Leis and pineapples are standard luau decor.
Kids with birthdays in the warmer months of the year often request a luau-themed party. Fortunately, planning a luau party for kids can be done no matter how big or small your budget is. By paying attention to a few key details and providing the right kind of entertainment, your children's luau party will be a raving success. Does this Spark an idea?
Decor
Tropical and luau decor is readily available at most discount, dollar and party supply stores for a relatively low price. Tape grass skirts around your tables, hang faux leis, put up tiki torches and encourage guests to wear Hawaiian shirts on your invitations. Whole coconuts and pineapples also provide suitable decor for this theme, and they can be eaten during the party, too.
Favors
When it comes to a kid's luau, many of the decorations, such a leis and grass skirts, can also serve as party favors. Another idea is to print out tropical-themed coloring pages, bundle them with small packs of crayons, and hand them out as a favor. Luau-themed candy favors can be made by placing gummy fish or Swedish fish inside Chinese-style takeout containers and labeling them with each guest's name. Such containers can be found at party supply and craft stores.
Menu
When planning your menu, try to incorporate tropical foods that kids like to eat. Consider serving some of the following: tropical punch; kiwi smoothies; sweet and sour chicken skewers; tropical fruit salad with kiwi, berries, bananas and grapes; and baked fish sticks. If serving fruit salad, make the presentation more exotic by scooping the insides from a cantaloupe, honeydew melon, pineapple or watermelon and placing the salad inside.
Entertainment
For younger kids, consider making luau-themed crafts at your party, such as colorful sand sculptures or paper leis. Older children will likely enjoy playing limbo, volleyball or having a hula dance or hula hooping contest. If you are able, have your luau party at a venue where there is a pool. Pools not only provide a source of activity, but are the perfect backdrop for a luau-themed party. If you have money for it in your budget, hire a local hula dance instructor to come and show the kids a simple, authentic dance routine.
Tags: luau party, fruit salad, grass skirts, hula dance, luau decor, luau-themed party, party supply