| Let's start with the origins of the modern Luau. | | | | menu already listed for your event. Try to have a |
| Imagine always eating your meals apart you're | | | | few typical Hawaiian dishes on your menu. Other |
| your husband or wife. In ancient Hawaiian times, | | | | things to consider are a catered event, a buffet |
| that was the normal part of daily life. It was | | | | style serve yourself, or pot luck. Large events |
| driven by their religious beliefs. Then King | | | | are normally catered while at smaller events the |
| Kamehameha II, in 1819, abolished the traditional | | | | host prefers to set up a buffet. |
| religious practices. He created a symbolic act by | | | | The tables themselves need to be decorated. |
| having a feast with women. The favorite meal, at | | | | Plastic table covers and table skirts come in a |
| these feasts, was young and tender leaves of | | | | variety of colors and themes. Suggestion for your |
| the taro plant combined with chicken and baked in | | | | party is to choose colors from within the |
| coconut milk. It was called luau and because of its | | | | decorations you have planned. The hibiscus flower |
| popularity, the feast itself became known as a | | | | is very colorful and a good choice from which to |
| Luau. | | | | choose. |
| Hawaiian history shows that Luau's were held for | | | | One of the favorite decorations is the Tiki. It is |
| many reasons. Several reasons include honoring | | | | traditionally made of wood or stone resembling |
| their gods, honoring a victory in war, or to | | | | Indonesian art. Your guests could wear them as |
| celebrate a bountiful harvest just to name a few. | | | | masks or you could use them as centerpieces on |
| The modern Luau has become more of a party | | | | your tables. Tikis are versatile. You could even |
| with lots of food and drink. The guests are | | | | purchase a cake cut in the form of a Tiki god. |
| generally the entertainment as they are asked to | | | | What's an island Luau party without the palm |
| participate in many activities. Typically, in Hawaii, | | | | tree? Inflatable palm trees are readily affordable |
| they are tourist attractions held on the beach by | | | | and are reusable. Since food and drink are a vital |
| the resorts. They may include pre-dinner | | | | part of any Luau, an inflatable palm tree cooler |
| entertainment, but most if not all, have a Hawaiian | | | | serves its purpose with flair. |
| Hula Dance. Many Hawaiian families still gather for | | | | The Lei is the most common decoration used in |
| the traditional Luau, but they are very private | | | | the Luau party. They are very inexpensive and |
| affairs that celebrate very special occasions. | | | | easy to obtain. They come in many colors and |
| Today's modern Luau doesn't have to happen in | | | | types. The host of the Luau purchases and |
| Hawaii. They happen in the beaches, backyards, | | | | passes them out to the guests as they arrive for |
| hotels, and civic centers in your local | | | | the fun. You guests will love them as they |
| neighborhoods. Ok so it's quite unlikely to see a | | | | provide the feeling of authenticity. |
| Hula dance performed in your backyard, but there | | | | Flowers also add a color touch. Outside of the lei, |
| are plenty of ways to decorate your party to | | | | flowers have many different places to add color |
| bring a taste of this Hawaiian tradition to your | | | | and texture to your décor. The Hibiscus is a |
| gathering. | | | | native flower to Luaus. There are many artificial |
| Let's start with lighting. Tiki torches are | | | | versions you could purchase to decorate the cake |
| everyone's favorite. Use them to create a path | | | | table and around the buffet line. The Hibiscus also |
| to the action or to surround the central gathering | | | | makes a good ladies hair accent. |
| point of the event. Tiki torches can be found just | | | | These are just a few ideas just to get you |
| about anywhere locally and come in various sizes. | | | | started. You can easily expand on these thoughts |
| Choose carefully to maintain a consistent theme | | | | as you go through them to make your Luau the |
| for your event. | | | | absolute best. |
| The food is very important. You should have a | | | | |