SEE & DO: Tropical Appetizers on a Stick for a Summer Party

The summer sun has got to have you dreaming of a seaside paradise somewhere! So why not bring that laid-back tropical vibe to your patio or backyard with some summer entertaining. It could be a fun pool party, an Asian-inspired BBQ, or a tiki-themed cookout. We’ve got just the idea for what to serve: DIY tropical appetizers on a stick!

Handy to serve, bite-size mouthfuls that pack savory, seafood, and fresh-fruit flavors. And all dressed up for a party with some clever decorating tips we’ve got for you! Pair them with frosty glasses of iced tea and fruit juices, or cool blue cocktails. And for a sweet tropical finish, piña colada-inspired desserts!

Tropical Party Bites You Can Make

Melon, salami, and olives on a stick appetizers

Gather the basic materials. Examples: mini bamboo skewers or toothpicks, a basket-tray, a wooden cheese board, 1 package banana leaf-sheets (look for these in an Asian food store)

Faux pineapple with tropical appetizers

Find decorative accents to create a serving station with a tropical vibe. Examples: a whole pineapple (fresh or faux), an arrangement of tropical blooms (fresh or artificial), flower leis, mini paper parasols, seashells, sinamay or palm-leaf place mats, bamboo sticks

Decorated appetizer sticks with beads

Dress up the skewers/toothpicks with fun, colorful trimmings. Examples: crepe paper tassels, plastic or wooden beads (only if serving to adults!), raffia twine, mini faux orchids, small leaves

Serve appetizers on square or angular plates.

Assemble your chosen tropical appetizer recipe. Make your own favorite flavor combinations, plus take your pick from our scrumptious selection below!

Must-try appetizer-on-a-stick recipes

First, from two of our own posts:

Tiki Bar Appetizers: Easy Recipes that Go All Out with Flavor

Easy Appetizers on a Stick for a Potluck Gathering

Plus, tropical flavor combos from other must-visit recipe sites:

Sausage and Pineapple Appetizer Kabobs (Joy in Every Season)

Shrimp, Melon and Pineapple Kabobs (Betty Crocker)

Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers (Hidden Valley)

Easy Melon and "Prosciutto" Skewers (My Food and Family)

Hawaiian Meatball Appetizers (Yummly)

Ginger-Glazed Grilled Honeydew (Taste of Home)