One of the most frequent keyword phrases leading searchers to my blog includes the words "40th birthday"; googlers land on my "Fabulous 40th Birthday Gift" post, and truly, if you're looking for a memorable, meaningful gift, it's something you should consider (it doesn't have to be a 40th gift, it could be ANY milestone birthday or even wedding anniversaries).
My husband falls into the camp of "hates surprises"; while, normally I respect his wishes, for his 40th birthday, I decided a surprise party was just what he needed (by "he needed" what I really mean is "what I wanted"). Pulling off a surprise party is always a bit tricky, but this is how I managed it:
A REVERSE party–instead of us walking into a suspicious venue, the party came to HIM.
The cover story was friends invited us over for a quiet dinner to mark the occasion (not to do "anything" would've been even more suspicious). Because my husband is a snooper and a sniffer (he'll lift the pot lids to see what's simmering), Theresa actually had bullion boiling on the stove to give the illusion of something cooking; I can't remember now, but she also had "fake food" in the oven. The real stash–a spread I had snuck and spent two days preparing in our church's kitchen–was hidden out of sight.
We arrived, their table was "set and ready" for us, and as predicted, Tad lifted the simmering pot lid as we chatted in their kitchen. Sometimes, predictability serves you well.
After what seemed FOREVER, it was time for "dinner"; about that time (and on cue), the front doorbell rang. In walked a motley crew of party hat-wearing, noise maker-blowing, balloon-carrying well wishers.
And yes, he was surprised :). Later, he even admitted he was a bit disappointed a few more couples hadn't
been there when we arrived to join us for "dinner", confirmation the party–reverse or otherwise–was a good idea after all.
I don't have photos from the actual party, but I've included some scans of his "40th Birthday Book" that weren't included with the pages published on my previous post.
What a great idea, a reverse surprise party. I may have to use that on my husband. I’m glad your husband enjoyed his surprise!
Great idea. I gave my husband a surprise 30th b-day party a couple years ago. He “hates” his birthday and dislikes surprises so I was very nervous. He admitted to having a good time. Phew. Best part of all was that he was really surprised.
You know your man well! I might have to try that too, as mine also hates surprises.
Cute!
I may have to remember this for my hubbys 50th in a couple of years!
I remember the previous post~ that was certainly a birthday to remember. I remember trying to spring a surprise party on my mother on her 70th (long time ago now) all went well until the day when one of her friends let slip they would see her later. She wasn’t sufficiently surprised so I guessed she knew and then she told me what had happened!
I missed your previous post. I am glad that you included the earlier edition in today’s post. Your party for your hubby sounds fun and well planned. I especially like the idea of fake food cooking.
I understand the not liking surprises, but I relish in surprising others.
Well done, girlfriend. I love it when a surprise comes together.
What a fun thing to do! I love surprise parties!
What a fun memory to share today! I guess it goes to show that our ‘significant others’ might say one thing without realizing what they’re missing until we step up and show them. Well done!
Hugs and blessings,
What an imaginative way to help your husband celebrate such a landmark birthday. You hit the mark, it seems. Extra points for originality!
Happy late birthday to him!! And you did done good!! He obviously didn’t expect it!! 🙂
Cleaver idea and you must know you man well to fool him so well. Sounds as if you had fun with friends.
Birthdays are great, if celebrated as you did. Many are so dull or forgetful – those that you can talk about later are worth the trouble… and laughs.
That was a great idea. And I love the birthday book, that’s too cute.
That’s a great idea! I’ll have to remember this one!
Oh how very cool! I know I could off something like that. And I may have a birthday or two in the near future to attempt this! Way to go!!!!
Next FM:
Careers- Then and Now
THEN: As a child day dreaming of what your future would hold for you, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you ever pursue or achieve it?
NOW: If you could be trained and placed in any career beginning tomorrow, what would it be?
great idea…I love surprises also.