MAKE IT CUTE

Welcome to the islands

DIY your invites using bright cardstock printed in retro florals or solid colors in tropical tones. Cut out salad plate-sized flowers and write out your party’s deets in metallic Sharpie markers. Slip ‘em into your friends’ lockers, or snap a pic and post it on your bud’s FB walls for an impromptu bash.

Dress the part

Ask each of your guests to arrive ready to party…in Hawaiian attire, of course! Make ridic Hawaiian shirts the Christmas sweaters of early spring, or opt for full hula gear (over a long-sleeved tea and skinnies, natch). When your guests walks through the door, offer them a leis. While real ones are gorgeous, you can pick up a pile on the cheap at any party store (along with extra plastic grass skirts and tops).

Dig in!

At heart, a luau is a feast built on hundreds of years of tradition. Have a table ready to go with a variety of munchies. If Mom and Dad are willing to help out, see if you can serve up mahi-mahi or teriyaki chicken or beef. If not, go for traditional party food with a twist, like banana chips, dried tropical fruit and coconut macaroons for dessert.

Sweet sips

Wish you were stretched out in the sand instead of lookin’ out for late winter snow storms? Get the tropical vacay vibe with fruity mocktails served up in colorful plastic tumblers complete with paper umbrellas. We like virgin piña coladas (3:1 pineapple juice and coconut cream with crushed ice) and this pineapple sunrise sip: Fill a glass 3:1 with pineapple juice and ginger ale. Add a splash of grenadine and watch the sun “rise” in the tumbler as the liquid’s color changes. For a fun twist, freeze club soda in ice trays, and drop a few in. They’ll fizz as they melt!

Candid camera

by Brittany Taylor | 2/1/2016