Luau

The look of FabSugar's technicolor luau is eclectic but fun. Since some of the decorations — surfboard-shaped party lights, tiki-face napkins, neon plastic glasses — are loud, the food will be plated on simple white platters. Instead of serving the drinks in a stereotypical punch bowl, let guests help themselves to the cocktails from a beverage dispenser. Place a bowl with paper umbrellas near the glasses. The night may get wild, so skip expensive floral arrangements and opt for lush, green potted palm trees. After the party, Fab can put them on her balcony. Finally, when guests arrive, they'll expect to get leis, but surprise them with neon glow necklaces!

When Fab first asked me to help host her technicolor luau, I envisioned serving a fabulous layered tiki cocktail. However, deep down, I knew there was no way I could offer this kind of cocktail because it's too much work and I would end up spending the entire night behind the bar! To make things easier, I'll serve a tropical rum punch instead. The super-simple recipe can be multiplied for a large crowd. It combines light and dark rum with fresh squeezed orange juice, mango nectar, and pineapple juice. It's a potent, yet refreshing drink, that's sure to get any party started. To look at the recipe, read more

When I hear the word luau, I immediately think of a creamy, cool coconut dessert. This recipe is just that; it combines two favorite pie flavors — key lime and coconut — into one fabulous finger-friendly dessert.

Key lime-coconut bars are ideal for a Saturday night bash. They must be made in advance, are bite-sized and easy to eat, and with their dusting of confectioners sugar and lime zest, look pretty delightful!

Sound scrumptious? Get the recipe.

Although the technicolor luau starts after dinner, I plan on providing guests with a quartet of savory bites. A pupu platter is a Polynesian-inspired spread of appetizers that combines crispy and soft textures. What's on it? Crunchy fried shrimp toasts, salty sweet bacon-wrapped pineapple, and beef teriyaki zucchini skewers. The fourth item isn't tropical, but simply a classic favorite that Fab requested I make: corn dogs! However, I'm not making just any old corn dog, these addictive ones have a blue cheese crust and are served on skewers. For the festive recipes, read more

Every Summer FabSugar hosts a luau. Since Fab is so fashion-forward, the theme is not your typical Hawaiian-shirt extravaganza; each year she picks a different style for the luau. Last July she threw a sophisticated black-and-white soirée, and next month, she's going vibrant with a technicolor luau. Fab and I often collaborate on parties and this time will be no different. I'm doing the planning and cooking, she's doing the hosting. To get things started, I had to make Fab an invite. Learn how I made the one seen here and read more