By Holly Brown

There's something about a Tiki party that just makes people happy. A Tiki party is a Polynesian themed event with Asian fusion food! Lush, romantic music, and rum-based cocktails, like the Mai Tai, are also key elements to get the party started. You may not be able to guarantee an ocean breeze, but with the right combination of décor, food, and drinks, you can transport your guests to a happy place!

Tiki culture and Tiki parties were born out of the Tiki-themed restaurants, like Trader Vic’s and Don the Beachcomber, popularized in the 1930’s. Don Beach and Victor Bergeron were said to have invented the themed-restaurant concept. They borrowed from Polynesian elements to create an atmosphere of island culture. When you arrived, you felt like you’d stepped into a unique paradise, far from home. Throwing a Tiki party can make guests feel the same way. Watch our Tiki Party Video on TheBrownLounge.com and see how we do it for our friends.

Tiki decor starts with natural elements like fresh flowers, tropical fruit, coconuts, and banana leaves. Nautical accents like fishnets and fishing poles; rattan, bamboo, and Tiki torches add ambiance and flair! For Tiki-themed dinnerware, table decor, statues, mugs and more. You can turn to Alki Party Treasures, a West-Seattle based on-line party goods store. They have everything you need for Tiki parties and much more!

No Tiki party is complete with out a few well-placed Tiki statues. The word Tiki refers to “a large carving of humanoid form”. Tiki statues are typically wooden or stone images of Polynesian gods and were historically used to mark the boundaries of sacred or significant sites. Tiki faces have different meanings (such as fertility, war, or peace).

Of course it’s easy to dress for a Tiki party. Men love any excuse to wear a pair of shorts and a Hawaiian shirt to a party, and the ladies have lots of options including, sarongs, flowers, and leis.

The most important part of a Tiki party is the food and drink. Island food includes sweet and spicy flavor profiles typical of Asian-fusion cuisine. Rum-based cocktails, like the Mai Tai, are sure to get the party started right! Find our complete Tiki Party Menu with delicious Asian-fusion cuisine on TheBrownLounge.com. It includes the recipes below, as well as the infamous Trader Vic’s Mai Tai.

Cheers! Holly Brown
Publisher, Foodie, WebTV/Radio Host of TheBrownLounge.com

Tiki Party Menu: http://thebrownlounge.com/menu/how-to-throw-a-terrific-tiki-party/

SEE THE RECIPE PHOTOS BELOW

Trader Vic’s Mai Tai
http://thebrownlounge.com/recipe/trader-vics-mai-tai/

Asian Lettuce Cups
http://thebrownlounge.com/recipe/asian-lettuce-cups/

Grilled Watermelon & Prawn Skewers
http://thebrownlounge.com/recipe/grilled-watermelon-prawn-skewers/

Hawaiian Roast Pork & Maui Onion Marmalade http://thebrownlounge.com/recipe/hawaiian-style-roast-pork-with-sweet-o…

Barbecued Spareribs
http://thebrownlounge.com/recipe/barbecued-babyback-ribs/

Asian Glazed Chicken
http://thebrownlounge.com/recipe/asian-glazed-and-grilled-chicken/

Coconut Rice
http://thebrownlounge.com/recipe/coconut-rice/

Hoisin Asparagus
http://thebrownlounge.com/recipe/hoisin-asparagus/