I’ve always thought a backyard luau would be a fun and easy party to throw. It would be so bright and colorful, and who doesn’t want to imagine they’re on a Hawaiian island? Maybe one of these days I’ll convince Mike to let me throw one! Until then, a girl can dream.
1. This fruit salsa is easy and delicious, I’ve made it a few times and it’s so refreshing on a hot day.
2. These Hawaiian chicken sliders had me at grilled pineapple.
3. The decor ideas at this party are AMAZING, although I am cringing a little at the idea of cleaning up all of that sand!
4. There are recipes for three tropical kabobs here, and they all look easy and delicious.
5. I’ve posted a couple drink recipes that would be great for a luau (the Hula Girl, the Coconut Lime Sublime), but this Hula Coola is another excellent choice. It’s non-alcoholic but that can always be modified if you’d like!
6. OMG I want to make this balloon palm tree just for fun.
7. Same with this beach ball arch! Just glue some beach balls and inner tubes
together for a seriously cool way to welcome your guests.
8. This Badmitton Set can be adapted for all sorts of different games.
9. Using a kiddie pool as a cooler is such a cute and cheap idea.
10. You’ve gotta have Tiki cups!
Of course, you need all the standard luau stuff as well – flower leis, paper drink umbrellas
, shell necklaces
, grass skirt everything
, and, to channel your inner Elvis, a limbo game
! LOL.
What other ideas do you have? Please share them, and leave party theme requests in the comments!
Johanna says:
My friend and I are hosting a Birthday Backyard Luau in a few weeks. I will definitely use some of these ideas!
Terri says:
I love the pool/cooler! My daughter wants a “Teen Beach Movie” themed party, but we live in Missouri, and her birthday is in March = snow! I could definitely use some of those for indoors though. Love!!! You should totally be a professional party planner Heather!
Melissa says:
AH! I wish you did this a month earlier! We did a surprise luau for my Dad’s 60th birthday last month and I while I was planning it I kept thinking… I need one of Heather’s party planning idea boards.
Emily says:
Link to the Hula Coola is broken, FYI.
Heather says:
It’s working, here’s the link: http://www.marthastewart.com/345010/the-hula-coola
Kristin says:
Love it! I am in the midst of planning my sister-in-law’s baby shower (2nd baby). I decided to go with a Peter Pan theme- thank goodness for Pinterest!
Heather says:
Oh I LOVE that theme, so cute!
Shannon D says:
How about doing a Doc McStuffins theme? Like sometime before my girl turns 3 in October!
Eileen says:
Love this! I mentioned this in my survey but not sure how long it will take you to go through them. One of my fave party sites is http://www.shopsweetlulu.com Full disclosure-my friend owns it but her stuff is too cute. Sigh, she was like you, the mom at preschool who had the best parties ever with the cutest ideas.
Heather says:
Oh my gosh really? I am obsessssssed with Shop Sweet Lulu! Your friend is amazing!!
Eileen says:
I will pass that along!