Decorating the Backyard for a Luau
Surround the Area with Tiki Torches
Place tiki torches around the yard for atmosphere and additional lighting. If you live in an area with mosquitoes, choose tiki torches meant to repel insects. Place the torches at safe distances from any structures or overhangs and away from areas where your guests will be walking and sitting.
Accessorize with Plants
Plants with large leaves create a tropical appearance. If you don't have any, borrow as many large potted plants as you can. Place tropical looking silk flowers in the plants to add color.
Use Leis Creatively
Cut the leis apart, tie them into garlands, and hang them around the area. You can also drape leis on the backs of chairs or over plants.
Utilize Grass Skirts
Get some inexpensive grass skirts at discount party stores. Staple or tie them across fences, or line them around the edges of tables. If you want to make an area of the yard off-limits, string clothes line across it and use clothes pins to hang layers of grass skirts. It will look like the side of a grass hut.
Use Flashy Fabric
Use bold tropical prints to cover table surfaces or lounge chairs. Put some throw pillows or cushions out there for your guests comfort as well, and make quick slip-covers for your pillows out of the Hawaiian prints.
Make the Table the Grand Focal Point
Luau literally means "feast," so make the table the focal point of the party. Have at least one large table for the bulk of the party fare. Add a beautiful center piece made out of tropical fruits such as pineapples, kiwi and star fruit, and add some flowers to it. Float some tropical flowers and pineapple rings in the punch bowls. Set food out on bamboo place mats. Use large sea shells to hold nuts and line trays with banana leaves before placing appetizers on them.
Tags: Backyard Luau, Decorating Backyard, Decorating Backyard Luau, them around, your guests