| Polynesian Party |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-410 |
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Q: What are some suggestions for planning a dinner with a Polynesian theme? A: (from Jeanne Benedict, Ask DIY Entertaining expert) Everybody loves a luau. Why not use the luau motif to create a theme for an intimate dinner party with some Polynesian flavor? Though we stop short of roasting a whole pig, following are some suggestions for bringing the feel of a traditional luau indoors. Materials: Floral-foam balls and blocks
Imitation fern stems
Terra cotta pots
Hawaiian print fabric
Tropical leaves and flower-arrangements
Seashell necklaces
Hot-glue gun
- Jeanne Benedict began with some Hawaiian-print fabric (figure A) for use as a tablecloth and mood-setting backdrop.
- An open-air tiki hut was recreated indoors using bamboo poles inserted into floral-foam balls (figure B). The foam balls were then adorned with imitation fern-stems (figure C) to construct a replica of an authentic fern grotto.
- Floral foam and imitation fern (or leather fern) can be found at floral shops and crafts centers. Bamboo poles are inserted into the foam balls horizontally and vertically to create the elements of the tiki-hut (figure D).
- Floral-foam blocks in terra cotta pots, and stabilized with sand or gravel, are used to create the base for the structure (figure E). If you like, you can mask the pots and foam with tropical leaves or decorative fabric.
- For a center piece and decorative accents, insert taper candles into the tops of fresh pineapples (figure F). To make the candle more secure, you may want to attach it using a hot-glue gun. Select pineapples of about 4 pounds in weight, and look for ones that will sit level and stabilized on the table.
- Consider bamboo place mats, tropical leaves or even a grass skirt for table decorations (figure G). If the leaves are too large for your table, cut them down to the size and shape you desire. Jeanne fashioned a bird-of-paradise napkin fold, adorned with an orchid blossom.
- For a touch of whimsy, miniature "grass skirts" were used to decorate tropical-drink glasses (figure H). The skirts were hot-glued to the glasses, and decorated with colorful seashells. Tropical-motif swizzle sticks were also used.
- As a favor for guests, consider authentic floral leis. Or for a less expensive alternative, use seashell necklaces. You may want to add decorative touches such as floral blossoms or colorful shells using hot-glue.
- Red ginger, orchids, bird-of-paradise and other Hawaiian-native plants were used in the floral arrangements (figure I).
- The menu for the Polynesian party included grilled mahi-mahi with banana-apricot glaze, macadamia-nut rice and caramelized plantains (figure J). Caramelized tarot root is another side-dish option.
Q: How can I personalize my son's birthday party if it's being held at a pizza place. A: A great thing about pizza places is that they're generally family-friendly, so you can usually personalize your party -- within reason -- as long as you limit the decorations to the specific area your group will be occupying. Balloons are always a good idea, and you can most likely bring your own flowers for centerpieces, so putting your own stamp on the festivities should be a piece of cake! Q: How many different kinds of desserts should I prepare for a dessert party? A: At least four -- something for everybody. You should include a chocolate dessert; cookies; something fruity; and perhaps a cheesecake. Q: I've invited 50 people to my party. I know they all won't RSVP, so how much food should I actually plan to fix? A: Here's what I'd do: Include a date on the invitation by which people have to RSVP. Then, if you haven't heard for everyone by that date, call and ask whether they're planning to attend. You don't have to be confrontational; just explain that you're calling to make sure they got their invitation and you'd like to get an idea of how many guests to count on.
RESOURCES :
New Wave Luau: Recipes From Honolulu's Award-Winning Chef
Model: 089815966
Author: Alan Wong and John Harrisson
(1999)
Ten Speed Press
Website: www.tenspeed.com
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