Do not underestimate the amount of work it takes to cater a party. I would decide one or two things that you will do yourself, and then hire a professional for the rest. Roasting a whole pig is a lot of work, and if you've never done it before you don't want to experiment on your guests. You also want to be able to enjoy the party, and you can't do that if you are babysitting a pig all day (and it does take all day!) Then you'll be stuck with the clean up, no fun!

So, for example, you could take charge of the decorations, coordinate the outdoor movie, find seating etc, and make a birthday cake. That is plenty of work for one person (or a few people, if you have help.) Then, hire a catering company to bring in the pig roast and side dishes. Alternatively, there are people everywhere these days who will bring a smoker to your backyard, and make BBQ ribs. Let them figure out the hard stuff - how much food, where to get it, how to cook it, how to serve it etc. You might also want to bring in a bartender so that you aren't making mai tais all night. You concentrate on being a wonderful hostess and making sure everyone has a good time.

well you would want some colorful flowers, maybe go to a party store and get some tikis and leis ( i know this all sounds cliche but its so much fun!) anything floral will help but don't go overboard and become tacky...maybe find some Hawaiian music and have that playing low in the background for a while and throw on some surfer movies! also try some fruity drinks, i mean you are 21 now. get some little umbrellas, make some pina coladas and drinks like that.

well the best thing is do get some food u like

hotdogs

hambrugers

chicken wings

baked beans

choips

cookies

Get freaky

I'm celebrating my 21st birthday with a Hawaiian Luau--I NEVER have parties, much less plan get togethers. My mom's birthday is 6 days after mine, so I thought I'd make it more of a get together with close family (about 11 people, total) instead of a "birthday" celebration.

I know I want to do an outdoor movie--we're renting a projector.

I'd like to try to roast a whole pig, although the details and challenges of that might get in the way. :/

What are some ideas, as far as food and decorations go?? I've seen some things online, but I just don't know what to choose/what would be best. I end up wanting do do it ALL lol!

I'm a college student, and I'm REALLY busy with school right now, but Spring break is in a few weeks, so I'm planning on doing it then, when I've got some free time.

So I guess I'm after something that's memorable/"authentic", but doesn't take a whole month of planning/work to put together.