Bring a Hawaiian-themed gift to your next luau.
Hawaii-themed parties and luaus are a popular way to kick back and relax. Few things are worse, however, than strapping on your open-toe sandals, grass skirt and coconut bra only to realize that you've failed to prepare a gift for the party's host. Save yourself this potential embarrassment by thinking ahead---bringing a Hawaiian gift to the luau will ingratiate you with the host and impress other party goers. Does this Spark an idea?
Pit-Roasted Pig
Ask the host ahead of time if the party will be a potluck, or if you can help out by providing sustenance for the festivities. If so, consider roasting a pig in traditional Hawaiian style to bring some Hawaiian flavor to the party---literally. One recipe calls for a 100-lb. whole pig, which should be enough to feed about 100 ravenous pork lovers. Chop off the pig's head and knuckles, and either cut or break its spine so that it can lay perfectly flat while cooking (you may prefer your butcher to do this). Roasting it in a hand-dug pit for 12 to 18 hours should do the trick---and don't forget to thank the pig for his noble sacrifice and wish him luck. Toast him with a mint julep---for the sake of tradition, of course.
Tiki Idol
Tiki décor---often characterized by carved wooden heads and faces---is a popular icon of the Pacific islands. Present your host with a small tiki idol to enhance the party's Hawaiian ambiance. Be sure, however, that it was not unlawfully taken from an ancient Hawaiian burial ground, lest you subject the gift's recipient to a cursed taboo that could render him victim to the spider attacks and near-fatal surfing accidents that once plagued the Brady Bunch.
Barack Obama Merchandise
America's 44th president, Barack Obama, was born and raised in Hawaii---use this connection to your gift-giving advantage and bring your hostess something nobody else will have thought of. Because of the fanfare that followed him during his presidential campaign, Obama merchandise is easy to come by---treat the hostess to a bottle of Obama wine or an Obama lighter for igniting the party's tiki torches.
Hawaiian-Themed Movies
Bring some Hawaiian-themed DVDs to play at the party. Movies like "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," "Lilo & Stitch" and "50 First Dates" all feature the 50th state as backdrops for comedy, while TV shows filmed in Hawaii like "Hawaii 5-0" and "Lost" may also foster feelings of appreciation for the Pacific islands in your fellow party goers.
Tags: Barack Obama, Pacific islands, party goers