Luau Party Centerpiece Ideas

A luau party theme is versatile--from sweet 16 parties and retirement parties to child and adult birthday parties, When it comes to decorating the tables for a luau party, think tropical surf, sand and sun. Evoke the feeling of the South Pacific with centerpieces that tie the theme together.

Give the feeling of a beach luau with centerpieces that speak of the sea. Fill round glass jars or fish bowls with sand and seashells. Hot glue three starfish arms together so they stand to form a ring, then place a pillar candle in the center. If you can find abalone shells (shaped like a bowl with pearlescent insides), nestle a tea light candle inside. Make several sea life votives by carefully cutting out shell and creature shapes out of tissue paper, gluing them onto a tall glass pillar candle holder, then painting craft sealant over them. When the sealant dries, place a candle in the votive and see the paper shapes light up.

Cluster a whole pineapple, a coconut, greenery and silk hibiscus flowers in a bamboo basket to evoke the lush vegetation of the islands. Stick to just flowers by placing real or silk hibiscus flowers in bamboo-covered vases, with sea blue and white crystal confetti or glass scatters around it. If you can afford it, ask the florist to create a true tropical flower centerpiece that will sweetly scent the luau with authentic perfume.

Look for tiki statues, either at a party store or specialty store. Place a collection of different sized tikis on the table for a stunning display. Drape flower leis around each one, or weave in a garland of jungle greenery to tie the tikis together. Some party stores sell plastic hula girls and surfer dudes for luau centerpieces--these would look great paired up on each table, surrounded by sand and shells. Or arrange parrots, ukeleles and even beach flip-flops artfully for a true island look.