All About Cherry Capri
"Dear Cherry" TIKI MAGAZINE Advice Column
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Cherry Capri offers her services as your “Ultra Modern Living Hostess” with party planning, catering and decorating advice.
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Tiki Magazine Issue #4
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Issue #3
Dear Cherry,
Is it appropriate to go to a Tiki bar on the first date with a wahine [or kane] who doesn't drink? If so, is it appropriate to have 3 or 4 drinks, then ask her [or him] to drive home since she doesn't drink? Or should you save it for the second or third date?
Speaking of the third date rule, when is the right to time on the third date to say "your place or mine?" Should one just show up with an overnight bag or does one have to beat around the bush by euphemistically suggesting, “Come inside to check out my aquarium or Tiki collection"?
Christiki
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Dear Christiki,
I think you meant your query in jest, but actually, you brought up some really valid questions for us Tiki enthusiasts who enjoy a Mai Tai or two (or even three or four as you suggested). Heaven knows some of my favorite memories involve such antics. Actually, in some cases they are not so much memories, but mighty enjoyable blackmail pictures…but I digress.
As this column deals with all sorts of Tiki “lifestyle” issues, I thought I’d take on this general manners subject.
A “good” Tiki bar is certainly an appropriate date destination for both drinkers and non-drinkers alike. You know, I don’t think I would trust anyone who did not enjoy tropical surroundings, exotica music and a fruity drink (whether or not it’s laced with alcohol). I would hate to think of any Tiki fan dating someone who did not share some of his or her love for the Tiki way of life.
However, if you are on a first date, or even a first hang out with a new platonic friend, it’s a good idea to take it extra slow in the drinking department. This is *especially* true if the person you are with doesn’t imbibe. The odds of doing or saying something you might regret greatly increase as you suck ‘em up. Why put yourself through the morning after repentance and possibly make someone else be remorseful for hanging out with you? No, it’s better to keep things light and friendly for first outings.
As far as making someone drive you home after you have crossed the line of one too many, this is not even a matter for discussion. You may lose points for getting too toasty on your date, but if the date went well otherwise, you have a chance to redeem points by being smart enough to know you’re not a safe driver in your condition. And a swell bunch of makeup thank you flowers delivered the next day would be right on the money!
Overall, I’d like to see a return to gentility in these times. We live in a rough and tumble world and are so desensitized to stimulus all around us. I like the idea of taking time to enjoy the small pleasures around us and this includes enjoying a topnotch cocktail. This implies that one should take one’s time sipping, not gulping, that 151 concoction.
Rather than try to impress your date or drown your sorrows with too many, why not treat yourself extra special on a regular basis? Order or mix up something using that really good bottle of rum. Just drink less of it and enjoy it more. Remember, quality not quantity! When I think of the drinks I’ve enjoyed by the infamous Dr. Z. or Iuka Grogg… Those are the kinds of drinks that deserve slow appreciation. And slooooooow appreciation of the finer things is sure to be out and out sexy to your date.
Now onto the latter part of your question, after I stand by my above comments about slowing down a bit. Enjoy the tease, the wait, the antici…
…pation.
While I believe honesty is always the best policy, there are times when tact, consideration and clever repartee are part of the dance of dating.
There is nothing as exhilarating as spontaneity. Unless a slumber party was agreed to and planned ahead of time by both of you, skip the overnight bag. There’s something quite sweet and naughty about having to borrow someone’s toothbrush.
So when the time finally feels right to find out…ahem…what each other’s home “Tiki collection” looks like, by all means phrase it that way. I hope love of Tiki is what brought you together, so suggesting to head back to your place to see your original Leetag painting makes perfect sense. And when you put on the vinyl version of Arthur Lyman’s “Pele” and something erupts (tee hee) well, that’s only natural.
Whether you’re searching for a new love or already have someone special in your life, make every moment count. Remember, every night is “date night” in Hawaii!
Cheers!
Cherry Capri
 Issue #2
Dear Cherry,
Two-part question: (a)Is hard alcohol (vodka, rum, whiskey) considered improper to bring as a gift while visiting ones home in comparison to bringing wine, which some consider to be more "sophisticated"?
(b)If bringing hard alcohol, is it too much to assume that your host will have all of the garnishes, mixers and accompaniments?
Sugar Caddy Daddy
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Dear Sugar,
Well first of all, thank you for reminding our readers that good manners still exist in this world. One of the nicest ways to say thank you to a host or hostess for throwing a party or gathering is to bring a gift. It's nice to know you are keeping this lovely tradition alive.
The most common hostess gift of course is a bottle of wine and you can rarely go wrong with that. I know some people have loosened up on the rules about what wines go with what food, but I like to stand by them. Generally they are: red goes with heavier dishes like meats and pastas and white goes with lighter dishes such as fish and poultry. So if you bring a bottle to go with the meal being served, try to know ahead of time what is needed. But whether the wine is to be enjoyed at the gathering or by your host at a later time, try and chose something you have already tasted and know is good wine. That way you can present it with a little story about your gift, i.e., "The Mrs. and I tried this wine at Sam's Seafood last time we had dinner there, and we really enjoyed it. So we thought we'd bring a bottle for you to enjoy, too."
Now, in the Tikified world we don't drink wine as much because we love our rum! So the point of the above paragraph and my answer is… a hostess gift has less to do with "sophistication" and more to do with "appropriateness." The best gift is always one that is well suited to the recipient. That shows the ULTIMATE sophistication.
So if your host is a vodka aficionado and likes to make Chi Chis – definitely present a bottle of vodka! Or if you know your host is a newbie to mixology – surprise them with a nice bottle of Demera Rum!
As far the second part of your question, although not necessary, I think you can never go wrong in going a little over the top with your hostess gift and providing correct accompaniments for your bottle would surely be appreciated.
As far as good manners dictate, though, I would not be too worried about whether they have the garnishes, mixers, etc. unless you are actually mixing the bottle you bring AT the party. If this is the case, yes, bring what is necessary to fully enjoy the bottle. However, if you are bringing it strictly as a hostess gift, the host may wish to reserve it for later usage and it really would be up to them to decide what they'll need to mix it up.
One thing that has not been mentioned yet is the presentation of your hostess gift. What is a gift without a wrapper anyway? In essence, it is an unwrapped gift. And it should be your recipient who unwraps the gift, not you. So go ahead and put a little garnish on the gift. The wine bags they sell at the stores nowadays are nice, but can add to the cost of the gift if you are on a budget. So at the very least, consider a ribbon that compliments the color and design of the label. If the bottle is bright green, don't be putting a red bow on it unless it's Christmastime. Try a color coordinated blue or green bow instead. You get the idea… I have a couple of skeins of raffia (the crinkly ribbon-like straw you can find in import stores) on hand for such usage: natural colored and a few subtle colors.
Also, I really like it when friends put a tag on the bottle. After a long evening of imbibing, it is easy to forget who brought what. And the next morning when you see the bottle of Barcardi sitting there with a "to" and "from" note it reawakens the moment you received it. So it's actually like you gave two gifts instead of one!
Finally, it's also good to be aware if your hosts don't drink alcohol at all. In which case chose something else appropriate such as unusual sodas or organic juices or just a lovely bouquet of flowers. Everyone likes flowers! These days there are plenty of wonderful tropical flowers readily available at your local grocery, from Bird of Paradise to Ginger to those super fragrant Asiatic Lilies and beyond!
The last part of the equation for being a sophisticated guest is a follow-up note, email or phone call thanking the host for their hard work in putting together a great gathering. And as long as you can remember what you did ? let them know what a fine time you had.
And by the way SCD, I'll be sure to invite you to MY next party!
Okole Maluna!
Cherry Capri
 Issue #1
Dear Cherry,
What would the best way to dress up a table for a Tiki party?
Mr Smiley
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Dear Mr. Smiley,
We all put energy into dressing in cool Aloha wear at parties, so even the smallest gathering of Tiki friends deserves a well dressed table. And being a good host or hostess is about thinking of ways to make your guests feel special and letting them know that you appreciate their friendship.
Starting with the basics… Cover your table with fabric. Tapa style cloth is ideal, but something with a tropical print is pleasing. Choose subtle tones over bright tones as they will make your food look more appetizing. Cloth with a coarse canvas or nubby nautical texture would also be appropriate. If your table cloths aren't large enough to cover the whole table, use multiple cloths draped artistically together as long as they don't clash color-wise.
Here's a trick that the professionals use. Before you put the cloth on the table, make it more exciting by adding levels to it. That is, before you lay your table cloth down, arrange weighted boxes or items that create a variety of heights to put things on. I have used books towards the middle of the table and even paint cans towards the back! It doesn't matter what they look like, because they will be covered with cloth. You just want sturdy items that won't tip over. This helps to visually define areas on your table so your guests can see everything you have to offer them easily. Plus, Tiki décor is about "layers" and it gives you more nooks and crannies in which to place Tiki tchotchkes (say that 3 times fast).
Next, don't just put out a bag of chips on the table. Pour them into a bowl for goodness sakes… That goes for all food. Take things out of their packages and arrange them on real dishes. Vintage tableware like CorningWare or FiestaWare can compliment the Tiki motif. But even a plain silver mixing bowl is better than a bag. Also, take a look around at your various Tiki collectibles and think outside of the box in using them. For instance, (as long as you don't find this sacrilegious) consider a Scorpion Bowl for mixed nuts! Have extra bowls on hand for guests who bring a thoughtful snack, so their food looks nice on the table, too.
Although I know you can find Hawaiian print napkins and plates at party stores, I suggest basic red for Tiki parties. Garish patterns tend to make food less appealing. Offer luncheon or dinner sized napkins for food and cocktail napkins for drinks. If you really like fancy print napkins, (or if you have a secret stash of Mai Kai napkins) reserve them for cocktails.
The final decorative elements are what make your table uniquely yours. Whether you have a single formal centerpiece or an odd number of decorative items, you need something to give focus to the table. A Moai head or several small carvings make a delightful centerpiece. Stems of exotic flora like Bird of Paradise or Ginger are also suitable. And for me, a table is not complete without fire!!! Try red votive candles or Plumeria blossoms with floating candles in a bowl. For a luau, my personal favorite is the classic paper maché volcano placed amid decorative red volcano rocks (from your local hardware store) using a canned sterno flame on top!
Over the top table décor can even help as an icebreaker for new friends! You'll overhear your guests saying, "That's a nice Tangaroa centerpiece."
"Wow! You know the name of that Tiki?"
"Sure I do. And my name's Bruce. What's yours?"
Now, don't forget to take into consideration what you will actually put on your table besides decor. Tiki drinks are generally on the sweet and pungent side, so serve savory snacks. And finger foods are especially good because then you don't have to worry about providing forks and knifes.
Lastly, if you let people smoke indoors (I do on special occasions, because if feels "retro") make sure ashtrays are available away from the food. If guests smoke outdoors, make sure the smoking section is equally dressed up: chairs, a Tiki torch or two and a table where they can place drinks with a candle and ashtray(s).
Your guests will really appreciate the time you take in making your table look nice. And think of how clever and stylish you'll feel when you see your beautifully dressed up Tiki Table!
Good luck at your next party!
Okole Maluna!
Cherry Capri
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About Tiki Magazine
First published in April 2005, Tiki Magazine is a quarterly devoted to Tiki, Polynesian Pop, Hawaiiana and the Island Lifestyle. Each issue features established and upcoming artists, musicians and carvers, as well as spotlighting new Tiki bars, restaurants and merchandise. Both the premiere and summer issues are available at stores that carry Tiki and Hawaiiana art and merchandise, bars, restaurants and online at www.tikimag.net.
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