My friend Billy is someone very special to me. Billy has worked at Kuzak’s Closet for several years and oversees the muscle of our operation. There is very little I wouldn’t do for him, but when he asked me to invite 50+ people to my house so he could roast a pig in my backyard I was a bit nervous. His vague details about what to expect had the organizing wheels in my head turning for weeks. His recurring answer to all questions was “don’t worry, be happy.” That’s Billy! A few days before the event he gave me a short shopping list and told me to alert the fire department because there would be smoke. I did my best to hold back my concerns (the shopping list was short!) and trusted that he knew what he was doing. The pressure was on! Among the crowd were Googlers from my husband’s office, along with most of the Kuzak’s Closet team, a fantastic array of local friends and Billy’s family (including his brother and son who flew in from Texas exclusively for the event!).
I love to entertain. My house is often open to dinner guests and frequent last minute gatherings but the event that happened last weekend was something that will be forever in my heart and soul. As my friend Ruth and her family packed their to-go boxes at the end of the night she summed up the evening delightfully, “I feel like we all need to say goodbye before we head to the airport”. Ruth was exactly right, for one magical evening it did feel like 50 people were taken away to a little island called Tonga.
The one and only thing I did before the event without Billy’s consent was rent tables and chairs. I have a ton of long tables for the estate sale business but I decided to jazz up my backyard with high-top cocktail tables and nice cane chairs with cushions. Along with the furniture I rented navy table cloths, which looked great on the buffet tables and the high-top cocktail tables. At the last minute I splurged and included 2 wine barrel tables with the rental. The wine barrels were my favorite addition and I think I need to pick some up the next time I’m in Napa – I loved them! Because the guest list was so eclectic, I really wanted as many standing options as possible for guests to mingle. I provided 2 long tables for a dinner seating option to pair with the rented cane chairs. The tables and chairs made for a tight fit, but it worked with the layout and divided my yard into quarters. One quarter for cooking, one for dining, one for cocktails/lounging and one for the performers. Yes, I did say performers … keep reading for more about the phenomenal performers.
I was so relieved to have my former assistant Jennalynn and her sister Sidney come early to help with set-up and keep me calm. Once the set-up was underway they ran errands with my husband Chris and during the party the were responsible for keeping the bar stocked. To keep the focus on the food we provided a simple cocktail bar with white wine, red wine, beer, home-brew and spiked lemonade – un-spiked lemonade for the kids.
The food was the star of the show! I had no idea what to expect but I can guarantee I wasn’t prepared for the amazing buffet options. Billy’s wife Donna and his cousin Maria made most of the food and it was INCREDIBLE. There was roast pig, corn beef, ahi tuna poke, mussels, crab legs, crab salad, potato salad, grilled corn, sweet potatoes, pineapple, watermelon and so much more! I was able to snap some pics before the guests dug in.
I couldn’t help but snap this picture, what a hoot! Let’s just say that no one left the party hungry!
My contribution was dessert and I cheated a little. Instead of slaving away in the kitchen Taylor encouraged me to order cupcakes and delicious chocolate chip cookies from Whole Foods. Can you believe their cupcakes are only $1 each, what a deal! I’m glad I followed her advice.
Simple but perfect at the end of the night! Nothing I could make from scratch could compare to the dinner Billy and his family served!
After dinner the entertainment began. Billy lined up a full evening of performance, the dancers transported us to Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga. Here is Kathleen starting the entertainment with the Hula!
This is Billy’s granddaughter, she is only 15 and so talented. Not only did she keep us entertained by dancing throughout the evening, she spent the day helping her grandma with the food me with the decorations and even the cleanup the following day. What a wonderfully sweet girl.
We learned that it is a tradition to put a dollar in the dancer’s costume in Tonga and I am glad I could capture this moment. Greg didn’t know where to stick the dollar! If you look to the far left in the picture you can see our party crasher George. If only all party crashers were as cute as a button! Billy’s sister is George’s caretaker and he opted to join her at the party. He thanked me over and over for having him over for dinner, his enthusiasm made my night!
At the end Kathleen taught us all how to Hula. It was a hit!
After such a great night I only have two regrets. 1.) that I didn’t invite more people to be part of the magic and; 2.) that I didn’t take more pictures! I wish I would have captured a moment of the Kuzak’s Closet gang with Billy and his family, not to mention so many missed opportunities of pictures with guests. This is the only pictures from the night that I made it in! CC, the guy in the front was taking a selfie and I managed to jump in. He plays for the USA Rugby team, pretty neat for a 17 year old!
Our friends Beza and Willem had a wonderful time and had to jump in for a picture with the beautiful dancers. It’s hard to believe this was in our backyard, it still feels like we all went on vacation!
Here are three generations! Billy on the right, his son in the middle, and his granddaughter on the left. Awww, I just love Billy. What a happy face!
Father and daughter still in costume from their dance that took us to Samoa.
Billy’s wife Donna with her granddaughter. Donna is from Michigan like me and it was great to finally meet her. She is a kick!
Well, after the fantastic party I put together my top 5 tips for entertaining. I’m so glad that I let my friends Larry, Jennalynn, Sidney and Taylor help me with the party. Taylor took care of shopping for all of the supplies and she kept me organized during the weeks leading up to the event. Only a few days have passed and Billy is already talking about next year – I am so excited! If you are looking to host your own top-notch luau and pig roast, Billy’s family is looking for more catering opportunities. If you, or anyone you know is in the market – I can get you Billy’s information!
Love your post! Top 5 entertaining tips are spot on. Looks like everyone had a great time.
What a wonderful party! Love how you arranged the tables and food. When in Napa if you find the wine barrels please let me know. And yes I did notice your decorations! For one, I love the mix of fall leaves, pineapple and umbrellas. You do know how to entertain!