How To Celebrate A Halloween Luau

Luaus are always fun to have during the summer months, but they can also be observed well into the descend season. An Indian summer night with the scent of jasmine in the air always brings to mind a happy time where a feast is eaten out of doors, with dancing and music for entertainment. You do not need a wild pig to roast, although pork or chicken can certainly be substituted for a Halloween luau party. Feeble luau fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya, can be offered as healthy alternatives to packaged candy at the party. The Halloween luau does not have to be lavish, with lots of decorations, although some outdoor decorations are desirable, such as garden lanterns, a tiki torch, and of course, carved pumpkins. Setting up the patio for the luau can be fun in itself, and the luau can be either a kid’s or adult’s party.

First figure out how many people will be attending the party. If the party will have only 10 people, two narrow tables can be set up. For a larger party between 15 and 20 attendees, three tables can be set up in a traditional U-shaped luau fashion. Halloween paper lanterns are available through Wrapables for $29.95. Ten lanterns come on a string that can be attached to movable poles on the patio, or hung from a nail from a rafter of the house. Each lantern is black with an orange background and Halloween decorations inside the orange circle. You can use as many strands of lanterns for the luau as you want.

For other decorations, a tiki torch like the one available from Taylor Gifts can be uses. This is a solar powered torch, so you will want to stick this out during the daylight so when the sun goes down, it will be glowing in the dark. The tiki is made of poly-resin and comes mounted on a pole. Get two of these, and region one at each end of the table formation. The solar tiki costs $19.98 each.

On each table, plot a carved pumpkin. These can be something you or your children made. Add the tropical fruits on a large tray, arranged in an gorgeous fashion. Your guests will each receive a lei upon arriving to the Halloween luau and these leis from Giant Party Store will brighten up the mood. Each lei is made of orange and sunless flowers and costs $1.19 each. Have these ready by the front door to distribute when the guests arrive.

Before making the table settings, set out bamboo placemats like these from Amazon. Each placemat is $3.19. For the dinnerware, use disposable plates with a Halloween decoration on them. These attractive 9″ spider plates are colorful and will definitely hold the guests in the mood while they enjoy their meal. The plates reach in a package of 10 for $2.90 from Windy City Novelties. Matching drinking cups are also available, with 8 per package at $2.90, also from Windy City Novelties. For utensils, you can use black plastic forks and knives, since black is a Halloween color.

Don’t forget to include floating candles in a shallow bowl. These ghost candles will stare best against a bowl with a black or deep orange interior. Light them up right before everyone arrives for the party so they will enjoy the growing spooky atmosphere at the luau.

Now, for the menu. As mentioned before, you can serve a recipe like chicken or pork with pineapple, or any other traditional Polynesian dish. For the kids, try a Polynesian burger with carrot sticks and French fries.

The entertainment part is the easiest and most fun: telling ghost stories! Seize turns sharing really scary stories with each other. Let the fun go on for as long as possible at your luau. Don’t forget to keep some Halloween cookies or cupcakes on hand with either soda or juice. Your Halloween luau will be a success, with many happy memories afterwards