Island birthday parties are fun for young and old alike. From invitations to food to music, there are endless opportunities to make the party a success. It is appropriate to hold an island party outdoors, but an indoor luau during the winter months is also possible. Although there are many island birthday party products available at party stores and on the Internet, you can save money by making your own party favors, food and beverages if you plan far enough in advance. Does this Spark an idea?
Food
An island menu could include typical beach foods, such as burgers, hot dogs or grilled marinated chicken, and seafood dishes like shrimp skewers, grilled breaded whitefish or coconut shrimp. For island purists, see Paradise Found Online for some authentic luau recipes like Kalua pig, Waikiki meatballs, Tiki Tiki chicken, and spicy Caribbean chicken. Sides could include chicken wings, shrimp cocktail, seafood dips, Hawaiian coleslaw and pineapple smokies. And don't forget dessert! Check out My Island Party for an authentic Tahitian doughnut recipe. For those who are taking the beach party route, a sandcastle cake is an impressive and delicious dessert idea. It's also quite simple, and involves basic cake ingredients. Tropical fruit trays featuring papaya, pineapple and passion fruit are a tasty and healthy dessert idea.
Beverages
Tasty tropical drinks also provide an opportunity for decoration. Serve tropical punch in coconut bowls or bright colored glasses with mini umbrella toothpicks. Alcoholic beverages to serve include margaritas, daiquiris and pina coladas. These drinks have non-alcoholic versions as well.
Decorations
Decoration possibilities are endless, but be sure to include tiki torches, shells, palm tree cutouts, beach scene posters and tropical-scented candles. Surfboard cutouts and strings of lights are also a nice touch. You can put napkins and utensils in bright colored sand buckets and serve food on trays shaped like palm trees or beach balls.
Music
No party is complete without background music. Some great island birthday party bands include the Beach Boys, Beatles, Jimmy Buffet and Bob Marley. CDs that feature Polynesian music are also a nice addition.
Party Favors
Have sand buckets at the door with plastic sunglasses, inflatable beach balls and even beach-themed disposable cameras. Each person who comes to the party should get their picture taken with the birthday boy or girl in front of a beach scene. Once you develop the pictures, put them in island frames and send or give them to everyone who was at the party.
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