Luaus are fun, festive and bright, and you can have one just about anywhere--backyards, parks, poolside and even indoors in the event of inclement weather. The key is to keep the luau fun. If you remember that rule, the rest will be a breeze.
Instructions
1. Use carpet rolls to create tall palm trees. Most carpet companies are more than happy to unload their empty carpet rolls on you. These sturdy cardboard rolls come in lengths of 12, 13.6 or 15 feet. Cut green poster board into leaves and tack to the top of the roll. Use blue cellophane around the bottom to complete an oasis look. If you are having an evening luau, wrap strands of white lights around the tree trunk.
2. Purchase a large number of leis. A good place to get inexpensive leis is through the Oriental Trading Company (see Resources section). It offers packages of 100 leis for under $15 with minimal shipping and handling. Without leis, your luau is just another party.
3. Light a bonfire. Bonfires are a staple of luaus. They can be small or large depending on the size of the space you have. Most townships require that you inform the local fire department that you are going to have a large fire. When it dies down, use it to roast marshmallows, hot dogs or to add warmth to a cool evening.
4. Decorate the party area with kiddie pools. Rather than filling with water, fill with colorful pillows and silk flowers to create fun seating areas for guests.
5. Let them eat fruit. No luau is complete without delicious tropical fruit. Slice a watermelon in half lengthwise and carve out the flesh with a melon baller scoop. Fill it with passion fruit, star fruit, pomegranates, pineapple slices and, of course, melon balls.
6. Decorate with flowers. These don't have to be fresh either. Colorful tissue flowers are loads of fun and can be small or large.
Tags: carpet rolls, small large