​How To Plan A Topical Themed Party

If you are thinking about planning a tropical-themed party, we have some ideas for you, from food, music - and of course, the atmosphere. So get comfy, and grab your favorite pen and notepad.

Food

Where there is a party, there must be food. We feel like that is the golden rule. We don't have any recipes for you yet, but we do have some dish recommendations that will have your guests feeling like they are dining on a tropical island. 

​Appetizers 

Pineapple Salsa- Are you looking for a refreshing tropical appetizer? Sweet and salty has never been better! Pineapple salsa is the way to go. Chunks of juicy pineapple, red tomatoes, and onion paired with crunchy tortillas create a brightly colored dish. Serve your salsa in a half-cut pineapple for that extra umpff. ​

Meat

Jerk Chicken - This grilled, spicy dish is a staple within Caribbean communities. Jerk chicken is often enjoyed on weekends and served with a starchy side. You can find jerk seasoning in your local stores or visit an ethnic marketplace. 

Beef Skewers - Skewers are perfect if you are having more of a cocktail party than a sit-down-and eat-vibe. Start by layering chunks of beef, red and yellow sweet peppers, red onions, and your other favorite veggies. Marinate the skewers in your favorite zesty sauce and place them on a grill or broil in your oven. 
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Brown Sugar Glazed Ham - This dish is a must in The Unwritten Postcard household. We have it every Thanksgiving and Christmas. When you have a slice, your tastebuds will be in heaven. This recipe brings ham, brown sugar, pineapple juice, cherries, and clove for the perfect bite of paradise. Want this recipe? Leave a comment below, and we will work on getting that to you. ​

Drinks

Coladas -  This drink is very flexible - you can make pineapple, coconut, and other tropical-flavored fruit drinks. 
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Nectars - These pureed drinks are rich in flavor. Nectars are also a fan favorite in our household. Try flavors like guava, mango, and passion fruit to create the ultimate tropical mood. 

Music

A party without music is no party at all! If you want to add authenticity to your event, get the music to match. The music genres listed below are popular in our home country - Antigua. Of course, there is so much music variety in the Caribbean that you can browse and find those that best suit you. 

Soca- This genre of music combines the sounds of Africa and East India. It is more "jumpy" - music that makes you want to dance. Some popular artist in Antigua include Tian Winter, Ricardo Drue and Claudette Peters. In other countries you will find Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, and Destra Garcia. 

Calypso-  Calypso songs are those that tell a story. Calypso artist would write songs about the political climate and the country's atmosphere. I know it sounds serious, however you will be surprised! Calypso songs are filled with rhythm and humor, where you can't help but nod to the beat and sing along. Some Calypso artist include Mighty Sparrow, King Short Shirt, and Singing Sandra. 
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Steel Pan- There are no lyrics in this genre of music. The Steel Pan was created right in the Caribbean. If you want to feel like you are sitting under a palm tree with cool breeze blowing through your hair, steel pan is the way to go. ​

Atmosphere

You have your food, drinks, and music planned out now what? Building an atmosphere is just as important as everything previously listed. If you want to go one step above continue reading!

Invitations- . Sending out themed invitations will get your guest in the mood for some tropical fun before it has even begun.
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Decorations- Your event space is according to taste. Tropical themes can go in multiple ways, but colorful or muted is the most popular. Below is a color chart that compares the two. 
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Bright Colors: Color palettes like these take a variety of colors seen in the tropics. The bright pinks and yellows of flowers, oranges of the sunset, and green of the plants. 

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Muted Colors: Color palettes like these take colors from a single source. For example, a beach day: The white and tan colors of shells and sand, the light and darker blue/ and greens of the tropical ocean.

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Smells- Try capturing all the senses to create a complete tropical atmosphere. We have already addressed 3/5- sight, hearing, and taste. The fourth we will address is smells. Choose scents that are mild, like florals or fruity. ​