I need ideas for throwing a surprise 30th birthday for my husband. . . I refuse to do an over the hill party!!

Question

Please help me come up with ideas for the party. We are new to the area, so many of the guests will be my husband's colleagues. I plan to host at our home, and will limit it to 30-40 people.
THANKS for the help!

Answer 1

Just an FYI. An "over-the-hill" party is for someone that is turning 40...not 30.

Answer 2

Rent a bus, blind fold him, and have all of his friends and family waiting on the bus to surprise him. After the surprise, have the bus take you bar hopping, or to a sporting event. You could have everyone chip in about $20 per person for the bus. If the bus is too expensive, you can always have the surprise at someone's house.

Answer 3

It sounds like there are two issues here: Your husband's birthday and the fact that you are new to the area and wish to make a good impression (naturally).

First; your guest will take their cue from you. If you are a relaxed, prepared hostess you will have relaxed, fun guests. Don't try to do anything too ambitious. Surprise parties can be challenging so go easy on yourself.

You have a couple of options depending on whether you are intending to just have drinks and "munchies" or a dinner. This will depend, in part, on what time the party will commence. If it is before 7:00 I would recommend a "heartier" spread.

Why not do a pasta buffet? You could serve a large, decorative bowl of tri-colored penne (in light olive oil with a touch of garlic) surrounded by choices of toppings in smaller bowls: sliced black olives, steamed and cut asparagus, diced chicken, grated parmesan cheese, sliced pepperoni, pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, onions, capers...etc. All of this can be served at room temperature and prepared in advance. I would also set out a large bowl of interesting mixed salad "greens" in addition, with a couple of dressing choices: perhaps a rasberry viniagrette and something more "creamy". The toppings will work on the salad as well. If the weather is particularly cold, you could also set out chafing dishes of marinara and alfredo sauces for your guests to choose on their pasta. I would also include a pre-sliced loaf of french bread or two. This would be colorful, festive and interesting for your guests as they compare choices of food. A good conversation starter which leaves you time to mingle. To continue the "Italian" theme, you could also offer your guests small glasses of Lemoncello on a tray near the door as they enter to establish the theme. Other beverages could be close at hand as well, but as always, keep it simple: wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water. I serve my guests the "first round" and then set out the choices for them to help themselves. Remember to separate (if possible) the food and the drinks to further encourage your guests to "travel" and mingle.

Above your buffet table you can have a large, floating bunch of helium-filled balloons with colorful streamers hanging down to further enhance the "party" atmosphere. Have you ever had an Italian "wedding" cake? Just the bestest birthday cake as well.

Remember to have a good time at your own party.....and best wishes.

Answer 4

How about a "I Don't Want to Grow Up!" party? The birthday boy gets to wear a giant baby bib that says just that, plus one of those silly pointed birthday hats. Have a large one layer cake in his favourite children's theme (ie: 30 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or whaever). Have hot dogs, ice cream, bowls of smarties and colour all the alcoholic beverages Koolaid colours. Everyone brings joke presents and, if you want, ask your guests to come dressed as a kid. Or just hand out paper hats and noise makers to everyone as they arrive. I know this sounds kind of corny, but it really is amazing how absolutely everyone at a party like this will just let their hair down and have fun. You can also adapt some typical kid's party games for adults, with some hilarious results - just use your imagination.

Answer 5

You have another 10 more years to do a over the hill party.

Have a multi themed food party. Like have a small sushi station/table, a small burrito station/table, another station/table with periogis, maybe a station/table for "american food with mini cheeseburgers and mini hotdogs. At every little station/table have a few small decorations from that country with a card with some intresting fact about their food.

Answer 6

Why not a barbecue? Its quick and easy, and it keeps everyone outside [less mess for you!], not to mention, it costs peanuts to do :) That's if you had casual in mind.

I wouldn't recommend doing anything too formal. Cooking for 30-40 would be ridiculous. You'd be cooking 3 days in advance :P

As long as there's a nice cake, and nice booze, i think your husband would love it!

Answer 7

Throw an 80's party - complete with music, have guests dress up in their fave 80's gear and have fun. 30 isnt old at all and we are the 80's babies anyway..

Answer 8

I would have to try to get him when least expected.
May you could tell him you car needs service and have him meet you after work to drop it off. Then, on the home as you pass a pre-determined spot ask to stop in for dinner 'cause you forgot to plan dinner at home today.
Have friends & family waiting.
He'd never expect it.

Answer 9

choose a theme based on what his favorite foods are, for my husband 30th I did a tex-mex theme, and cooked up some of his favorite foods, tacos, fajaitas, with lots of toppings so guest could choose what they wanted, I decorated with the theme and we drank margaritas and I went to a specialty shop and bought mexican beer.

Answer 10

ORDER A RESTURANT AND BOOK IT OUT. YOU AND HIM GO AWAY FOR A WEEK AND LET A PARTY SET UP TEAM TO DO IT ALL FOR YOU THEN COME BACK AND GO TO THE RESTERANT. SIMPLE