Have a tropical tea party!

Looking for a fun new way to get together with the girls? Have a tropical tea party, and serve up tempting treats inspired by the islands!

1Lei out an enchanting table!

Welcome guests to your tea table the traditional tropical way: with leis! You can find lots of options starting at $2.99 for 12 at Oriental Trading.com—simply place one at each setting, drape over the back of a chair or even loop a few times to create a “nest” for teapots! Or for an extra-special treat, order Hawaiian leis direct from the islands from Pacificleis.com.

2Select tropical teas!

In Jamaica, the tea of choice is hibiscus (like Traditional Medicinals Organic Hibiscus Tea, $4.99, in Target stores), which has a sweet, slightly tart flavor. Throughout the Caribbean, imported green teas are sipped at breakfast and afternoon tea. Try green tea blended with other tropical flavors, like Harney & Sons Green Tea with Coconut, Ginger, and Vanilla ($12, Englishteastore.com). Or for a taste of Hawaii, go for the Mango Maui Tea from Hawaii Coffee Company ($6, Hawaiicoffeecompany.com).

3Serve up a showstopping app!

For the perfect island appetizer, turn a cheese ball into a pineapple! In a bowl, mix 16 oz. softened cream cheese, 16 oz. shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese, 1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple, drained, 1 chopped small jalapeño, cored and seeded, 1/2 tsp. ground cumin and 1/2 tsp. coarse salt. Form the mixture into a ball. Cover in plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 2 hours. Before serving, unwrap, place on a platter and mold into an oval. Cover with 2 cups pecan halves to create the pineapple skin. Use a reserved pineapple top to complete the look or create your own with the green tops of 2 bunches of scallions. Serve with crackers.

4 Give tea sandwiches a tropical makeover!

Afternoon tea wouldn’t be complete without finger sandwiches! For a fun tropical twist, add slices of pineapple to traditional ham and mustard or try this Hawaiian recipe for chicken salad: Mix together 2 cups diced chicken breast, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup chopped Macadamia nuts, 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1 tsp. yellow mustard, then spread the mixture onto King’s Hawaiian bread or rolls.

5Enjoy island flavors with mini tarts!

Pre-made mini tart shells (usually found in the frozen food aisle at large grocery stores) are the starting point for this high tea classic. The tropical twist? Fillings inspired by the famous fruits of the islands!

● Pineapple-coconut: Fill tarts with coconut pudding (like Jell-o Instant), then top with crushed pineapple.

● Banana: Spoon prepared banana pudding into each shell and top with sliced bananas just before serving.

Guava: Top tarts with guava jam (found in the international food section of large grocery stores).