3 tips for party success

1 Beat the heat with a no-bake dessert

When it’s too hot to turn on the oven, offer up no-bake sunshine-themed treats created by party planner Laura Aguirre. To do: Make Rice Krispies treats per box directions, heating the marshmallows in the microwave or on the stove. As the treats cool, microwave yellow candy wafers according to package instructions; spread in a thin layer on top of the treats. Once cool, use a sun-shaped cookie cutter to punch out shapes, then draw on sunglasses and a smile with black icing.

2 Get guests laughing with luau games

When conversation is at a lull, a fun Hula- Hoop contest will get everyone mixing and mingling! Stock up on inexpensive hoops (like U.S. Games Standard Hula- Hoops, $ 40 for 12, Amazon.com) and see who can hula the longest. The winner gets to take home the luau centerpiece!

3Create a fun tiki atmosphere

To ensure guests feel like they’re in a tropical hideaway, play music perfect for luaus, like Don Ho’s Greatest Hits CD ($13, Amazon.com) or Elvis’ Blue Hawaii album ($7, Amazon.com). If you prefer streaming music from Spotify, search for the “Luau Music” playlist for more than an hour of fun songs perfect for your party!