SWEET 16TH SURPRISE PARTY
I chose a Hawaiian luau theme - but any type of theme, partial to the birthday girl's personality, could be adapted. My SURPRISE invitations were purchased - but I also included a note for directions and arrival time instructions, e-mail info, cell phone #, specific times to call to RSVP, and a list of all invited guests. I used a copy of the guest list to keep track of RSVP responses. I visited the Domino Sugar website and found nametag masters with awesome luau graphics. (I also printed their Gift Record page with themed graphics.) I used these to print "SHHHHHH! IT'S A SURPRISE!" stickers for the backs of the invitations and name tags for the party. Our party was held at a restaurant in a party room - so when I booked it, I spoke with the management about approving my decoration plans/ideas and checked out the room to size up the area. In advance, I had put together: the centerpieces (these were made from small, glass, recycled Starbucks bottles - filled with Dollar Store confetti and one, 6 inch Happy Birthday balloon on a stick); the party favors (large candy bars, with "SWEET 16" personalized wrappers I created with my computer using tropical colors and graphics, along with SpongeBob Rice Krispie treats, tied with raffia and various colored ribbons); AND long pieces of matching colorful ribbons on the ends of a SWEET SIXTEEN banner that I bought at a local party store. (I used tape to hang this quickly before the party started.) I ordered a cookie cake (it was less expensive and easy to serve) and added 2 - Flip-Flop (sandal style) candles and 14 pink/orange candles to match the frosting colors/roses. At the restaurant, I used one table for gifts, 4 tables for guests, and one table with the cake, lighter (for the candles), name tags, and \*tiara for Jenna, the guest of honor. (\*Found this at a party store - plastic with '16' centered and lots of silver glitter. Huge hit!) As each girl arrived, they were welcomed, and given their name tag and choice of lei (with matching flowered hair band/bracelet -also found at the Dollar Store). While they waited for the party to begin, I provided them with a journal and colorful pen to write any special note/message to my daughter. (Another Dollar Store bargain - complete with Flip Flops and silk flower on the cover!) I had tucked in a bookmark decorated with a note about passing it along to every guest during the party. My husband brought my daughters in a short time later and we met them in a different area of the restaurant as if we were going to just eat dinner together as a family. I took Jenna by the shoulders and said, "We've had a change in plans. We're going to eat in this other room." When I turned her around to the party room door - her friends yelled out "SURPRISE!" (and took pictures). I gave her a big hug and put the tiara on her head. When everyone had arrived, we took several group photos - then ate dinner. The guests enjoyed their cake while watching my daughter open her gifts. We took lots of pictures and relaxed - many of the guests had brought along their own cameras. Our time within the party room was 1 hr. and 30 min. I had brought extra shopping bags - which made clean up (packing up gifts/extras) easy. This party was held 9 days before her actual birthday. On her birthday, she received a wrapped bouquet of 6 - long stem, pink roses with baby's breath, greenery, and sugar cubes - delivered to her high school. That morning, she had already enjoyed a breakfast 'date' with her Dad. He gave her birthstone earrings and reminded her how special she is - how soon she'd be dating - and to be very choosy about her future. ~ Mom's idea ... Dad agreed. :)
