Make your child's next birthday party a true tropical dream with our Luau Party Ideas! Read on for general party planning tips as well as great luau decorating, food, game, and activity suggestions.
Party Planning
For peace of mind, begin planning 6 - 8 weeks in advance to allow time to purchase and mail invitations, as well as to give your guests time to RSVP and make travel plans, if needed. Don't panic if you find yourself short on time; you can still plan a great party! Planning ahead simply reduces the risk of conflicts with guests' plans and may increase attendance.
To simplify the rest of the party planning process, check out our Party Planning Timeline, take a look at our When & Where to Have the Party page, and read the paragraphs below for information on selecting decorations, supplies, activities, and more for your child's party.
What Do I Need for the Party?
If you plan to use paper tableware and themed party supplies, our Suggested Party Supply List may be helpful when placing an order. Please note that you may not need everything on the list; it is intended only as a guide.
Decorating & Food Ideas
Make a Sand Castle Centerpiece
To make a sand castle centerpiece, purchase textured, sand-colored spray paint at any local hardware store. Spray paint shoe boxes and use them to form the main part of the castle. To construct the towers, glue Styrofoam cones to empty coffee cans, then paint. Other details, such as scallops across the top of the castle, can be cut out of Styrofoam and painted.
Decorate With Other Luau-Themed Items
Set the mood further by visiting a local travel agency and asking for old travel posters of Hawaii, the Caribbean, or other tropical destinations. After you hang the posters, tape butcher paper around the seats of chairs and fray the edges to resemble grass skirts. In the same way, add frayed green paper to serving bowls and cups, if desired.
If you're hosting the party outdoors, use play sand to set up a "beach." You can use a sand box or, if one isn't available, spread sand on large trash bags for easy clean up. Add to the beach feel by placing the following items around the party area:
- Beach Balls
- Beach Towels
- Beach Umbrellas (if the party is outdoors)
- Flip Flops
- Flippers
- Flower Leis
- Lounge Chairs
- Palm Trees (made from construction paper)
- Rafts, Boogie Boards &/or Flotation Noodles
- Seashells & Starfish
- Snorkels & Snorkel Masks/Goggles
- Sunglasses
- Suntan Lotion
Serve Beach-Themed Treats
Expand on your beach-themed decorations by setting out goldfish crackers in sand buckets. Also, create an Ice Cream Cart by setting up a table with cones and two or three flavors of ice cream at one end and a variety of toppings in serving bowls at the other. Guests can "order" their scoops from an adult, then move down the table to add their toppings. Don't forget the whipped cream and cherries!
Whether or not you want to serve ice cream, our Banana-Strawberry Smoothie makes a cool, tasty treat on a hot summer day. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 Bananas
- 2 Cups of Strawberries
- 1 Cup of Milk
- 1 Cup of Frozen Yogurt
Note: If you're using 2 cups of frozen strawberries instead of fresh, reduce the milk to 1/2 cup.
Once you have your ingredients gathered up, slice the bananas and strawberries, then put them in a blender with the milk and yogurt. Blend on high until smooth.
If you're looking for other refreshing summer beverages that will take less time to whip up, consider Virgin Strawberry Daiquiris and Virgin Piña Coladas made from store-bought mixes.
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