by Jen “Lil’ Bit” Schleusner
Tiki Tiki Time
This year’s Dragon Con wasn’t just about fandoms and cosplay—it was also about cocktails, creativity, and tiki culture. I had the pleasure of being part of the
Creating the Ultimate (Home) Tiki Bar panel, where I joined some incredibly talented folks to discuss what makes a great tiki bar, especially in your own space. With a mix of art, design, history, and personal touches, the conversation covered the whole spectrum of building an immersive home experience.
The Lineup
Moderated by Michael Gordon, the creator of the Tiki Zombie comic, the panel featured a powerhouse lineup of experts:
Sara Pope Hoffman: Artist behind Cannibal Junction and builder of the impressive home bar, The Lost Rangoon.
Derek Yaniger: A mid-century modern and tiki pop artist known for his unique mug designs.
Jonathan Chaffin: Designer and art director for Horror in Clay and Inuhele, Atlanta’s Tiki Weekender.
Justin Peterson: Cartoonist and creative director for Don the Beachcomber.
What Makes a Tiki Bar “Ultimate”
The conversation quickly moved beyond just tropical drinks. It turns out the secret to creating the ultimate tiki bar lies in layering elements that appeal to all the senses:
Building with Purpose: Sara’s story about building The Lost Rangoon was especially inspiring. Her focus on personalizing the space made me realize that the ultimate tiki bar isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about passion and personal expression.
Art and Design: Derek shared how mid-century aesthetics shape tiki pop art, bringing bold colors and playful imagery to mugs and décor.
Immersion and Storytelling: Jonathan emphasized the importance of crafting a narrative for your bar—whether it’s horror-inspired themes or classic escapism. A well-designed tiki space should feel like a whole other world.
Creative Collaborations: Justin spoke about his work at Don the Beachcomber, underscoring the value of blending art and mixology to create spaces where every detail adds to the experience.
My Take on the Tiki Bar Experience
As someone who has spent years collecting pieces and beginning to build our own home escape, I loved hearing how each panelist approached tiki from their own perspective. Whether through art, storytelling, or architecture, it’s clear that a great tiki bar reflects its creator’s unique vision.
For me, the magic of tiki has always been in the sense of adventure it fosters. Whether you’re in a sprawling tiki bar downtown or in a cozy nook at home, it’s about creating a place where people can connect, relax, discover hidden details and have fun. That’s what I tried to bring to the discussion—how even small things, like focusing on what you can make yourself and finding creative ways to build on a budget, can make a space feel special.
Start with a Theme: Having a central theme or story helps guide your design choices and makes your bar feel cohesive. Don;t feel like you have to stick with what is considered traditional either – this is your space. Our home bar is leaning towards a pirate’s hidden treasure spot and incorporates inspiration from not only tiki, but Star Wars, The Goonies, Indiana Jones and more.
Use All Five Senses: It’s not just about what your bar looks like—think about sounds, smells, and textures too. Music, ambient lighting, and tropical scents are game-changers.
Incorporate Personal Touches: The best tiki bars aren’t cookie-cutter replicas—they reflect the personality and passions of their creators.
Collect with Intention: Whether it’s art, mugs, or vintage décor, curating a collection over time gives your bar soul and history. Don’t feel the need to buy it all at once: add cool things as you find them and ignore the nagging feeling that it needs to be done now.
Enjoy the Process: Building your tiki bar should be fun, not stressful! It’s all about creating a space where you—and your guests—feel good. Many home bars are continuously a work in progress and that’s part of the process.
Above All, Don’t Forget to Have Fun!
Being on this panel was an absolute blast. Each of us came at tiki from a slightly different angle, but the common thread was passion—whether for art, storytelling, mixology, or DIY craftsmanship. There’s no right or wrong way to create the ultimate tiki bar, as long as it brings joy to you and the people you share it with.
Dragon Con is all about celebrating fandoms, creativity, and community, and this panel was no exception. I walked away inspired—not just to keep refining my own home tiki setup but also to appreciate how these spaces bring people together.
If you’ve ever thought about building your own tiki bar, here’s my advice: start small, collect pieces that make you happy, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. The ultimate tiki bar is the one that feels like home—whether that’s a home filled with tropical vibes, pop art, or a little bit of both.
