Aloha and welcome to summer! In this post I will go over some ideas to host the perfect luau, without all of the over-done aspects and cheesiness that have become the standard for this ever popular trend.
Food
If you've ever been to a traditional luau in Hawaii, you know that the main event at a luau is the pig roast. You can do this over an open fire pit (for the dramatics) or build a traditional Imu (earthen oven). Here's a link for instructions on how to build an Imu.
Oh, you don't want to dig a big hole in your backyard and wait hours for a pig to cook? Don't worry, me either.
One of my favorite burgers at Red Robin is the Banzai burger; I feel like this burger encompasses all elements of a luau between 2 simple buns. And I think it's just heavenly. The burger is marinated in teriyaki sauce and comes with sliced pineapple.... please excuse me for a moment while I wipe the drool from my mouth. Like the Banzai burger, though, your luau food should revolve around tropical fruit. Whether you make a fruit salad full of it, put it on kabobs mixed with teriyaki grilled chicken or make marinades with it. There's no such thing as too much fruit at a luau. Some of the popular choices are: pineapple, coconut, mango, banana, kiwi and papaya.
To go with your yummy food you will of course need some libations! Again, go with the fruit! Pina coladas and mai tais should be staples. Serve up some fruit punch for the kids and put the little paper umbrellas in every glass.
Décor
With grass skirts, palm leaves and fresh cut flowers, how could you go wrong? I love to use grass skirts along table edges, who says you have to wear them? Instead of placemats, lay palm leaves or cut up banana leaves on the tables. Scatter some shell necklaces or loose shells throughout. The beauty of the luau is that you can do it up as much as you want or leave it low key and on the reserved style with just a couple tropical elements. Either way, the theme will get across to your guests and it leaves room for adjustment to your personal style. Make your fresh fruit serve double time as food and décor! I love this idea:
How pretty does that look? Still have some of those old tiki torches just sitting around in your garage collecting dust? Perfect! Use them to provide light, atmosphere and keep the bugs away. If you want some fresh flower arrangements, go with arrangements that include tropical flowers such as orchids, hibiscus or birds of paradise.
Instead of buying those cheap plastic leis that fall apart the moment you touch them, buy fresh flowers and have your guests make their own! They will love to take them home and you don't be stuck with a million fabric leis and no use for them (unless this is an annual party you host and you can reuse them year after year).
That's all the ideas I have for now! Below are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing when planning your own luau! Leave a comment if you have a question or any ideas of your own!!
I love the bamboo wall and coconut shell glasses here!
How pretty is this??
Multi-purposing!!
Hello good time!
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