Festive luau

by Michelle Simone

Beat the wet August blues with a luau party filled with tropical vibe.

Ingredients of a great party

PLAN The most important aspect of the party is that you, the hostess, have a good time. The most stress-free parties I've hosted are those that are well-planned. Think of everything that could possibly go wrong beforehand and have a solution prepared. Make an endless number of lists for your stuff, or the people who are helping you, to follow so that things go smoothly.

ACTIVITY At any party, there will always be people who don't know each other, so plan an activity or game that will break the ice. With games, you create the opportunity for people to be silly, be funny, and have something common to talk about with strangers. Your guests won't always remember the food you served, or what favors you gave away but they'll always remember how silly someone's drawing is in a game of Pictionary.

RECIPE Make sure you have one signature dish that everyone will swoon about and remember. Try out your recipes beforehand, like during your regular family dinners. Practice makes perfect, after all.

THEME Create a theme for your party to give yourself some direction and your guests something to remember. When you pick a theme, carry it out from the food and decorations to the costumes, games, and prizes!

YARDSTICK Measure your results. A simple way to measure is if your parties become legendary and your friends can't stop raving about it. keep a journal of your successes. Record your menus. Take pictures of your decorations, guests, and other important mementos.

PARTY CHECKLIST

2 Weeks before

Decide on your theme

Brainstorm

Research

1 Week before

Make a menu

Make a lists: guest list, to-buy list, to-make list

Send out your invitations

Make your budget!

3 Days before

Craft projects done!

Prepare tip envelopes

2 Days before

Begin cooking

Buy flowers and prepare your arrangements

Clean your house

1 Day before

Set your table

Set your decorations

Keep cooking

The day off

Run through tasks with your staff

Finish all your cooking in the morning

Set up your guest bathroom

Layout your games and favors

Do a last check on your decorations

Take a bubble bath

Get ready to party!