Top Tropical Wedding Venues by Cerulean Bay

Dreaming of Getting Married in An Exotic Paradise? Here are 5 of the Top Tropical Wedding Venues

How To Create The Perfect Tropical Appetizer Table

Have you wanted to do something different when having family and friends over but weren’t sure about how you change things up? Maybe you are noticing that every time you entertain, everything always looks the same. You pull out the same tablecloth, the same dishes and serving ware, and maybe you are making basically the same menu of appetizers and other snacks. Well, we are here to help you mix things up a bit!

If you love the tropics, you can transport your guests to an island paradise with lush tabletops, vibrant colors, and irresistible appetizers as you serve in true tropical style. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, a beach-themed birthday, or you just want to have people over for some social time, this guide offers everything you need to know to set the scene and bring your guests to the tropics at home!

5 Great Tips To Get You Started

With a bit of planning, you can create a truly beauty tropical display filled with tasty treats and it won’t require a lot of work or expense. You just need to consider the following:

What theme would work best for you and how casual or formal you wants things to be
What color palette you should use
What kinds of textures and natural materials you should include
Whether or not you want to include a centerpiece or two
What kind of tableware you want to you.

1. Choose A Tropical Theme

First, start by imagining what you would like to see on your tablescape. Every awesome tablescape starts with a clear theme. Think of the vibe you want your guests to experience as they peruse different appetizers and sit down to enjoy tropically inspired dishes. There are several designs and themes you can focus on which create different vibes and levels of energy such as:

Hawaiian Luau: Very casual, lots of bright colors in tabletop pieces, tiki torches, and floral leis or garlands.
Rainforest Chic: Casual with lots of lush greenery, mossy textures, dark polished woods, bright floral displays
Island Retreat: Casual but with a bit more style and classiness, coastal colors, shells, softer lighting, driftwood, rattan seating.
Palm Beach Glam: A little more upscale, gold accents against greens and whites, banana leaf prints, and clean white linens.

Some easy examples include creating nicely organized platters, trays, and serving boards with some large tropical leaves placed underneath and with other tropical foliage placed in vases of different sizes which are interspersed among the appetizers.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Going casual and simple with a hint of tropical textures and colors works best in informal settings so don’t create too much work for yourself!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Once you’ve decided on the level of formality and the direction in which you would like to go, you can begin sourcing décor and accent pieces that will build and reinforce the tropical look.

2. Use A Vibrant Color Palette

Tropical style is known for its bold and cheerful colors. Don’t be afraid to mix vibrant shades neutral tones.

Great primary colors: Coral, turquoise, lime green, yellow, tangerine.
Neutrals which help to tone down boldness and increase visual balance: Sand, ivory, natural wood, and varying shades of white.
Awesome colors for adding depth and boldness: Deep green, bold blues, splashes of sunset colors such as oranges and pinks.

Pro tip: Pick 2 or 3 dominant colors and let all other colors support and balance those.

Photo Credit: soiree-eventdesign.com

3. Layer With Textures And Natural Materials

Bring the tropics to life through materials like:

Bamboo or woven grass placemats
Palm or banana leaves used as runners or chargers
Woven baskets or rattan trays
Driftwood. A really cool large piece can act as a centerpiece for the table
Shells and coral fragments

Photo Credit: Celebrate And Decorate

Layering these elements adds a sense of depth and authenticity.

Pro tip: Think of your table setting as a landscape which is lush and full of variety. Then think of each individual place setting as its own smaller landscape within that larger landscape.

4. Create A Stunning Tropical Centerpiece

Make the centerpiece your focal point. Here are some cool ideas:

Tropical flower arrangement: Heliconia, bird of paradise, orchids, ginger lilies, anthurium, and plumeria. Include large leaves such as monstera, giant bird of paradise, and various cut palm fronds. Set these in a really eye-catching basket or in a large dramatic vase.

Photo Credits: Friends Café, Tonga

Fruit display: Stack pineapples or coconuts and use whole mangoes and papayas as addition accent pieces around the base of the centerpiece. Include various cut fruit in decorative bowls or trays.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

With just a bit of creativity, you can make some really fun displays and definitely create a “WOW” factor which will definitely have people smiling!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

If you get on Pinterest, you can find a million examples of fun and awesome ways to showcase cut fruits and vegetables. They range from easy to super artistic and the options are endless!

Candle and greenery combo: Add floating candles in hurricane glasses which are surrounded by tropical greenery.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

You can even set some pieces of driftwood in between hurricane glass to fill spaces and add visual interest. Just remember to keep any centerpieces at a moderate height so guests can see and visit with each other across the table.

5. Choose Coordinated Tableware

Mixing modern elegance with tropical flair keeps things elevated but fun. Choose pieces that are unique and which help to create a unified and cohesive look across the table.

Plates: Melamine in bold colors or botanical prints. Melamine is less formal and it is lightweight.
Napkins: Cloth napkins in vibrant patterns or natural linen with bamboo or natural fiber woven napkin rings.
Flatware: Gold or wood-handled for contrast.
Glassware: Colored glasses, tiki mugs, or coconuts for serving drinks.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Tropical-Inspired Appetizers To Wow Your Guests

Food presentation is a huge part of the tropical experience. Think fresh, colorful, and easy to eat. Here are a few basic suggestions:

Some Star Ingredients To Use

Tropical cuisine thrives on fresh, bold flavors so focus on these:

Tropical fruits: Mango, pineapple, papaya, passion fruit, guava, coconut, banana, watermelon, oranges.
Seafood: Shrimp, ahi tuna, crab, scallops, white fish.
Herbs and spices: Cilantro, mint, lime, ginger, chili, allspice.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, plantains, avocado, jicama.

These ingredients naturally enhance both taste and presentation.

Here is an idea for a tasty tropical appetizer party menu!

Appetizers

Coconut Shrimp with Mango Salsa
Jerk Chicken Mini Skewers
Papaya Boats with Prosciutto
Ceviche in Cucumber Cups
Plantain Chips with Guacamole

Dessert Bites

Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
Passionfruit Tarts
Coconut Macaroons with Chocolate Drizzle
Macadamia Nut Cupcakes with White Chocolate Frosting

Creative Food Presentation Tips

Presentation is everything when setting a tropical mood. Here’s how to add that island flair:

Serve on banana leaves instead of plates or trays.
Use coconut shells, hollowed out pineapples, or papayas as bowls.
Garnish with edible flowers like hibiscus, orchids, nasturtiums, or pansies. Purchase these as edible flowers to ensure you are using the right varieties.
Add umbrella picks or bamboo skewers for a playful touch.
Create a grazing board with tropical fruit, nuts, and dips arranged like an island landscape.

Here are some great ideas which range from super easy to those which take a bit more time to create. But you’ll be glad you took the time to create these!

Fish Veggie Tray

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Dolphin Fruit Cups

The more natural and playful your presentation, the more immersive the experience. Who knew bananas could come to life as dolphins?

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Watermelon Shark

Or get a watermelon and create a really cool fruit shark!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Use tropically inspired tablecloths which can be offset across the table when you want the side of the table your guests will see to really show off a cool pattern such as this coral print on a light blue background.

Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay

Serving boards which are crafted in true tropical style are also excellent ways to bring the tropics to the table!

Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay

Don’t Forget The Drinks!

No tropical gathering is complete without drinks that match the setting. And here are some great bar tips to that will keep your guests hydrated and happy!

Photo Credit: Instagram

Build a DIY Tropical Drink Station

Let guests mix their own beverages at a colorful drink bar. Regarding any booze, you be the judge about whether or not guests should be mixing their own drinks. If you know someone who would be willing to step up and be the responsible bartender, that could be a great (and safe) way to ensure no one over does it!

Juices: Passionfruit, pineapple, guava, mango, orange.
Alcohol: White rum, dark rum, coconut rum, tequila, vodka.
Garnishes: Lime wedges, orange slices, grenadine, mint, cherries, sugar rims, tropical umbrellas, napkins printed with palm motifs.
Glassware: Mason jars, tiki mugs, stemless wine glasses.

Photo Credit: Instagram

Include a few pre-made pitchers filled with:

Piña Coladas
Mai Tais
Tropical Sangria
Margaritas
Virgin Coconut-Lime Cooler

Be sure to label things with cute signs, especially unmarked pitchers which contain alcohol.

Set the Mood with Music, Tropical Scents and a Relaxing Ambiance

Why not take things a step further and immerse your guests with sounds from the tropics and some amazing scents too? Here are some cool ideas to bring the tropics to life right where you are!

Photo Credit: Fiji Dream Blog

Create a tropical playlist: Reggae, steel drum, authentic Hawaiian or South Pacific Islander music.
Find some cool apps or use a good quality sound machine with great speakers: Bring in the sounds of the beach with ocean waves or sounds of the rainforest with chirping birds and some thunder and rain.
Add tropical scents: Use diffusers with coconut, citrus, tropical floral essential oils. Strategically places these so guests can enjoy them but don’t let them overpower your appetizer table, especially if you have dishes there that smell awesome on their own.

These subtle touches deepen the tropical experience and help guests unwind.

Make It Instagram-Worthy!

Today’s guests love a shareable moment. Make your setup social-media ready and encourage guests to take pictures with their drinks and appetizers.

Photo backdrop: Hang palm leaves, use a bamboo screen or multi-panel tropical room divider. Create a cool tablescape set against nice landscaping in the yard which guests can sit at to snap photos.
Custom sign: Use a chalkboard or wood sign with a catchy hashtag.

A beautiful setting creates memories and will promote your hosting style online.

Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay

Final Thoughts

Creating a tropical-themed table and menu doesn’t mean you have to live in a tropical location. You can live pretty much anywhere in the world and create the most beautiful scenery and arrangements. And it certainly does not have to take a lot of time or money. You only need some creativity and a love for the tropics, for nature and of course for color. You also really must have fresh ingredients and access to tropical greenery. Tropical flowers are also an amazing touch if you can find them! A vibrant and bold tabletop filled with delicious appetizers with tropical beverages close at hand is what the tropical vibe is all about – joy, relaxation, and togetherness.

With these ideas in hand, you can create and host an unforgettable event that will transport your guests to paradise, no passport required!