by Viviana Victoriano

Created on: July 09, 2008

Luaus, the traditional Hawaiian celebration, are a fun way to enjoy quality time with friends and family and celebrate special occasions like birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, bridal & baby showers, rehearsal dinners, weddings, proms, family or class reunions, retirement parties and, uff, holiday parties.

I chose it to celebrate my husband's birthday and we had a blast. Here are some ideas:

INVITATIONS
With today wonderful and user friendly technology, you can make your own invitations or, even easier, send your invitations by email (e-vites). Luau invitations define a huge party, generally with an abundance of food, music and dance. Most luaus have a Hawaiian theme with items such as grass skirts, coconuts, floral leis, palm trees, etc. Tropical luau invitations are a must in conveying the Aloha spirit of the upcoming event. Remember to include some Hawaiian words in your invitations.

LOCATION
There are many locations that you can choose from as setting for your luau party. The decision depends on the number of people you plan to invite and your budget. A yard, a garden, the beach or the inside of a house, hall or school are all good places to have a hula-va party.

If you are using a tent, you can decorate the tent poles with ti leaves, ferns, heleconia and red ginger.

DECORATIONS
When you throw your luau, be sure to decorate with plenty of silk flowers. If you are on a tight budget, you can even order leis or orchid sprays from lei vendors in Hawaii who will ship to the continental U.S. (or the mainland, like Hawaiians say).

For the tables you can create a traditional center table runner of leaves, ferns and flowers. If you prefer an ocean theme, then spread on top of the table an ornamental fish-net topped with shells, sand and glass balls. Another great look is a Hawaiian print sarong used as a tablecloth. Raffia hula skirts look tropical edging the buffet table.

Remember to buy paper parasols and have ready cut slices of pineapple to put on the edge of your guests' tropical drinks.

DRESS CODE
Of course the Aloha/Beach Attire is the way to go. You can state in your invitations that is optional or mandatory. You can always have a few grass hula skirts, coconut bras and silk leis for guests to dress up in. If it is going to be a pool party, remind your guests to bring a bathing suit and towel.

FOOD OPTIONS
A complete luau feast should include dishes based on pig, chicken and salmon. The Laulau is a must. It is cured pork that is packed in luau (Hawaiian taro) and

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