Hawaiian Theme Party
Hawaiian theme parties are great for many different occasions from a child's birthday, to a teenage summer get-together. They can even work in the winter months (as a humorous contrast to bad winter weather) so long as they are held indoors and the heat is turned up to keep everybody warm.
Invitations
Make sure the invitation tells guests the Hawaiian theme and whether they should dress in any special costumes. Use stationary that highlights tropical designs - like palm trees and bright flowers - to help set the mood. Make it clear whether the party is indoors or outside; the time and date; the place; and the occasion.
Venue
If you don't have a backyard pool or access to lush tropical gardens you will need to host the party in a regular garden, or house, so plan decorations that will produce an instant Hawaiian feel. Look for sand, shells, surf boards, palm trees and so on that you can use to brighten up the dullest of spaces. Paper lanterns, cane chairs and beach towels can add to the ambiance.
Special attractions
For children's parties you may want to produce some special attractions - like a DIY volcano (seeScienceBobfor how to create your very own volcano that doubles up as a school science project), or a large sandpit filled with buckets and spades. Adult guests would enjoy a tropical spa so check out what hire options are available in your area for a portable hot tub that will massage and pamper your guests.
Welcome lei
Plan to welcome guests with the famous symbol of Hawaii, the flower necklace known as a lei. Greet them at the door and have the necklace put on them. Make a few grass shirts available for guests who want to slip these on over their own clothes.
Food
It goes without saying that tropical fruits - pineapples, bananas and coconuts - will decorate the table. Traditional Hawaiian foods, like roast pig, might be appropriate for very special occasions, while most guests will be happy to dig into Hawaiian pizza, grilled fish or sweet potatoes on a bar-b-que. These are also traditional Hawaiian favourites.
Music and games
Plan for Hawaiian music and some games for the children like hula-hoop swinging competitions, or tuf-of-war (a traditional Hawaiian game). A Hawaiian party would not be complete without some Hula dancing so get everyone in the mood with a video showing the dancing and then invite them to a Hula dance fest.
