Bring the South Pacific spirit to your home by holding a themed Tiki party. Tiki parties have recently become very popular. The golden age of Tiki was between 1953 and 1970, after the GI’s returned from the war and was a culmination of trends and events that occurred over the previous century.
When planning a tiki party, think about the location you are going to use. You can purchase themed props to recreate the required scene. Use or create Tiki themed invitations to send to your guests. Buy some flowers to decorate the setting with. Choose exotica music or tropical jazz to set the mood of the party. Create a tiki menu with themed foods and drinks. Choose tiki related entertainment and activity to keep the guests amused.
Here are some ideas to help create the perfect party.
Decoration ideas: Hang up beaded curtains, and paper party lanterns around your chosen location. Dim the lights or use tea lights, and scented candles of lemongrass or plumeria to set the scene. Wrap the tables in grass skirts. Hand out drinks with cocktail umbrellas in tiki designed mugs instead of plain glasses. If you are having an outdoor party then use a Luau style barbeque, light bamboo torches, hang up fishing nets and place tiki statues around the garden. Consider using hammock style chairs as seating with raffia umbrellas.
Bar ideas: Nothing says “Tiki Party” like an authentic bar with tiki statues. You can accessorize your bar with a lot of neat Polynesian items like: mugs, shot glasses, posters and tiki lamps. To make your own bar like the one below, click on building a tiki bar.
Outfit ideas: Try to wear bright colors with tropical prints, stringed leis and any clothes that are in the 1950′s style. Wear flip-flops instead of shoes and put flowers in your hair, topped with a straw hat. Bring an inflatable friend such as a crocodile or wear Tiki style masks.
Activity ideas: The most common Tiki party activity is the limbo contest, you can buy a ready made limbo set or create your own. Another popular contest is over exotic tattoos or hold a hula hoop contest. Create a scavenger or treasure hunt. Play the game “pass the coconut” that is played like hot potato, using tropical music.
Food and drink ideas: Tiki parties usually have sweet and savoury combinations. Try making multicolored chips from yams, yucca and taro root. Include sugar snap peas in your menu selection. Good foods to serve at your party are grilled pineapple skewers, coconut shrimp, chicken satay; grilled corn and barbequed spare ribs. Popular drinks at tiki parties are rum and tropical cocktails, made with fresh lime.
If you have more ideas on holding a tiki party, please add your comments to this post!