End of Summer - It's Tiki Time
I love myself a stylish yet crazy party theme. So for something different, I love the TIKI party idea. A little exotic (South Pacific), by bringing in the Hula Skirt and coconut bra, sounds like my kind of party. Especially when you throw in one of my favorite drinks, the Mai Tai. Probably the strongest drink in the world, but so delish!
The Drink
The Mai Tai (A drink NOT for the faint of heart when it comes to alcohol!)
- 1 oz (2 tablespoons) dark rum
- 1 oz (2 tablespoons) amber rum
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz (1 tablespoon) Cointreau or triple sec
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon orgeat syrup* or 1 drop pure almond extract
- 1 teaspoon superfine granulated sugar
- Dash of grenadine
- Garnish: a pineapple wedge
Pour all in a cocktail shaker over ice, shake, pour and serve!
The above makes one drink, but this is a great drink that can be premixed. So make a couple of pitchers ahead of time and chill, stirring before serving. Have plenty of ice on hand for serving!
Setting
A pool area would be great, but it is absolutely unnecessary. Any backyard would do, especially with torches and great décor!!!
Décor
If you are lucky enough to have a backyard and it’s pretty weather, you’ll be hula-ing with your Mai Tai. Get some Torches, available at any discount and party store, and set them up around the yard.
I love a long table as a focal point and I use my plastic folding table for this. I like fuschia pink as the table cloth color. Then I actually buy hula skirts (3 or 4) and affix them along the front and sides of the table! So cute.
Your centerpiece should be FRUIT! Remember your mom’s watermelon boat? Now’s the time to copy her!
Fun and colorful napkins in prime Tiki style to match your Lolita Tiki and Tiki Too glasses are a must. For an outdoor setting, I like to see silverware prewrapped in larger dinner napkins, rolled and tied up with some hula grass! Other Ideas include those fun paper umbrellas. If you want to go all out, do another table just for your bar setting.
Menu
Pu-Pu Platter
This is a traditional South Pacific appetizer tray, and the yum stops here! A good platter will have more meat than anything else. With the combined influence of Hawaiian and Asian flavors, guests will be sure to find something they will love!
Here are some suggestions, but don’t stop there! Find your largest platter and go for it. Make some, buy some is what I always say!
Baby Pork Ribs
Shrimp Toast
Chicken Drumettes
Dumplings
Roasted Duck (look in the freezer section of your favorite gourmet foods store)
Fresh Mango
Fresh Pineapple
Cucumber
Scallion Brushes
Duck Sauce
Mini Pancakes (to serve with Roasted Duck)
Skewers of any sort
Grilled Tuna Skewers (I use Martha’s recipe, link here https://www.marthastewart.com/901705/tiki-party-ideas?slide=448ad5eb-de07-4a92-8c5d-e67f78e2822e#448ad5eb-de07-4a92-8c5d-e67f78e2822e)
Coconut Shrimp
1 egg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup beer
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups flaked coconut
24 shrimp
- In medium bowl, combine egg, 1/2 cup flour, beer and baking powder. Place 1/4 cup flour and coconut in two separate bowls.
- Hold shrimp by tail, and dredge in flour, shaking off excess flour. Dip in egg/beer batter; allow excess to drip off. Roll shrimp in coconut, and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) in a deep-fryer.
- Fry shrimp in batches: cook, turning once, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Using tongs, remove shrimp to paper towels to drain. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Playlist
When I think TIKI music, I think of Trader Vik’s and Don Ho’s Tiny Bubbles! Anything tropical, reggae, or search for a TIKI PARTY or HAWAIIAN music playlist on your favorite music streaming App.
Guests
Be sure to provide all the essentials…
Coconut bras and Hula Skirts
Lei’s for all
A drink as soon as they get to the door
Plenty of water and an Assortment of non-alcoholic beverages
Bug Spray
Other fun ideas:
Home-made popsicles for the kids (Pinterest a great source for these)
Tiki Masques
Have a ball, ya’ll!
