The Art of Hosting: How Our Pizza-Making & Wine Tasting Event Turned Strangers into Friends

Dear Friend,

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years of hosting, it’s that no two events are ever the same. And our recent DIY Pizza Making & Wine Tasting Night at L’Eau Hill—part of our Summers at L’Eau Hill event series—was no exception. It was an evening filled with delicious food, new friendships, a bit of unexpected weather drama, and lots of laughs. Let me share the highlights with you.

Setting the Scene: A Cozy Bistro at L’Eau Hill

As guests arrived, they were greeted by our charming little slice of Italy, right in the heart of L’Eau Hill. We’d transformed the space into a cozy, intimate bistro with tables dressed in red and white checkered runners, layered over crisp white tablecloths. Black bistro chairs and floral arrangements featuring red and white blooms with green ivy completed the look. The setting was perfect—until, of course, Mother Nature decided to throw us a curveball (more on that in a bit).

The Magic of Pizza Customization

Chef Eric was our culinary maestro for the evening, guiding our guests through the fun of pizza customization. Each guest had the chance to build their pizza masterpiece, choosing from a variety of sauces—creamy garlic Alfredo or classic red tomato—and then adding their preferred proteins like mushrooms, prosciutto, pepperoni, or chicken. The toppings bar was a feast for the eyes, with everything from green peppers and olives to fresh basil, spinach, cherry tomatoes, pineapple, and a selection of cheeses.

Once the pizzas were assembled, Chef Eric whisked them off to our outdoor pizza oven, where they baked to perfection in just 5-8 minutes. The smell wafting through the air was enough to make anyone swoon, and seeing everyone’s creations come to life was a true joy.

Laughter, Trivia, and the Unexpected

What’s a good party without a few surprises, right? Just as we were getting into the groove of pizza-making, a thunderstorm decided to crash the party. Yep, out of nowhere, the skies opened up, and we had to implement an impromptu rain plan. This is where years of hosting experience—and a good sense of humor—really came in handy. We quickly pivoted, moved the festivities undercover, and kept the wine flowing. After all, when life gives you lemons—or in this case, rain—you pour another glass and keep the party going!

Amidst the rain-induced chaos, we managed to keep the energy high with two trivia games that were a hit. The first was a pizza quiz, where guests tested their knowledge individually. The winner walked away with a bottle of wine, which I’m sure was much appreciated as the rain poured down.

The real fun, though, came with the Georgia wine trivia game. We grouped the guests by table, and what started as friendly competition quickly turned into a laugh-filled, boisterous affair. The winning table got an extra special tasting of a rare Georgia wine we’d brought back from Ellijay. I have to say, the rain didn’t dampen our spirits one bit—it only made the night more memorable.

A Curated Wine Journey

Of course, the wine played a starring role in the evening, and we’d carefully selected each bottle to complement the courses perfectly. We started with a light Bollini Sauvignon Blanc 2022, paired with an Italian salad. The crisp notes of citrus and green apple were the perfect way to kick off the night.

As the pizzas emerged from the oven, we poured a glass of Ricossa Antica Casa Barbera 2020—a medium-bodied red with hints of dark cherries, blackberries, and vanilla. The pairing was spot on, and it elevated the pizza to gourmet status.

For dessert, we served a Sauvion Vouvray 2021 alongside Italian Lemon Bars and Chocolate Mousse Cake. The slightly sweet, medium-bodied wine, with its flavors of honey, ripe pear, and dried fruit, was the ideal finish to a night that, despite a few surprises, turned out to be one for the books.

The Playlist That Set the Mood

I’m a firm believer that music can make or break an event, so I curated an Apple Music playlist that played softly in the background throughout the night. It was a vibrant mix of feel-good soft pop, modern hits, and smooth reggae, Italian, and folk tunes, designed to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that complemented the evening's activities and appealed to a diverse crowd.

A Night to Remember

As the night came to a close, and the rain finally let up, I looked around at the smiling faces, the lingering conversations, and the new friendships that had formed. It reminded me why I love hosting these events at L’Eau Hill. It’s not just about the food or the wine—it’s about creating a space where people can come together, share a meal, and leave feeling more connected to each other and to the world around them.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and rolled with the punches—thunderstorms and all! I can’t wait to create more culinary memories with you this fall. Until then, keep laughing, keep sipping, and remember that the best moments often come from the unexpected.

Warmly,
Erika
Owner, L'Eau Hill and Founder, Homebody & Co.