Can’t wait for spring? Neither can we! Get in gear for
warmer weather (and tonsa time logged with good ol’ Mr. Sun) with a party
straight from the shores of Waikiki. That’s right—it’s time to dig up your
coconut bra and hula skirt, hunnies. Luau season is upon us!
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
We’re thinking you ‘n’ your crew decked out in your luau
finest is prime photo time. Make sure everyone brings a camera (or stock a
table with some disposables). Then get snap happy. Play laugh-a-lot games like
badminton and limbo outside, do some improv-tastic charades or have a hula-off.
BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 2/23/2012 4:57:00 PM
POSTED IN party ideas, winter parties, spring parties, summer parties, get outside, spring fun