| During the summer months, Hawaiian fancy dress | | | | scene setter with an array of other Hawaii |
| is one of the most popular forms of dressing up | | | | decorations, such as Leis sets, tropical pinatas, tiki |
| around the country. Luau parties are an obvious | | | | totem poles and even life sized cutouts. Make |
| theme for summer barbecues and because | | | | sure that you agree on a budget before hand and |
| outfits are relatively cheap to buy, when | | | | stick to it, as it is so easy to get carried away |
| compared to other costumes, your guests are | | | | and go over the top. |
| more than likely going to join in the fun and dress | | | | Set the table |
| up for the occasion. | | | | Obviously the food is key to any barbecue and |
| If you are hosting a Hawaiian fancy dress themed | | | | so it makes sense that the designated area |
| barbecue for the first time, then it may be a little | | | | where your guests are going to sit down and eat |
| bit daunting, but it need not be. There are now so | | | | the food is decorated appropriately. However, do |
| many reasonably priced Hawaii themed | | | | not go overboard here. Rather than buying tacky |
| accessories available that it is relatively simple to | | | | tropical paper plates and cups, try and be a bit |
| transform your back garden or patio into a Luau | | | | more subtle. Perhaps a tiki or two as table |
| Party that everyone will enjoy. | | | | decorations and how about a raffia table skirting |
| Below are 5 ideas that you may wish to consider | | | | for a really authentic look. |
| when organising your barbecue this summer. | | | | Create a focal point |
| Send out themed invitations | | | | I am a great believer in a focal point at parties of |
| For me, this is where the party begins. Try and | | | | this kind. It may mean spending a little bit more |
| get your guests in the mood right from the off | | | | than on the other decorations, but they can be |
| by sending out Hawaii themed invitations. You can | | | | really effective. A popular focal point at Luau |
| of course buy a set of cards from a specialist | | | | parties is the inflatable palm tree. However, if |
| Hawaiian fancy dress site, but I think if you have | | | | your budget allows, why not purchase an inflatable |
| the time this is perhaps something that you can | | | | palm tree drinks cooler. This is not only incredibly |
| make yourself. Remember, they should be fun | | | | cool, but extremely practical as well. |
| and bright, with your character shining through, | | | | Party mementos |
| but most importantly they should include all the | | | | It is always a good idea to give your guests a |
| important party details. | | | | little memento from your party. This could be in |
| Set the scene | | | | the form of a little tikki that you present to them |
| Begin by purchasing a decent sized backdrop for | | | | as they leave. However, why not present them |
| the party, whether it be a beach front scene or a | | | | with their memento at the start of the barbecue, |
| tropical island. These scene setters really are | | | | by giving them a real Hawaiian welcome with a |
| effective in transforming a room or an area and | | | | garland of Leis. |
| so are well worth the money. Compliment the | | | | |