How to Throw a Hawaiian Theme Thanksgiving Party

Surprise your guests by infusing your Thanksgiving celebration with the tropical flare of a Hawaiin themed foods and decorations. Throwing a Hawaiian theme Thanksgiving party is easy with the right tropical decorations and exotic twists on classic Thanksgiving foods.

Things You'll Need

• Grass skirts
• Silk flower leis
• Pineapple
• Pillar candles
• Fresh orchids
• Brightly colored tablecloth
• Tropical flower garlands
• Pre-made sugar cookie dough
• Tube frosting
• Cellophane bags
• Ribbon
• Orchids

Instructions

Plan the Menu

1. Add a tropical mustard-pineapple glaze to the traditional roasted turkey.

2. Serve tropical fruit salad and upside down pineapple biscuits.

3. Replace traditional mashed potatoes and herb stuffing with mashed sweet potatoes and macadamia nut stuffing.

4. Serve grilled pineapples and chocolate coconut cream pie for dessert instead of the traditional pumpkin or apple pie.

5. Refresh your guests by serving tropical drinks, such as pina coladas and tropical fruit punch.

Plan the Decorations

1. Present each guest with a faux flower lei upon arrival.

2. Afix a grass skirt to the edge of your dining room table using duct tape and cover with a brightly colored tablecloth.

3. Hang faux garlands of tropical flowers on the backs of chairs, and scatter them on the table for added color.

4. Make a Hawaiian-themed centerpiece with a pineapple surrounded by white pillar candles and fresh orchids.

Create Guest Name Cards

1. Cut out pre-made sugar cookie dough, using Hawaiian themed cookie cutters such as pineapples, palm trees, surfboards and orchids.

2. Bake the cookies, and let them cool completely.

3. Use tube frosting and icing, available in the baking section of the grocery store, to decorate each cookie.

4. Pipe each guest's name onto the cookie and let the frosting dry.

5. Place each cookie in a clear cellophane bag and tie with a piece of colored ribbon and fresh orchid.

Plan the Entertainment

1. Hold a hula dancing contest. Let the host and hostess be the judges.

2. Ask guests to dress in Hawaiian-themed outfits. Award a prize for most authentic outfit.

3. Play Hawaiian-themed background music.

Tips & Warnings

• Guests can take home their "name cards" to enjoy later!

Resources

• Bella Online offers unique Hawaiian Thanksgiving recipes.
• Sunset.com has lots of information on throwing a Hawaiian Thanksgiving party.
• Aloha Friends Luau is a huge resource of Hawaiian celebration traditions.