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Send Winter Doldrums Packing

Ahhh!!! The beach, the sun, the soothing waves of the ocean. If you can’t make it to Hawaii this winter, bring Hawaii to you. Forget about the cold and snow with a winter luau.

Start with invitations with a tropical theme. Ask guests to dress in beach attire or if they really want to go crazy, a grass skirt and coconut top. Most party supply stores even carry luau packages complete with cups, plates, napkins and decorations. You can also just buy tableware in bright colors.

Set the scene with tiki lamps outside to guide your guests past the pink flamingoes on the lawn. Inside “plant” plastic or paper palm trees. Scatter seashells and hibiscus flowers along the table as your centerpiece. Tropical party music is a must. Put Jimmy Buffet or Don Ho on the stereo. Throw in an inflatable parrot and some luau lights and you’ve got a party.

Another important part of a luau is the food. Have plenty of tropical fruit like mangoes, bananas and, of course, pineapples. For the main course, try kebobs with meat and vegetables or chicken with pineapple sauce. Do a search on-line to find recipes. (No matter how authentic you want to be, you might want to skip the poi.)  Macadamia nut cookies make for a delicious dessert. As for the drinks, pineapple juice or a fruity cocktail take you straight to Maui.

Have a least one leis for each guest. If you can, greet each guest at the door to welcome them with the leis. Aloha!

Learn to Shine With Others

If you want to treat others with a classiness that is rare in the world, follow these tips from Alan Weiss from the Balancing Act newsletter (www.summitconsulting.com). Here’s what he recommends.

• Listen to others without judgment. Often people aren’t really looking for an opinion; they just want to be heard. Look at it as a rare opportunity to give someone what he or she really wants in life.

• If someone is boring you with a long rendition about a trip or some other dull subject, show patience and ask how he or she enjoyed the weather or the food. Be kind and considerate. They are trying to share something with you, even if they aren’t doing a very good job of it. Try to keep in mind that you’ve probably done your share of the same thing at some point in your life. Treat the other person as you wish you had been treated at the time.

• If you are angry about some type of service you are receiving (or not receiving) while with others, don’t ruin everyone’s experience by making a scene. If you must say something, say it in private. Remember that others in your group may not care about the same things or to the same degree that you do.

• Try not to take things personally. Not everything in the world is about your self-worth.

• Paying an unexpected compliment is worlds better than giving an expected gift. Give it a try and you’ll understand.

• When you want the other person to believe that it’s really their choice and opinion that matter, don’t rush to give your opinion or make your choice first. Enough said.

• Watch your body language. If you hand someone a gift while wearing a scornful look, you’ll cancel out the good energy of giving.

• If you make a commitment, follow through. An unfulfilled commitment is far worse than no commitment at all. Don’t opt for immediate perceived relief that will only turn to disappointment later.

• If you need someone’s help, offer him or her something that serves his or her interest in return. Don’t create an obligation or establish guilt when you do this. Give what you offer free and clear.