lake at the

by VICTORIA SPREHE

Luau is one of the most festive themes you can use for a summer celebration. While southern Illinois is not Hawaii, home to the most famous luau celebrations, our lake is a beautiful backdrop for a luau celebration.

We used the luau theme for a block party celebration at our home on the lake a few years ago. I like to think it was legendary. However, I think King Kamehameha topped me. The most legendary ancient luau included King Kamehameha III’s 1847 event, during which his order of more than 4,000 taro plants, 271 pigs, 482 gourds of poi, 2,245 coconuts, and 5,000 fish were consumed by over 1,500 attendees in an opulent celebratory feast.* Now, that’s a luau.

A luau can be as simple or as extravagant as you have the time and energy for. Pinterest is filled with awesome ideas. Here are just a few of my favorites. With some empty boxes, colored markers, and colored paper, you have some great decorations. 

*mauiluau.com/luau-history