Aloha! It’s Jillian here! Greetings from Hawaii! Just kidding–but I did transform my patio into a luau-ready party space last weekend, and I have all the details for you here today. I was fortunate enough many years ago when I was a traveling nurse to live in Hawaii for four glorious months. I am looking forward to planning a vacation there too when the kids are a little older and can handle the flight from the East Coast. But until that day arrives, I decided to get my Hawaii fix by hosting a farewell-to-summer luau party (for just the adults) to ease the end-of-summer blues. Instead of resigning ourselves to donning sweaters and jackets, we busted out all sorts of tropical attire and decor. Read on to get all the Hawaiian-inspired details!
Luau Patio Decor
Pretty, right? Aren’t you in a better mood now just thinking tropical thoughts? The flowers and pineapples are from Costco–easy and perfect!
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The napkin rings and napkins were on clearance at Pier 1 (and there are some other great items still available that I may just need to grab for next summer). Getting seasonal decor at a discount is another bonus of having a summer-themed party in September. Be sure to check out my Memorial Day party table setting here too for other outdoor dining ideas!
Since we are not actually in the tropical climate of Hawaii and it’s getting a bit chilly here at night, we had a great fire roaring in my fire pit, which provided much-needed warmth and a focal point for a casual seating area where people could congregate. The pineapple pillow (similar) was also a clearance score. To add to my patio furniture, I moved a few pieces from inside my home (like the rattan chair that can also be seen here) to outside for the night. And I made one last relaxed seating arrangement with my adorable “free with purchase” beach mats–more on that below!
While I like to entertain, I do not really like to cook, so this was a potluck party, and the tropical food was abundant and amazing! Check out this yummy Hawaiian marinated flank steak and salad. Mahalo to all my guests for a great spread! And of course guests at a luau need to be welcomed with a lei!
Luau Fashion
Once I decided to have a party, Lisa and I got scheming on outfits for the occasion, and we both ended up choosing classic resort wear Lilly Pulitzer dresses. I was fortunate enough to be able to shop in the store recently when visiting a pregnant friend for her baby shower, and found many great pieces (hence the “free” beach mats)! While I got several dresses, this one-shoulder number I knew would be great for the “shoulder season” party (LOL I crack myself up)!
Lisa chose this comfortable racerback dress in a colorful tropical print, which she paired with nude wedges and fun beaded tassel earrings (similar).
It was a great party to celebrate the end of summer, but it was also a bit of a “happy one year blogiversary” celebration for us too! Did you see last week’s post? Check it out here to read about all the fun happenings here at The Brick Nests! Cheers!
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- My nest is not a museum, it is a comfortable, charming, unique, fabulous home with young children. I have high-end custom pieces, vintage tag sale finds, authentic antiques, colorful prints, and basic box store staple furniture. There are many ways to add functional style to your home and I can't wait to share my ideas and inspirations with you!
It’s neat how you were able to throw such a good luau. My daughter wants to have a luau at Kaanapali beach when she visits next month. I will pass this on to her so she can prepare.