Suprise shindig!?

Question

ok, so my bestie's birthday is coming up. she will be turning 20.

She isnt planning anything for it, because she hasnt had the best success with having things go according to plan, and her birthday nights usually end up **** (according to her). I am sick of hearing how bad her birthday was and how she is just gonna skip them(she can be a very negative person, only seeing the bad), so i wanna do something special for her. I would like it to be a suprise (the hardest part....any tips?)

i was thinking of maybe getting everyone to head up and go camping/drinking (cos she misses the country so much) or maybe just a bbq at a park or something.

i dont know really and thats why im asking here.

any suggestions on what to do....and how to get her there without her knowing what on earth is going on. (we also hav to somehow get her out of work commitments)

Thanx in advance!

I live in South Australia...legal drinking age is 18.....

Answer 1

I suspect that your friend will not appreciate the amount of energy you are putting into making her special day a good one, so, that said, kudos to you!  Here are some ideas:

1.  Decide on your venue.  If you want to go camping, then plan ahead where and when you want to go.  Pay the camping fees and make sure there are no restrictions on your destination of choice.  If you want to party in a park, you'll need to see if you need a permit etc.  Will they have tables, benches, barbecues?  Make a list of items you will need to transport to make it fun and then enlist the help of some trusted friends.

2.  Decide on your guest list.  If its all girls and best buds, then decide if you want an overnight gathering or to do only girlstuff.  If its a mixed group, then get creative in your invites, making sure that everyone is in on the secret and will keep it a surprise.  Get your invitations out at least 3 weeks before the event.  Plan on only having about 85% of your invitees show up.

3.  Plan your entertainment.  Games?  Music?  Renting a dance floor and d.j.?  Recorded music?  Kareoke? Pinata?

It might be easier if you ask your other friends to help you get this part together and to brainstorm ideas.

4.  Plan your menu:  are you grilling?  Will you have any kind of refrigeration?  Is it going to be a potluck?  Keep it simple and satisfying.  Usually grilled burgers and chicken or sausages are a hit.  Serve with a few salads, pasta and coleslaw, fresh fruit, chips etc.To drink?  Figure out a signature drink and make sure you have plenty of bottled water, soda, and beer on hand.

5.  Birthday cake?  Cupcakes are a big hit here right now and they are easier to transport.

6.  Don't forget the paper plates, cutlery, garbage bags, serving utensils, condiments, cups etc.

Good luck!