Take Your Holiday Party to the Tropics

The holidays are all about over-the-top decorations, parties, and good cheer, and there’s perhaps no better way to lean into the festivities than by throwing a tropical holiday party complete with wintry vacation libations. And if anyone knows how to bring the tropical vibes all year long it’s Emily Mistell, co-owner of Portland’s Hey Love, the Best Hotel Bar in the U.S. from the 2023 Spirited Awards.

Hey Love hosts an annual Christmas pop-up called Sleigh Love with holiday decorations on top of holiday decorations, a Charlie Brown Christmas jazz night, and tropical holiday-themed cocktails, including frozen slushy versions of holiday classics. They also throw a Festivus celebration. “We have Jewish-inspired Chinese food and a Festivus pole where guests can air their grievances,” says Mistell. “It’s super fun and ridiculous.” The key to throwing a tropical holiday party? “Just have fun with it,” Mistell says. “Go big or go home.”

Decorations

When it comes to decorations, the more the better, says Mistell. “Lots of plants and twinkle lights. It’s fun to dress up a big palm as your ‘Christmas tree.’ Lawn flamingos wearing Santa hats. Love a poinsettia or cool bromeliad for pops of festive color without taking away from your tropical vibes. If you have the option to hang plants, that’s a fun way to transform the room as well. Or string lights across the ceiling. Place your pre-existing holiday decor in the mix!”

DIY Bar and Punch Bowls

If you’re setting up a bar where guests can build their own cocktails, focus on a specific drink like a Gin & Tonic. “You can grab some festive botanicals, i.e. cinnamon sticks, hibiscus, allspice, dragon fruit, kiwis, blood oranges, etc. Have fun with it! Dried tropical botanicals are a sure fit and always in season.” Also, set out a punch bowl for those who aren’t into the DIY option. “Gin is a great way to sass up rum with those festive holiday flavors but also a little nod to the tropics,” Mistell adds.

Stocking the Bar

When stocking your party bar, don’t overwhelm guests with choices. “Pick your fave classics and make sure you have those ingredients on hand: dry and sweet vermouth, Campari, bourbon, gin, vodka, Angostura and orange bitters, different mixers like soda water, etc.” Also take the opportunity to try something new. “Grab that bottle of holiday-flavored Bailey’s you’ve always wanted to try or that funky bottle of rum you never knew what to do with.”

Holiday Soundtrack

A tropical holiday party isn’t complete without a playlist to set the mood. Mistell recommends adding festive tunes by Cal Tjader, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, and Martin Denny to make “you feel like you’re on a beach in the tropics sipping on a Mai Tai during the ’50s.” But her business partner Aaron Hall, who curates Hey Love’s playlists, created “the best Tropical Christmas playlist, so that would be my first go-to,” adds Mistell.