A luau (LOO-ow), or Hawaiian-themed party, can be fun for pre-schoolers to adults, either indoors or outdoors. For a child's birthday party, serve frozen orange juice or punch in coconut drink holders. Don't forget the little umbrella. Serve hot dogs or chicken nuggets on a shish-ka-bob stick, turn on Hawaiian music, and have the kids do their best imitation of the hula. Give out grass skirts and leis (LAYS). Decorate with lots of plants and flowers, and use pineapples and coconuts on the table. The room can also be decorated with colorful balloon bouquets of parrots, suns, and tropical fish. Set up tiki (TEE-kee) torches outside. Serve pineapple upside-down cake, or any cake with palm trees and hula dancers on it. Make a bundt cake into a volcano, and place dry ice in the center before serving. For adults, a luau can fit many occasions. Guests are traditionally greeted with a flower lei. Make or order a lei for each guest. If it's not possible to get flower ones, you can make them from shells or crepe (CRAPE) paper. Give each guest a lei and a kiss, and remember to greet with a warm and heart-felt, 'Aloha!' Guests can also put flowers behind their ears: the left side means 'married'; the right means 'single.' Give prizes for the best muumuu (moo-moo), Hawaiian skirt, or beach outfit and have a hula contest. Hawaiian music should be floating through the air to set the atmosphere. If you have a hula dance troupe in your area, you may want to consider hiring them. Tropical-style drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, can enhance the mood. You may also wish to hire a professional bartender or caterer.
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