Fortieth Birthday Party
 

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Think about what she would like. If you want it to be a surprise, obviously you can't ask her directly, but talk to her S.O. (if applicable), friends, your parents, etc.

Does she like surprises?? Some people don't. I hate them.

Dinner in a restaurant is a good idea. You could also do a cocktail hour or Sunday brunch. Many restaurants have catering packages and staff members who will consult with you. Some places have their catering packages listed online.

Let's say she's married... you could set up the surprise by having her husband take her out for a "romantic dinner for two", only they're shown into a back dining room where everyone is waiting to surprise her.

If you do decide to have it catered in someone's home, think about hiring a couple of people to serve and clean up. You want to enjoy the party, not run around with hors d'oeuvres! :)

Make a budget and stick to it.

As for gifts, it's a catch-22. If you don't say anything about gifts, people will assume they need to give them. But some people consider it tacky to mention gifts in an invitation, even to say "no gifts please".

The gift comments reminds me of my grandma's favorite line to use (which results in eye rolling many times):
"you presence is our present, no gifts please"

To throw your sister off track that you're the one throwing the party, arrange to have one or a few of her friends chip in to have a service put 40 plastic pink flamingoes put on her lawn if she has a house.

It's loud and proud but temporary.

I don't get it. Why doesn't she want presents?

My sisters and I threw a surprise birthday party for our mother's birthday a few years ago. We had it at a local reception hall and hired a band. We made a scrapbook and invited her friends and family. About 85 people attended. She was surprised! The best part was the fact that she received so many presents. ;)

I was supposed to have a 40th birthday bash at a local bar that has dueling pianos. It was going to be mainly friends, but then, I don't have much family in my area anymore (other than my mom). In my experience, most people will bring some sort of gift, even if asked not to, usually a bottle of liquor or an "over the hill" type of gag gift.

Unfortunately, I had the cold from hell and couldn't do it.

Dee

I'd make sure that she's okay about announcing her age first. My sister-in-law threatened each of us with intense & sudden lead poisoning if we even suggested that she may be turning
forty!

I like the flamingoes, though - they're so tacky, they're fun!!

Edited to add about the flamingoes: many youth groups do the flamingo bit for a contribution. I think about four houses on my street have been "flamingoed" in the past year or so. It's really cute!

If she's okay with announcing her age, how about getting a list of things that has to do with various stages of her life, such as decorating the party space with items that were "cool" the year she was born, the year she started junior high, the year she graduated high school, etc?

When mr. honeychile turned 40, I contacted a ton of his friends, and gave them each a fun questionnaire to fill out (what's your favorite memory of mr. hc? etc) and put everything - along with some great photos! - in a scrapbook.

I also did a "Top 40 reasons to know & love mr. honeychile" and emailed him one a day, from 40 days away from his birthday. He loved it!

When we finally had the party, people brought 40 things - quarters, gum balls, baseball cards and other things that meant something to him. We avoided the black/grim reaper theme, though - he was depressed enough!!

People can be very funky about becoming older!:(

Hell, it happens!:rolleyes:

Just make it fun, do you have any Family Pixs that can be framed and given?

Do Ballons, no the real ballons that need to be blown up. Not The I got You The Aluminum types.

Hell, do BBQ out side, casual and have Guests bring many small gifts, fun yes to be sure.

Do not make a big spread as Will feel that you spent to much.;)

Hope it turns out Fantastic!:D