Luau party a big SUCCESS!!

16 years ago

From start to finish, the luau party I planned for my mom was a huge success. It was small, just immediate family --- which was a good thing because I don't do this often and am totally out of practice! I finished the last-minute grocery shopping at 7:00 a.m. this morning (fresh fruit, corn on the cob), and my feet and legs still ached from yesterday's preparations, but we were ready just a few minutes before they arrived.

The Hawaiian music was playing when they arrived. We turned up the volume and opened the front windows so they could hear it from the street. My mom said as soon as she got out of the car and heard the music, she felt like she was in Hawaii. That's exactly what I was trying to create --- a party to "take Mom to Hawaii!". Balloons filled the house, and tropical-theme decorations created a festive look.

The appetizers were a hit. My SIL said "This is perfect!"

The Hawaiian music continued to play while we mingled. I made virgin pina coladas using 3 parts pineapple juice to 1 part coconut cream blended with ice. YUMMY!!!!!

A late afternoon dinner was hamburgers and corn on the cob (both grilled over coals), cabbage salad, and green salad. I warned everyone to save room for dessert!

Some of them played with water balloons while the dining room table was converted from tropical theme to birthday-party theme complete with birthday tablecloth, confetti on the table, birthday cake, and the HOMEMADE ICE CREAM.

Before I could get the words "homemade ice cream" out of my mouth, my mom's mouth was already hanging open at the sight of it. She LOVES good rich vanilla and chocolate ice creams. (I'll post their recipes in a separate thread.) She could hardly believe we made the ice cream ourselves. My mom was moved to tears by the festivities of the day.

Perhaps the highest compliment came from my brother as we said our goodbyes: "Good job"

I am very tired... my legs and feet ache and I feel like I've been up for 3 days. All this for only 8 family members!! But it was worth every minute and every dollar spent to create a special, memorable day for my mom and everyone who came.

**** Thank you all so very much for your suggestions, recipes, and encouragement. You helped make it a success.

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Comments (27)

Teresa_MN
16 years ago
I hope you got alot of pictures or video so you can relive this fun party during the winter - and in years from now when your mother is no longer here.

Congrats and thrilled that your mom had a great day!

Teresa
centralcacyclist
16 years ago
I think you deserve a foot massage! Kudos on a lovely celebration.
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lindac
16 years ago
sounds wonderful!! Glad it turned out as you had hoped!
Not put your feet up for 10 minutes and then take yourself to bed!
Linda C
jessyf
16 years ago
Jenn, congrats. You done good!
caliloo
16 years ago
Sounds like a fantasstic time! Well done!
User
16 years ago
We want pictures.

Congratulations Jenn.
annie1992
16 years ago
I'm so glad it went perfectly, good for you, and your Mom had a birthday she'll talk about for a long time.

Now take a break, put your feet up, then go to bed.

Annie
jenn
Original Author
16 years ago
My legs and feet feel like they were run over by a train. I'd give almost anything for a day off tomorrow! We're leaving in 4 days for a road trip, and I haven't started packing.

Thanks again everyone... now I'm off to bed.
lsr2002
16 years ago
It sounds fabulous, I'm sure your Mom was very surprised and pleased with the wonderful party you had for her.

I wish you had tomorrow off too.

Lee
coconut_nj
16 years ago
That's so great that everything was received so well and that it really made your Mother so happy. Good job is right! Well at least in four days you'll hopefully be able to relax on your road trip. You deserve it. Dontcha just love a happy ending?
mitchdesj
16 years ago
What great news !! setting the mood with music and decor is special.
lowspark
16 years ago
That's wonderful! Giving a really good party is always a lot of work but SO worth it. What a great gift the party was for your mom.
arabellamiller
16 years ago
Way to go! Pictures?
ruthanna_gw
16 years ago
That sounds like you created a day your mother will always remember!
wizardnm
16 years ago
I'm glad to hear that the party went so well and that your mom was happy.

Have fun on your vacation!

Nancy
Georgysmom
16 years ago
It is a lot of work....feels so good when it's over and everything went well. I'm sure your mother was pleased and enjoyed her day. Did the dogs come?
fearlessem
16 years ago
Yay! So happy for you and your family! And I agree with Arabella -- pictures please!
jenn
Original Author
16 years ago
Well, so far I have not made any moves towards going to work! I'm in slow motion and feel like I need a day of rest or else I will crash.

I'll post pictures as soon as I have a chance.

The dogs did not come... my mom's neighbor watched them. My SIL said she was relieved to not have the dog around, so I felt good for doing her a big favor. :-)

Ever since the party ended, I'm left wondering why did it take so long for me to prepare a party for just 8 immediate family members?? When I look at the simple foods prepared, I do not understand why I was on my feet since Friday noon.

Clearly, I need more practice! Does it take anyone else this long to do the preparations for a small party? I don't mean planning ---- I mean actually putting it together, buying the food, etc.
beth4
16 years ago
Congratulations on a hugely successful party. You gave your mom a memory she will treasure long after your legs and feet have returned to normal. :)

I, too, get very tired legs and feet when I prepare for entertaining, and I do a lot of it because I really enjoy it. I've learned that I cannot delay shopping until the day before the party. I need to shop 3 days or so in advance, and do as much prep the day before (or even 2 days before, if the recipe allows). Several days in advance I plan my table settings, linens I'm going to use, etc. so I don't waste valuable time the day of the party figuring out how to set up. I try to save until the party day only the things that must be done at the last minute...and I try to plan menus that don't have many last minute elements.

And, I always try to shower and get ready 1.5 hours before guests show up, so I have time to relax and mentally rest before the entertaining part of the job begins.

And, you are so right....the more often you entertain, the easier it becomes.

Again, congratulations on a super party!
jojoco
16 years ago
I am so glad it went well. I knew it would because you put so much thought and consideration into it.

Sometimes, it seems the smaller parties are more difficult to plan than the larger ones. It's more intimate and I feel like I have to make sure each person there is at ease and well fed. I don't have such a microscopic view if I am cooking for a large crowd.

Glad it went well. Now put your feet up and let others wait on you!
doucanoe
16 years ago
Sounds like a lovely party and I am sure your mom felt very special!

I love theme parties, and Hawaiian is a really fun theme!

Congrats on a successful party!

Linda
dedtired
16 years ago
I'm so happy that your party was a success. Isn't it a great feeling to do something for your parents?

I was at a wedding over the weekend, on my feet for almost the entire reception. I could barely walk to the car at the end of the evening. Hope you are giving yourself a break for awhile.
jimster
16 years ago
Good work! I remember how you described your goals for the party and it sounds like you did it just right. There will be happy memories for a long time.

Jim
jenn
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you. Yes, my goals were met and then some.
gbsim1
16 years ago
Hi Jenn,
Sorry I'm late posting but I've been travelling without my computer. I'm so glad that your Mom was touched and that everyone had fun!!!
I'll join everyone else in saying.... post a pic!
Wishing I could have one of those virgin coladas right now since it's broiling outside!!

Grace
jenn
Original Author
15 years ago
Just got home from a 2-week road trip... I'll post a pic as soon as I can.
sooz
15 years ago
Congrats on the big success! What a great idea! Looking forward to when you have a chance to post pictures.
Sooz

Luau party a big SUCCESS!!

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