Hand each arriving guest a lei.
Theme party decorations can tax your creativity if you choose an unusual theme. An underwater luau bash offers the advantage of combining two popular party themes: Hawaiian luau and "under the sea." Pick your favorite elements from luaus and the undersea world to come up with decorations that will establish your party atmosphere. Does this Spark an idea?
Streamers, Accents, and Bubbles
Festoon the ceiling with crepe paper streamers in different shades of blue. Wherever two colors of streamer cross, secure the crossed spot to the ceiling with tape and suspend an ocean creature from that spot with fishing line. You can either use lightweight plastic model creatures, such as dolphins, fish, sea turtles, whales, sharks and starfish, or put up creatures pre-printed on heavy cardstock. Intersperse plastic leis with the sea creatures. An article called "Little Mermaid Themed Party" Celebrations.com suggests renting a bubble machine to simulate undersea life.
Wall Silhouettes
Give the octopus a silly face--unless you want to scare people.
Cut dozens of silhouettes of underwater creatures and plants, such as coral and kelp, out of black construction paper, butcher paper or sheets of poster board. Also cut out silhouettes of luau icons such as palm trees, coconuts and pineapples. Attach the silhouettes to the walls of the main party rooms to subtly reinforce the underwater luau theme. If you are creative and enjoy a challenge, make silhouettes that will really wow your guests: Construct floor-to-ceiling palm trees or even a life-size great white shark or giant octopus reaching around the room.
Accessories
Potted decorative tropical flowers could double as exotic party favors.
Arrange underwater and luau-related accessories strategically throughout the party area. Collect every seashell you own and line them up along the windowsills. Additional underwater-themed items include aquariums with live fish, fishing floats and nets and dried starfish. As for luau accessories, a Celebrations.com article called "Hawaiian Luau Theme Party" suggests, "Set the scene for your Hawaiian luau by gathering all your tropical themed tchotchkes and unleashing them in all their colorful glory." The article lists tribal masks, tiki torches, leis, flip-flop sandals, potted palm trees and tropical flowers as particularly luau-esque decor items.
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