Hawai'i has become a crossroads between Asia and the U.S. mainland. The cross-pollinations of many cultures have all combined in the Hawaiian Islands, creating a rich quilt of traditions, ceremonies, and celebrations.

Author Kaui Philpotts, having been born and raised on the Islands, is very familiar with these various cultures and their celebrations, and as an avid home entertainer, she is a good authority on how to throw a party, "Hawai'i Style," thus we have Philpotts' latest book, Party Hawai'i – A Guide to Entertaining in the Islands.
In her Introduction, Philpotts explains the purpose behind the book: "Party Hawai'i is a 'how-to' book that focuses on the way we entertain today, whether it's a luncheon on the grounds of Queen Emma's summer palace, or a dinner party at an 85-year-old Japanese teahouse high above the city. We show you how to shop in Chinatown the way locals do and introduce you to party themes you many never have considered. It shows how much like everyone else we are—and how different with our baby lü'au, sunset weddings on the beach, and mochi pounding at the New Year."
Chapters cover everything from the basics of party planning to detailed accounts of various themed parties -- including "Easter Brunch on the Lawn," a "Bollywood Birthday," "Very Pink Girls' Day," "Beach Party goes Tex Mex," and "Holiday in Eden," to name but a few. Within in each chapter there are descriptions of the type of invitations to create and use, favors to hand out, table settings, and very detailed recipes for bar drinks and entrée meals. Each chapter also includes a detailed timeline so you can schedule your party preparations.
Whether you live in Hawai'i, or simply want to party like you do, Party Hawai'i details everything you will need to create a successful party for friends and family. Filled with beautiful color photographs of table settings, food, drinks, and the party environment, this book could easily become an indispensable handbook for your next themed party.
Party Hawai'i196 p., Hardcover
$27.95
Mutual Publishing
www.mutualpublishing.com