Can you help me with planning my mother's surprise birthday party?

Question

My mother's 49th birthday is tomorrow and my grandmother (mom's mom) suggested we throw her a surprise party Saturday to celebrate since she's never had a real birthday party before. We've taken her out to eat and things like that for her birthday, but she's never had the cake and the streamers and the whole nine.
Here's the deal: my mother and my cousin (her neice) will be going to Texas tonight to see one of my cousins (again, her neice) graduate tomorrow. They'll be getting back in to Georgia Saturday night. My grandmother suggested we throw the party at my cousin's house (the one going with my mother to Texas, of course) Saturday night, surprising my unsuspecting mother when they get back.
I think it's a great plan, but I've never thrown a simple party before, much less a surprise party!
Her favorite colors are yellow and purple so I was thinking about getting the streamers and the cake in those colors and serving margaritas as that's her favorite drink.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

My mother was in the same situation when she turned 46 and I threw her a surprise party. It's nice because at odd ages people really don't expect it.

Purple and yellow? Hhhhhmmm. Of course balloons, but go to the dollar store and get purple and yellow candles of all different heights and widths, decorate the house with them. Do the same with flowers. You can get cheap vases at the dollar store as well. If you make small little bouquets all over the house they can serve as favors as well. I have also done this with beta fish, that are purple. They are like $2 a piece and you can get a small beta bowl for the same amount. The fish store probably has yellow pebbles for the bottom of the bowl. They can also serve as favors.

You should definitely consider music. Considering that her teenage years were in the early to mid 70's I would do that. It will be very nostalgic for her.

As for food I would stongly consider that you buy most of it. Considering your time limitations you can focus your time on decorations or food. Food is a lot easier to make look good than decorations already prepared. Do finger foods, everyone is not going to be hungry or wanting to eat after suck a long journey. Go to your local gourmet shop and get a cheese, meat and olive tray. Serve this with crunchy bread and crackers. Either buy or make a veggie tray, they are pretty quick and easy to make. Also, buy or or make a fruit tray with yogurt dip. From here I would suggest buying frozen finger foods.

Hope she has a really good time.

Answer 2

1st question....Don't you think your mother may be a little tired after a whirlwind weekend of traveling? Is she going to want to walk into a surprise party after that?

If you think it's ok then party on....

If you want to do margarita's, maybe go with a Mexican theme night. There are a ton of pretty simple Mexican casseroles that are great for feeding groups. I just did a night for Cinco de Mayo with a chicken enchilada casserole and a beef and cheese enchilada casserole. I made some rice and beans on the side and a box of frozen appetizers (that cooked in the oven). Made up some guacamole and put out chips and salsa....Margarita's and some Corona....Woohoo, Fiesta! The great part is the casseroles can be made up the night before and put in the oven before the party.

If you think your mother may prefer something later, why not consider a brunch the next day?

You could make a fritatta (which are pretty easy), a quiche, or a strata (which again is pretty easy and may be better for more people), a salad, maybe some grilled veggies....and instead of the margaritas what about mimosas?

You could get some orchids, iris's, daffodils, or carnations.....something to do with the yellow and purple I was thinking.

Anyway, just a thought. Let me know how it all turns out!
Happy Birthday to your mom as well!!

Answer 3

Hey- I got an idea for you. Go to Party City and buy a dozen balloons that say Happy Birthday and I love You on them. Also, pick up flowers. Make sure they are red and pink for or red and some bright color. Also, make lots of food. Ribs, Fried Chicken, Rice, Mac N' Cheese, Collard Greens,Corn Bread 'etc'. And also, get 1 good gift from you personally. A piece of jewelery, clothing, shoes. Don't spend too much if you dont have to. Buy TableSpred, streamers and blow-up balloons and decorate the house. Take pictures and good luck!

Answer 4

Wow, you haven't left much time for planning here. Your ideas sound very nice. How about a few balloons, too, in her favorite colors and at least 1 Happy Birthday balloon.

See if you can get some of her close friends to come, too. Since her favorite drink is margaritas, how about a few mexican finger foods.......a big platter of nachos, chips 'n salsa, mini tacos or taquitos, guacamole.......along those lines.
I hope she will be pleasantly surprised. Have a great party!

Answer 5

grandmother know best
lets have the party out of state
and at some one else house
so they have to clean up
pay for everything
and all we do is drive in
eat purple and yellow food and
get drunk on tequila
throw up the leave and
drive back home with hang over for a few hours
way to go granny
she is on the ball

Answer 6

Tequilla
Tequilla
Tequilla

Answer 7

Take some baloons in her favourite colours make faces on them wid black marker. when she comes in 4rm the door keep a sheet wid crepe paper in her fav. coloursso that when she pushes da door it will sprinkle on her. GUD LUCK 4THE PARTY.

Answer 8

Decorate with

Fresh flowers
Napkins
Table cloth
etc...all in your colors