Use coconuts as centerpieces on tables.
Take the cover off your grill and throw a luau summer bash to celebrate warmer weather with all your friends. Even if you are miles from the beach, you can host a tropical paradise bash in your backyard that your guests will remember for years to come. Create a feel of paradise for your party guests from the invitations to the games.
Invitations
Use tropical postcards, such as postcards with pictures of leis or coconuts, to create the invitations. Write the party details on the back of the postcard and mail them to your party guests. For an added touch, poke a hole in the corner of each postcard and attach a lei to it. Mail the postcards in padded envelopes or hand-deliver to each one of your guests.
Decorations
Outline the party area with tiki torches. If you have several trees, set up hammocks and hang tropical-themed lanterns in between the trees. Decorate each table with a grass table skirt and a coconut centerpiece. Cut a large hole out of the top of a coconut and fill it with tropical fruit to use as a centerpiece. Scatter inflated beach balls, palm trees and pool floats all over the party area. If you are planning an evening luau party, be sure to light several citronella candles to keep the bugs away. Use beach towels to decorate the party area by hanging them on the walls and fences and using them for tablecloths.
Games
Divide the players into two teams and have them line up at a starting line. Mark a finish line about 25 feet away from the starting line. Give the first player in each team line an inflated beach ball. When you say, "Go," the players have to hit the beach ball in the air all the way to the finish line and back to their teammates. Each team player has to do the same thing. The first team to finish wins the game. Another game to play with the inflated beach balls is beach volleyball. Each player must select a partner and hit the beach ball back and forth to one another volleyball-style. When a team's ball hits the ground, they are out of the game. The last team hitting their beach ball back and forth wins the game.
Activities
Create a table with seashell beads, tropical beads, elastic string, scissors and jewelry clasps. Each party guest can make a bracelet, necklace or anklet to take home as a memento of your summer luau bash. Tell your guests to help their children make the jewelry, as the scissors can be hazardous to little ones. Another idea for children and adults is candy sand bottles. Candy sand is available in several different colors online and at many candy stores. Tell the guests to fill up each bottle with layers of candy sand to enjoy at the party or take home as a party favor.
Tags: beach ball, inflated beach, party area, your guests, back forth