Host a luau party at your swimming pool to celebrate the beginning or end of summer.
Pool parties make a great gathering for a child's birthday, to celebrate a recent graduation, or just to cool off from the summer heat. A luau-themed pool party brings in the tropical fun of the Hawaiian islands. Traditional luaus are held on a beach, but with creative decorations and planning, you can host a luau pool party at any backyard or public pool. Does this Spark an idea?
Tropical Decorations
Decorate around the pool with tropical touches. The experts at Party411 recommend adding paper or inflatable palm trees and hanging raffia around tables. If disposable plates and cups will be used, look for ones that feature tropical flowers or underwater scenes. For island-style lighting at a party after dark, the All Party Ideas website suggests tiki torches. These can be filled with citronella fuel to keep away insects.
Island Invitations
Any tropical-themed invitations will do. Cards printed with parrots or a deserted island will tell your guests you're planning a luau for your pool party. For an extra special touch, the Favor Ideas website suggests creating "Message in a Bottle" invitations. Kits are available that feature plastic bottles and small pieces of parchment to hold the crucial party details. A handful of sand and seashells makes this invitation unforgettable.
Luau Foods
Pork is a very popular meat in Hawaii and tastes great grilled on a skewer with pineapple, according to Top Party Ideas. Traditional luaus featured a whole pig roasted over a fire, but grilling pork or chicken by the pool works just as well. Seafood is also a great choice. Serve tropical smoothies or mixed drinks that feature coconut and banana flavors. If cooking around the pool isn't possible, a ham and pineapple pizza features Hawaiian flavors.
Costumes
Have grass skirts on hand for guests to wear when not swimming in the pool. Coconut bras and Hawaiian shirts are also appropriate luau attire, according to the All Party Ideas website. Offer your guests a plastic or fresh lei (a Hawaiian necklace made from large tropical flowers) as they arrive at the party.
Luau Music
Many of the most popular luau games, like the Limbo, require the right music. The experts at Party411 recommend playing steel drum music or reggae to create the atmosphere of the tropical islands around your pool. Specific Hawaiian luau music soundtracks can also be found, usually featuring ukulele. Guests may start to hula dance around your pool if you provide the right music and grass skirts.
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