by Bridget Webber

Created on: July 11, 2008   Last Updated: July 30, 2008

A luau, or 'feast of Hawaiian food,' originated as a big Hawaiian event that took place during celebrations such as weddings or when important people visited neighbouring islands. The luau would be filled with wonderful tropical foods and bright colors, accompanied by music and dancing.

Unlike the luaus of old, modern day luaus are unlikely to last for several days and may well take place in a backyard. Planning your own backyard luau should be fun, whilst allowing your creative side to shine.

The following are some suggestions to make you luau go with a tropical swing.

INVITATIONS

Send guests invitations made on pineapple shaped card to get them into a party mood. Or, you could give them invitations with inexpensive, but effective, little cocktail umbrellas or flowers inside for a hint of the fun that they can expect at your luau.

BACKDROPS

On the walls of your yard hang fishing nets with Hawaiian themed items attached such as shells, tribal masks, crab shells and claws and artificial fish.

You can also paint boards as backdrops with coral reef themes, or of of beaches with palm trees.

LIGHTING

Micro lights in gold or white are very effective when draped around fishing net backdrops, in garden trees or around canopies.

Candles can be placed in hulled out pineapples.

Tiki lights can be set around the backyard to add a different dimension to the height levels of your lighting and also to give a fiery glow.

Paper lanterns can also provide a warm glow.

YARD DECORATIONS

There are many decoration ideas which you can utilize, most of which are simple and cost effective.

Wooden parrots on perches, painted surf boards, tropical colored flowers, inflatable pink flamingos, shells, palm trees, wiggling hula girl sculptures and tropical fruits can all add to the authenticity of your luau.

Have an entrance way decoration to welcome guests and to let them know that they have arrived at their destination. An arch decorated with lights and garlands will look effective, or you could have pink flamingos either side of a banner which says 'aloha' and has balloons around it.

TABLE DECORATIONS

Tablecloths should be brightly colored to match fruits and flowers. Each table could have flower garlands around the edges and centrepieces made from flowers and ferns around hulled out pineapples containing candles.

Shells can be scattered on the tables and single, brightly colored blooms or silk flowers.

ENTERTAINMENT

Music is a must for a luau and island music will fit the scene. If you are fortunate enough

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