My Grandmother is turning 90 in August, what type of party would be the best to throw for her?

Question

I am throwing her a birthday party.. an open invitation for all of her family members... and I was wondering as to where to start as far as food is concerned... go potluck? or where do I start in making and buying the food??? Any advice will be appreciated. Right now, i'm starting at scratch!

No sarcasms pls.. i'm serious about this.

Answer 1

Keep in mind that Grandma's appetite is probably a lot smaller than when she was younger and she may have a bit more trouble eating some things so keep it simple. Nothing hard or messy to eat like ribs. Potluck works well especially if you give each person an idea of what to bring so you don't end up with duplicates of everything. Different kinds of meatballs ( sweet and sour, etc. ), fried chicken, salads, fancy finger sandwiches, pickles, olives, a variety of cheeses, lasagna, coldcuts, devilled eggs, some homemade bread or rolls, and a variety of squares, cookies and dainties (as they used to call them), ice cold lemon aide and lots of tea. If Grandma enjoys a certain alcoholic beverage have it on hand or a bottle of champayne for a toast to her health. She will probably not have the stamina to handle a party that goes on for hours so by keeping the time for heating up or preparing foods to a minimum more time can be spent visiting with her. If it's a nice day outside decorate the yard with balloons and streamers with a specially decorated chair for grandma and have the party outdoors picnic style. She probably doesn't get to spend as much time outside as she used to and would really enjoy it. Tape some old music that was popular in her younger years to play in the background with a special song just for her,( let me call you sweetheart?) and get her up to waltz to it if shes able. If not type out the words to some old songs, hand them out to everyone and sing along with her. Get the kids to put together a skit to perform for her. Seniors love remenising so perhaps search out the internet put together a list of things that happened the day or year she was born and read them to her. A birthday cake should be the highlight of the day. Take lots of pictures and present her with a Signed guestbook as a keepsake of her special day. On my Mothers 80th and my Fathers 90th birthdays we contacted the Government and they were given beautiful commemorative plaques and framed certificates and congratulatory letters from the government. I don't know if they do that where you live but my parents felt so honored by this.
Please excuse spelling errors...spell check not working.

Answer 2

I am sorry honey that you got some sarcastic answers you are doing a wonderful thing. For my teenage son's party last year we had a family chili cook off and this works for any age. You can make the guest of honor the judge with the help of a few other guests. The invitations can read that this is the first annual ___ family chili cook off. The nice thing about this is that it can go on every year even after Grandma is gone in her memory, a wonderful way to get the family together. We did this outside and that helped with the clean up as well as the little ones had room to run. I would get in touch with your cousins and siblings and have them carry part of the burden of the work and expense of this party. With a cook off it takes the burden of the main dish off your shoulders you can supply bread or corn bread, veggies for dipping, maybe chips and beverages. We found an old wringer washer to use for the cans and bottles with ice packed in it. Everyone loved the old west theme. (not cowboy though..lol.. teenager remember). Good luck and feel free to e-mail me if you need any help.

Answer 3

I'm guessing that at 90 it will be a lot of family. So go pot luck. Have everyone bring a dish. You buy all the paper goods and set-ups, along with maybe meat platter and a few side dish's. Usually that's the best route. Than you have a variety and your not doing all the work. But you might want to order the cake. Tell Grandma Happy Birthday! God Bless her!

Answer 4

You don't say how old you are or if you have your own family... that could change things depending on finances. If you have family members in the area, a potluck could be good. Or just have an appetizers party. Make sure to have music from her era - how about karaoke?

Answer 5

To tell you frankly what a 90 year old will cherish is the congregation of her family members more than anything else. Food does not matter. Make her the center piece and make her feel the love of the family members. Make it a memorable day. God Bless your Heart.

Answer 6

I would say if you supplied the meat, it would be o.k. to ask that all bring a side dish or dessert. It might be pretty neat to share world events that she has encountered in her past 90 years. Or perhaps the fads. Music, movies, etc. Could do like a garden tea party theme or something. Bless her heart, she's a toughy!

Answer 7

Just have a variety of food she will love. If this means pot luck is easiest go for that. Or have somewhere she loves to eat, cater. Be creative because this is a big day for her. Maybe think of all different foods from when she was younger or things her family always made.

Answer 8

Wow 90, good for her. My mom is 81 and she really values family. To keep it within budget I would do a pot luck. Have everyone bring what they do best. In my family I am the baker so I would bring a pie, since my mom does not like cake. Have each person do the one dish they do the best. Then just enjoy.

Answer 9

DONT HAVE A SUPRISE PARTY IT MAY BE HER LAST

BUT DO MAKE IT FUN WITH HER FAVORITE BANDS FROM THE 1930S MABEY A DRINK OR TWO FOR GRANNY

HOW ABOUT A POEM AND A HOOVERROUND CHAIR
OVER THE HILL HAS IDEAS HERES THE LINK

Sing for all the years you have been granted,
Each blessing sing, each child, girl and boy!
Verses sing for all the things you've wanted:
Each victory, each pleasure, and each joy!
No matter age or illness, sing undaunted,
Though you may be by dreams or memories haunted,
Yet sing, and life and love this day enjoy

Answer 10

Sounds like she lived through many great historical events. Could you have the food reflect that? Pillsbury has all of their "cook-off winners recipes" from old days and your local library can look up cookbooks and newspaper recipes from the depression, world war II etc. It might bring back some old memories from her past and lead to some amazing stories!