If the gathering of Hawaiian goods seems...

If the gathering of Hawaiian goods seems daunting, give yourself over

to the House of Tiki at 1860 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa. Owner Wes

Johnson provides luau rentals ranging from a single extra-large tiki

statue to complete party packages that can include a thatched-roof

bamboo bar, tiki statues, reed fencing, masks, strings of tiki

lights, torches and fake palm trees.

House of Tiki also has the details down. Hawaiian-themed napkins,

coconut cups, tiki mugs, scented candles, lanterns, shell leis and

much more can be found there.

You’ve got the clothes. You’ve got the torches and the tikis. But

for a true Hawaiian feel, you need flowers and foliage, and lots of

them. For large quantities, or for those looking to save a little

green on their green, stop by Artistic Florists wholesale shop at

2925 College Ave., Suite B in Costa Mesa, where there is a great

selection of colorful and fragrant tropical flowers and huge, shiny

leaves. Orchids in all colors, large stalks of red ginger, birds of

paradise, bright red anthurium and many, many ti leaves are all must

haves. The custom of giving your guests a lei is still popular on the

islands and is sure to please here on the mainland. Some Hawaiian

companies sell leis over the Internet and ship overnight. But if you

don’t want to risk it, you can order sweet-smelling leis from

Artistic Florists or even make them yourself from blossoms.

And to the wahines: A hibiscus behind the ear is always

attractive, but do it right. If you are single, put the flower behind

your right ear. If you are romantically involved, put the flower

behind your left ear, closest to your heart.