Indoor Winter Luau Party

If you have hardwood floors, linoleum, tile or any other sturdy ground - most likely in your kitchen, mudroom or bathroom - cover it with a tarp. Create an actual beach by dumping tons of sand onto the tarp. Use Safe Sand for the purest and whitest variety. You can use an outdoor rake to even it out.

The clean-up is easy; ask your strongest guests to lift each corner of the tarp and gingerly tie it off (much like you would do with a garbage bag). A volunteer with a pick-up truck can dump the sand the next day.

Sure, you'll probably find a few sand pebbles throughout your home - but it's nothing a vacuum can't take care of. Plus, you and your guests will experience that lovely "sand-between-your-toes" feeling that is usually associated with summer.

Some popular sandy accessories-

• A blow - up baby pool: Fill it with anything you like - tropical alcoholic punch, bottles of water, float toys or even goldfish.
• Buckets & shovels: Which luau-er will be the first to suggest a sand castle building contest?
• Umbrellas: The more colorful and vibrant, the better. Prop it up in a corner or against a table to create faux shade. So beach chic!
• Surfboards: You may have some in your basement or shed. If not, simply take large pieces of cardboard and make your own. Stack them up in descending size order in front of a large window for photo op your guests will take full advantage of.
• Beach towels: Leave piles of assorted beach towels from your favorite trips and summers past in each bathroom in lieu of hand towels.
• Seashells: Shells make for breathtaking centerpieces for the kitchen table, coffee table or counter top. Surround them with white votives for an ethereal look.