does bring out the beach bum in everybody.
But aside from grass skirts and flower necklaces, what else makes a luau a luau? Before we start, do you know that the word "luau" means "feast" in Hawaii.
These are usually large parties for families and friends.
So that is what you have to do: Make your luau a festive event for your guests.
So read on to start planning your very own luau party.
It's all about the Decor For your party's decorations, you just have to remember one word: Tropical.
Find or think of things that you would see on the beach.
Coconuts? Shells? Surfboards? You'll never out of it! A good idea is to visit your local home and garden store; you can find a lot of good and inexpensive items there to use as decorations for your party.
Some things that you shouldn't forget are tiki torches, candles, and some artificial sand.
You could also just scan the place for random things that have shells, hula dancing and surfing themes.
You could also try to find coconuts and just leave them lying around conveniently in different places in your party.
Or a creative idea is to open it up, and put some candles in it and Voilah! You have yourself a unique and very nice decor.
Another way to create the Hawaiian vibe is to buy grass skirts (you can find it at any party supply store) aside from its very Hawaiian, you can also use it as trims for the buffet table or lawn chairs.
You could also put seashells, flowers or little cocktail umbrellas in tables.
But perhaps the most important decoration you should never forget is the flowers.
Make sure that you would have flowers for every guest.
It can just be a single piece or if you have the budget and resources for it, give flower necklace for every person entering the party.
You should also use flowers to decorate the party.
Where and When to Luau? As much as possible it should be held outdoors but if that's not possible, just go crazy with the decorations.
An ideal time to have a luau is late afternoon where the sun is just about to set.
It will create an illusion of a beautiful beach sunset.
A luau can be a luau as long as you have the space but if you can find a place with a pool well that would be so much better.
It can also be in your yard or garden, just make the necessary decorations to make your guests feel that they are on a beach.
When sending out invitations to your guests, highlight that it is a luau and that there's a strict Hawaiian dress code: Hawaiian shirts and shorts for men and Hawaiian dresses for women.
But still let them know that they can improvise just as long as they keep it near the theme.
Food and Drinks Preparing the drinks for a luau is pretty simple.
No matter what it is, as long as you have the little cocktail umbrellas, you're gonna be fine.
The usual and classic luau drinks are daiquiris, piña coladas and mai tais.
For non-alcoholic drinks, pitchers of iced tea or tropical punch are enough to satisfy your guests.
It is also a good idea to serve it in a large bowl with fresh fruit-very Hawaiian.
About the food, you can find a lot of recipes online that are easy to make.
The usual choices are chicken, lomi salmon and poi.
You can also have a barbecue station where your guests can grill their own--it would really make them feel like they're on vacation.