Mixed Plate Special - The art of entertaining

The art of entertaining

Sunday, March 08 2009

Ever been to a lū‘au on Moloka‘i? If so, you’ll agree that islanders know how to throw a good party. Sure, part of fun quotient is up to the guests, but a big part has to do with diligent preparation and good food.

Whether you’re throwing an elaborate Easter brunch, a tea party or a surprise baby shower at the office, Kaui Philpotts’ book Party Hawai‘i can help you get ready.

Philpotts, formerly a food editor and food columnist at the Honolulu Advertiser, has carefully studied island-style eating traditions—foremost, Hawai‘i loves to eat!—and has compiled the handsome hardbound guide with more than 200 color photos by Kaz Tanabe and David Franzen to celebrate the unique way that Hawai‘i locals throw parties, whether they’re formal dinners, backyard pā‘ina, or beach potluck. She says that island parties can be simultaneously sophisticated and relaxed, pointing out, “The host may be serving lychee martinis, but all the shoes are off and in a tumble at the front door.”

With the meticulous organizational skills of a wedding planner, Kaui creates thorough checklists for nine eclectic parties including a Chinese New Year celebration, a Bollywood Birthday, and a Tex-Mex Beach Party. Suggestions for invitations, party favors, table settings accompany sample food and drink menus with uncomplicated recipes. For the Very Pink Girls Day party, for example, she teaches you how to make sakura punch (orange sherbet, pineapple juice, champagne or lime soda, yum!) somen salad, and cucumber namasu.

The book is full of practical advice: etiquette—never show up at someone’s house empty-handed; outdoor tips—have mosquito punks and sunscreen at the ready; dos and don’ts—do greet everyone as they arrive and don’t forget non-drinker. You’ll also find interesting notes about a variety of cultural traditions—poi suppers, omiyage giving, teahouses—and how they have been integrated into island culture.

Party Hawai‘i: A Guide to Entertaining in the Islands
By Kaui Philpotts
Mutual Publishing
208 pages; hardcover; $27.95

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