Grazing tables and charcuterie boards are the perfect solution to pleasing a hungry crowd. You can easily provide a varied assortment of foods so you can be assured that there’s something satisfying for all your guests. Building a themed snack board is especially fun because it really amps up the festivities and gets the party going.

The tropical party theme is perfect for events and gatherings such as baby showers, gender reveal parties, bridal parties, birthdays, Galentine’s Day and more. For example if you’re hosting a home reception for an island destination wedding, a tropical themed grazing table can really help to cultivate those island vibes in your hometown.

Hosts putting on summer parties can also benefit from the colors and flavors of tropical-themed foods. On hot days the fresh fruit and lighter eats really compliment the summer vibes and atmosphere. The tropical theme can also lend itself to a Hawaiian Luau or even Caribbean inspired parties.

In my guide I will give tropical-themed food suggestions along with decor and hosting ideas. While there are many well-known foods and symbols associated with all those tropical vibes, I promise you’ll find some new and unexpected surprises in this blog post.

Top Foods to Include in Your Tropical Snack Board

Fresh Fruits

There are certain fruits that grown in tropic landscapes and we often associate them with good times on a white sandy beach. Incorporating these tropical fruits into your menu is crucial for those island vibes. These fresh fruits will also bring a lot of color and visual appeal to your table. The more the merrier for a rainbow display!

Tropical Fruit Shopping List:

Pineapple
Kiwi
Papaya
Mango
Bananas
Honeydew Melon
Cantalope
Strawberries
Dragon Fruit
Mandarines
Watermelon

Dried Fruits & Fruit Chips

Dried fruits are often forgotten about but they’re easy to keep on hand because they last longer than fresh fruit. When the fruit is dried out it often develops a more tart flavor and chewy texture. The key to an excellent grazing board is to provide your guests with all kinds of new food options to discover.

Tropical Dried Fruits Shopping List:

Dried Mango Slices
Crystalized Ginger
Dried and Sugared Pineapple
Chili Pineapple
Chili Mango
Coconut Chunks
Spicy or Plain Plantain Chips
Sweet Banana Chips

Tropical Nuts & Crunchy Snacks

The fruit on your tropical charcuterie board will bring the sweet flavors but you need to balance it out with some salty and crunchy options.

Salty Snacks Shopping List:

Hawaiian Macadamia Nuts
Cashews and Mixed Nuts
Pretzels
Yogurt Pretzels can add fun colors.
Strawberry Popcorn
Popcorn
Crackers with Cheese
Hawaiian Bread Rolls

Meats & Fish For Your Tropical Charcuterie Board

Add some hearty protein to the table for your guests by cooking up some chicken, pork or fish. To keep your meats on-theme try some of these grilled BBQ and meat salad recipes:

Pulled Pork Sliders with Hawaiian Bread Rolls
Peppers Stuffed with Tuna Salad - Pictured in the photos I made tuna salad with canned tuna, red onion, chopped red bell pepper, mayo and salt and pepper. Simple yet delicuous!
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs or Skewers

Tropical Themed Props & Decor for Your Party

Tropical Mini Paper Umbrellas

Nothing says vacation like a little mini umbrella in your tropical drink. Whether it’s alcoholic fruity cocktails or virgin pina coladas, that tiny little umbrella makes it extra special.

Orchid and Hibiscus Flowers

Using fresh orchids and hibiscus flowers as accents on your charcuterie board and table settings really adds a classy touch. The pops of color makes your display more inviting and memorable. Not to mention more picture-worthy!

Tikki Torches

If you’re hosting your tropical themed party outdoors, consider using tikki torches to bring light and warmth to the party area. When the party extends into the evening hours the glow from the flames will just continue to ignite the fun!

hawaiian leis

Greet your guests in the traditional Hawaiian fashion with a colorful flower leis necklace. While leis made from real flowers can be pretty pricey, you can budget with some inexpensive faux flower leis alternatives.

Tropical Plates and Drinkware

Not only does your food need to be on theme for a tropical soiree but it also really helps to liven the party when your plates and cups also have tropical prints and colors. You can even adorn your cups with whimsical tropical straws and charms.

Flamingo Accents and Motifs

Flamingos are pink and adorable! Decorate your tables and archways with flamingo garlands, flamingo confetti, cake toppers and even the invitations. Shop adorable flamingo party decorations here.

Tropical Luau Balloon Garland

If you’re hosting a bigger party with a big guest list then you may want to go big with decorations and decorate with a balloon arch or garland. On Etsy you can purchase balloon kits with all kinds of fun tropical themes.