It’s the summertime and the weather is indeed hot. In fact, it’s getting hotter every summer and nothing can stop it at this point. What better way to enjoy it than on your porch with a tall, cool glass of fresh lemonade, Jimmy Buffet tunes playing from the radio, your friend Kayla tapping away on the bongos, and kicking back in a nice, solid lounge chair while your family, friends, and neighbors enjoy the summer festivities in style and comfort alongside you?
If you’ve been to Hawaii or any similar Pacific Island Nation or the like, you’ll remember the ethereal appeal to the weather, the food, the culture, and soul of the ocean communities to the west. They deserve respect, but man do they know how to party!
While traveling right now can be very expensive and dangerous (due to the ongoing pandemic), it is possible to bring paradise to your home, without getting sand in your shorts while you do! With just the smallest amount of preparation you can transport your friends, families, and neighbors to the islands!
The following article will detail my personally favorite ideas on how to decorate, furnish, and celebrate the summer on your deck or patio in style. While this list isn’t, in any way, comprehensive, it is a great way to introduce you to the paradise lifestyle.
A Quick History of the Luau
The luau is a traditional celebration from the American state of Hawaii. Luaus take place outdoors and usually have some sort of music, entertainment, live performances, and a plethora of delicious Hawaiian food. There’s no one way to throw a luau, nor is there a wrong way. The reason for yours can be as minor as your sister’s graduation from the seminary, and everyone knew she was going to do that.
Luaus have a long history in Hawaii, especially. If you’d like to know more, click here, or ask your local librarian for more information regarding Maori or Pacific traditions. They are slowly disappearing and deserve to be preserved for future generations to venerate.
1.) Tommy Bahamas, Hawaiian Shirts, and Linen are Mandatory
If I was you, and I’m clearly not, I wouldn’t let anyone into the luau area unless they at least tried to dress according to the theme. Theme-busters are total downers and can be the buzz kill needed to put your party in the grave. Obviously you should give them a heads-up on the invitations, so make sure that the language you use specifically states how serious you are regarding the dress code.
Grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts, beach-wear, sunglasses, really anything that looks like it belongs on the beach or at a luau in Maui would be appropriate for this type of party. You don’t have to be a stickler about it, but definitely make sure people know this is serious.
2.) Kick on the Barbeque, Pop on the Blender, and Have a Feast
As long as you or a loved one can safely operate a charcoal grill, my suggestion is firing it up and grilling a bunch of various types of kebab for your entire party to enjoy. Kebabs are extremely versatile and can be made vegetarian or vegan, if need be.
Blended summer drinks are a delicious way to help socially lubricate your friends and loved ones on your party deck. Mojitos are a common summer beverage, as are lemonades, pina coladas, and mai tais. However, you can also offer a small juice bar complete with a blender for people to make their own alcoholic slushies.
Lastly, have a potluck! This is the easiest way to go as you don’t have to do nearly as much work as the other options. If it’s extra sunny out, set up a patio furniture set with umbrella for your guests to eat comfortably. You can also set up the food there, as it would keep the food out of the sun better.
3.) Make Your Perfect Island Paradise
Make sure to grab a dozen or so tiki torches. These guys not only light the party, but ward off things like mosquitos from bothering our guests all night. Everyone needs umbrella drinks, leis, and a chill attitude to enjoy this party. If someone’s vibes don’t mesh with your mellow, that person’s a drag and needs to hit the beach before the sun sets on the sunshine of his life.
If you’re not gifted in the kitchen, fret not. Follow the following link for some recipes sure to wow your friends: https://www.heythattastesgood.com/luau-finger-food-recipes/. They are simple and easy so that everyone can enjoy both making and eating them.
Don’t forget that it’s not a tropical party without palm trees. You can get that cheap, light-up, inflatable ones from the dollar store or a local garage sale. Otherwise, stand ups and homemade ones are always an option.
