Post #467814 by Hibiscus on Thu, Jul 9, 2009 6:21 AM

From experience, I can say that sticking with food that doesn't require utensils is the best way to go. If it can be eaten on a skewer, a toothpick, or as finger food, it's a lot easier for everyone.

Things I've had good luck with:

teriyaki steak (or chicken) skewers
mini fresh fruit kebab on a toothpick, with or without a lime/honey/yogurt dip
chicken wings
ham and pineapple picks
mini kalua pork sandwich rolls

Consider making some stuff ahead of time that you can microwave when you need it. Also maybe consider some nice frozen appetizers from Trader Joe's or wherever. Some folks like to serve things that are more classic retro than strictly tiki, like pigs-in-blankets, Swedish meatballs and the like.

I also supplement with some Chinese take out, so I'm not spending my whole party in the kitchen...chicken fingers, wontons, and scallion pancakes, garnished on a platter with a fresh orchid or slices of starfruit, suddenly look a whole lot more festive.

And yeah...pitcher drinks are the way to go, for sure. Otherwise you spend the whole night with a cocktail shaker in your hands and not hanging with your guests (which is exactly what happened at my first tiki party).

Have fun!