Aloha to the Season: A Backyard Luau Before Summer Begins
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Just Something Fun
There’s a point right now — right before summer fully settles in — where you can feel things starting to change.
You start hearing it more often…
“We’re leaving next week.”
“Let’s get together before we go.”
And somehow, without overthinking it, this becomes the moment for one last gathering.
Not a formal dinner.
Not something overly thought out.
Just something fun.
Why This Felt Like the Right Kind of Party
I didn’t want anything complicated.
No long menu.
No perfectly styled table.
No pressure for it to look a certain way.
Just something that felt a little unexpected… and easy for everyone to say yes to.
And for some reason, a luau just made sense.
Maybe it’s the idea of it.
Maybe it’s the colors.
Maybe it’s just that it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
But the second you say “let’s do a luau” — the mood shifts.
The “Tiki Bar” (Which Was Really Just a Table… Until It Wasn’t)
This sounds fancier than it was — at least at first.
After a little late-night searching online, we had the same thought we always do:
“We can make this ourselves. It’ll be easy.”
A few trips to Home Depot later — for PVC pipe, elbows, tee fittings… and then back again for zip ties and spray paint — we had the frame.
That’s when the fun part started.
Decorating it.
Pulling it together.
Figuring it out as we went.
And really, it turned out even better than we expected.
Would it have been easier to just order one online?
Yes. Yes it would. By a lot.
And at some point — somewhere between the second and third trip to Home Depot — there was the not-so-subtle comment:
“You know, it would have been cheaper (and a whole lot less frustrating) to just buy this thing.”
And of course… he’s not wrong.
But where’s the fun in that?
There’s something about putting a little time into it — even when it’s not perfect — that makes it feel more meaningful.
If you’d like the full DIY steps, I’m happy to share what worked… and what didn’t.
Shop the Setup
If you’d rather skip the extra trips to the hardware store… here are a few easy finds that create the same look.
Tiki Bar Setup
Finishing Touches
Drink Setup
Food (Keep It Easy — You’ll Be Glad You Did)
This is where it’s easy to overdo it — and where I didn’t.
A few simple things:
• something grilled
• something fresh
• something easy to grab
• something tropical to drink
That’s it.
Signature Drink: A Simple Piña Colada
This was the one thing that made the party feel a little special — and it couldn’t have been easier.
Piña Colada (Serves 2)
• 8 oz Pineapple Juice
• 2 oz coconut cream - we like Coco Real
• 1.5 (ish) oz coconut rum
• 2 cups iceCherry on top (optional of course)
Blend until smooth. We use the Margaritaville Margarita Maker which makes it so smooth.
Serve in a chilled glass with a slice of pineapple & of course an umbrella!
This recipe is deliciously refreshing, and the non-alcoholic version works well too.
Set the Mood
A simple playlist playing softly in the background is one of those details guests always remember. Press play and feel how the music shifts the mood — instantly a little more relaxed, a little more festive. It’s one of those small, thoughtful details that makes everything feel more intentional.
Because a chill vibe IZ what we’re going for. 🎶
The Part You Don’t Plan For
There’s something about this stage of life that starts to settle in.
You don’t need a reason to have people over.
You don’t need everything to match.
You don’t need it to be perfect.
You just decide:
This sounds fun. Let’s do it.
And that’s enough.
And somehow… that’s exactly what makes it perfect.
This might just be the best part — finally having the time to enjoy it, without overthinking it.
Maybe this retirement life is simpler than we thought.
Closing Thought
So before everyone heads out…
Before the heat fully settles in…
Before the season shifts completely…
Have one last gathering.
Make it simple.
Make it fun.
Make it a little unexpected.
From the Blog
A few more ideas for relaxed, beautiful outdoor living.
