| As summer winds down, it's the perfect time to | | | | double as a decoration. Consider having a |
| throw a paradise party. Follow these simple | | | | hollowed pineapple filled with fruit on each table. |
| steps to throw the perfect celebration: | | | | 3. Exotic food: Whether you decide to have |
| | | | appetizers, a full meal, or just desserts, the food |
| 1. Tropical themed invitations: These can be any | | | | should align with your party's theme. Easy finger |
| design from palm trees to sunglasses to sea | | | | foods include pigs in a blanket, fruit kabobs, and |
| creatures. Various designs are available at stores | | | | mango shrimp. If you have dessert, you may |
| such as Target, and offers awesome "message in | | | | consider sorbet in individual dishes with cocktail |
| a bottle" invitations (search on that term on their | | | | umbrellas. An island themed cake is also a great |
| site). Tell guests to come in tropical apparel, | | | | idea, and you can make one as simple or complex |
| complete with Hawaiian t-shirts and flowers in | | | | as you'd like. For a particularly difficult cake, |
| the women's hair. You may want to ask each | | | | consider printing out an image from Google and |
| guest to bring their favorite island dish to pass. | | | | bringing it to your local grocer's bakery. |
| 2. Tropical party decorations: You can spread | | | | 4. Tropical favors: To leave your guests with a |
| beach towels and umbrellas throughout your yard, | | | | lasting impression, send them home with |
| and place tiki torches around the perimeter to set | | | | memorable favors. Margarita favors or cookies |
| the mood. If you'd like to hold a tropical luau | | | | are fun and colorful. Flip flop favors are also |
| party, consider shopping on sites such as There | | | | popular, and can come as coasters, keychains or |
| you will find inflatable palm trees, grass table | | | | place cards/photo holders. There are also a |
| skirts, and pig centerpieces. You may wish to | | | | number of photo frames available. Guests may |
| hand each guest a colorful lei when they first walk | | | | choose to put their favorite picture from the |
| in the party. Pineapples are also delicious and | | | | party in the frame. |