Present an array of native foods at your luau.
Unless you are a native Hawaiian, a resident of or frequent visitor to the state of Hawaii, you may not know exactly what items you need when you want to throw a luau. While some objects are obvious like leis, grass skirts and pineapples, others may escape your notice. As you prepare for your festive, native event, it's best to create a comprehensive checklist of items to assemble for your luau. Does this Spark an idea?
Hawaiian Cuisine
Luau hosts are notorious for offering tables full of platters of Hawaiian cuisine. To ensure that your table groans with the weight of your dishes, include plenty of the island favorite laulau -- a dish that incorporates seasoned pork, chicken and butterfish wrapped in luau and li leaves and steamed for several hours. Huli huli chicken is another creation commonly found at luaus. These chicken breasts, thighs and wings are barbecued in a thick sauce made from white wine, soy sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, pineapple juice, Worcestershire sauce and ginger, and are considered a luau staple. Other necessary dishes include Hawaiian poi, fresh roasted pig on a spit, baked fish, chicken long rice and chocolate-covered macadamia nuts.
Native Decor
Transform your backyard or pool area into a Hawaiian island by adding several native touches to transport your guests. Place lit, flaming torches at strategic points throughout the yard and around the food tables, string paper lanterns on a nearby structure and display trays of fresh fruit such as pineapples, coconuts, passion fruit and mangoes. String fishnet, display huge bouquets of tropical flowers and drape surfaces with material covered in bright, bold floral patterns. If you have any sizable sea shells or a smattering of smaller ones, use them to create a table centerpiece.
Luau Music
Unless you have access to a live, local band that plays Hawaiian or Polynesian music, you may have to resort to a collection of CDs that mimic the sounds of the islands. Recordings of nature sounds, such as crashing waves or singing native birds, create the exotic feel that pervades the air in the islands. Otherwise, choose from popular hula songs, music with the thump of steel drums and the strum of acoustic guitars or songs sung in the Hawaiian language.
Luau Party Favors
When you want to provide your guests with a souvenir from their night at your luau, there are several options. Stock an assortment of colorful leis made from plastic, silk or polyester and present one to each guest as she arrives. Order dancing hula girl ornaments from a party supply store and distribute them to your guests for placement on the dash of their cars. Serve your drinks in faux or real coconut cups and allow each of your invitees to take one home as a thank you for attending your luau.
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