Turn your backyard into an island paradise with our ideas for tropical decor, tiki cocktails, and Hawaii-inspired party foods.
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Tropical Fruit Centerpiece
Set in a carved-out log, this edible centerpiece features an arrangement of melons, pineapples, and other tropical fruits. Orchids fitted into floral vials and citrus leaves are then tucked into the crevices.
Set the mood for a luau by wrapping candle holders in plant leaves (try hostas, calathea, or banana leaves), bringing the feel of lush island greenery to the table.
Evoke the lush greenery of the tropics with these easy-to-make (and biodegradable!) banana leaf cones for holding party snacks. Frozen banana leaves are available at most Asian and Latin grocery stores.
A tiki bar classic made famous by Trader Vic's, this combination of light and dark rums, orange curacao, orgeat syrup, and lime juice kicks off the party.
Pureed fresh mangos, pineapple juice, and golden rum make a simple and refreshing tropical cocktail. You can make a big batch of the mango-rum puree ahead of time so you’ll be party-ready when guests arrive.
The centerpiece of any Polynesian party, this pupu platter is piled with baby pork ribs, shrimp toast, glazed chicken wings, pot stickers, and tropical fruit.
Here's the quintessential pot sticker, stuffed with ground pork well seasoned by chives, sherry, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. The uncooked dumplings keep very well in the freezer, so go ahead and make a double batch.
Shredded coconut and breadcrumbs form a crispy, slightly sweet coating on these irresistible fried shrimp. Serve with two dipping sauces: sweet and sour, and yogurt-curry.
Cubes of yellowfin tuna absorb the bright flavors of lime juice and cilantro in a quick marinade before hitting the grill. This light appetizer takes just 20 minutes to prepare.
Roll up red bell pepper, beets, carrot, daikon, cucumber, and radish sprouts in delicate rice paper wrappers and serve with a tangy ginger-soy dipping sauce. This vegetarian appetizer can be prepared a few hours in advance, or you can let your guests have fun making their own spring rolls.
A creamy, tangy sauce of peanut butter, mango chutney, lime juice, garlic, and soy sauce gives these chicken breast skewers irresistible appeal. In place of the chicken, you can also use beef, lamb, salmon, shrimp, or extra-firm tofu.
Lime zest, chili paste, and Asian fish sauce infuse the glaze of grilled shrimp. Serve these skewers as an appetizer or add them to a cold noodle salad.
Macadamia nuts, one of Hawaii’s most famous crops, add rich crunch to icebox cookies. After dipping the baked cookies in melted chocolate, sprinkle them with toasted coconut or chopped dried pineapple for an extra taste of the tropics.
When baked Alaska travels to the South Seas, it takes on the shape of a volcano. Slice into the mountain of toasted meringue to reveal “volcanic soil” (chocolate cookie crumbs) topped with five layers of tropical sorbet -- try mango, pineapple, coconut, banana, and passion fruit, or the flavors of your choice.
