Vintage Hawaiian Bridal Shower

A Hawaiian themed bridal shower is a fun change-up from the triditional afternoon tea. Capture the spirit of Aloha with retro hula girl accents and tiki totems on the table. Luaus were all the rage in the 50's when Hawaii became a state, and mid-century Hawaiian images have been reproduced on everything from cocktail napkins to greeting cards and invitations. 

Flower leis are gorgeous but costly, and silk leis may be too casual for this affair.

For a lasting memento, welcome party guests with island jewelry like seashell bracelets or leis. Or give classic island style a contemporary mainland edge, by putting inlaid shell pendants and carved shell flower charms on bead chains.

Oriental Trading has a beautiful and affordable selection of shell charms, reminiscent of traditional Hawaiian artistry. If it suits your crowd, set up a jewelry making station, where guests can create their own Polynesian accessories.

As far as food goes, I have a vintage cookbook collection that includes Trader Vic's Book of Food & Drink, published in 1946. What is essentially a book on entertaining, reads like a seafarer's tale written by the famous restaurateur.

One of the menus in the book is for "A Chinese Dinner in the Trader Vic Manner," with recipes for Chow Mein, Paper-Wrapped Chicken, and classic Polynesian fare. My advice: make a couple of dips and tasty nibblers, and then order from your local Chinese restaurant to complete your Hawaiian feast.