Anyone Been at the Receiving End of a Surprise Party?

13 years ago

I was. Today. The strangest feeling ever. My dd's, dh and friends put one together for my 50th and I'm still feeling overwhelmed. It was so very odd to see different friends whom I KNOW don't know each other, in the same room, and my mind just couldn't put it together for some time. My dd was afraid I'd be angry and embarrassed because I had insisted a couple of months ago that I don't like the attention of a party for me. But it was so darned nice of everyone to come and for the little worker bees to do this, that how could I be mad?? It was a lovely tea/lunch in my dgf's backyard, where the Sally Holmes roses and pink carpet roses were in full bloom. In this area most houses have fairly small backyards but hers is on the bigger side so there was room for tables. Even her three chickens were quiet and didn't freak out my dd who hates birds. :) It really was lovely. Anyone else go through this?

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Comments (20)

des_arc_ya_ya
13 years ago
Oh, it all sounds like fun! Yes, I have been and, get this, it was a surprise baby shower for my first child (my now almost 42 year old son). DH had to talk me into going to what I thought was a party and it was, I just didn't know that it was for me! LOL

I was surprised and very touched, like you, that people would go to that much trouble for me.

Hope you had a fantastic birthday!
Toni S
13 years ago
What a sweet day, Happy 50th!

It happened to me last week. My friend invited my dh and I to go out with her and her dh for a Mexican meal. No special reason, just for fun, so I thought. My girls are best buds with two of her eight kids so we broght my two girls over and left them with popcorn, apple slices and a good movie for the crew. I thought it was a nice set up and we left for dinner. When we returned all the kids jumped out from behind the furniture and yelled happy birthday as loud as they could!!! I was looking at my friends asking who's birthday was it in a quiet voice so not to look unimformed. My friend laughed and told me it was mine!! They were a few weeks late but it was all for me. The kids had the dining room, and the living room full of stingers and balloons. It was so much work for the kids, they really put in mega effort taping everything up.
We had two cakes, three kinds of ice cream and a huge table to share it all. I was tickled to say the least.
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I agree with the other posters. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now you know why more people don't try to give 2 parties in the same day! Basically, you set yourself up for 10 solid hours (plus pre-2:00 prep) of hosting, clean-up, re-set-up, and hosting again. Who could do their best with that kind of challenge? In addition, even though you are experienced hosts, I think you took on quite a bit here -- entertaining 75 people, including clean up and set up in between, without any paid help -- well, I am sure you must have been exhausted; who wouldn't be? And when you are that tired, it is indeed a big deal to have people stay late. If you had only one party, with either a smaller number or some sort of help, I bet it wouldn't have seemed so overwhelming when people stayed late. I am not sure why you are so outraged that people arrived at 2:00 for a 2:00 party. I agree it's nice to give the guests a little cushion and come a few minutes late, but you really can't get mad or be surprised if someone arrives on the dot. Sometimes people have to leave early because of another commitment, so they come as early as they can. (I've had people show up 30-60 minutes EARLY -- how would you like that? Once I was just getting into the shower!) I also don't understand this at all: "Almost everyone else showed up between 3:30 and 4:30 (the event was supposed to end at 5:30)." What is wrong with that? You said it was an "'Open House' from 2 - 5." My confusion isn't whether it was 5 or 5:30, it's that I don't understand what is wrong with coming between 3:30 and 4:30 for a 2-5 (or 5:30) open house -- isn't the whole idea that people come and go within the time frame? 2:00 is too early, 3:30 is too late -- and this is "laid back"? Regarding people staying late for the evening party -- well, they were having fun, so good for you! It must have been a good party. But here again, I don't understand a few things. First you don't seem to like it that many guests didn't come until 10 -- but you didn't plan to feed them dinner (and evidently were clear about that on th invitation), so perhaps they went out to dinner first or something. People come on time for a dinner party, but they don't feel they must be there at the very beginning for a munchies "shindig" -- four hours seems like a lot for that. Regarding staying past midnight: few adult parties (other than open houses; see above) set end times. Even if you'd put it on the invitation, I bet some didn't remember or even notice it. I also don't understand why you were surprised or resentful that you were in the kitchen: you invited a LOT of people to your home, and you started running low on food, so you did what any good host does: you got something for them to eat. If that happens again, spare yourself the work while your guests are there, and order a few pizzas. But as Lindac says: the most important thing is whether your guests had a great time. And it sounds like they did!
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patti43
13 years ago
Twice! A baby shower years ago and a going away dinner party arranged by my co-workers. I'm like you and would rather not have the attention, but I was so suprised I didn't have time to think about it. Both times I thought we were just going out for dinner since both were held in restaurants.
joann23456
13 years ago
Once, for my 30th birthday. It was nice of my friends, though I don't really like surprise parties. I much prefer to have the anticipation add to the fun.
msmarion
13 years ago
Oh yes, for my 41st birthday. An odd year I know but I lost my dad 7 months before amd was still a mess after losing him. DH called one of my friends and asked for help. He made all the calls. The day before he just couldn't keep it from me any longer and had to tell me, because he didn't know what serving platters etc to use. LOL He did a great job and we all had fun. If he ever does it again. I'll kill him.
sue_va
13 years ago
Three times, actually.

The first was for my 25th. birthday. We had 1 child and expecting the second. My DH worked it out with our neighbors who were good friends. I thought we were going to a movie and our DD was staying with the neighbors. When we got home the yard was filled with other neighbors, and it was all for me!

Second time was my 60th birthday. My DH had died 2 years previous and I was still in very low spirits.This day it happened that my cat died and I was busy burying her at the far corner of our garden. I was dressed in shorts and a shirt with the hem unraveled. Suddenly people are showing up carrying all manner of good things to eat. My DD had planned this, and it was excellent therapy; made me realize that life does go on.

Third time was for my 80th birthday. Six months before I had undergone serious colon surgery that involved a 7 week stay in the hospital,and I was still recovering. My DD and DGD planned a party without my knowing it, and even had an invitation (to every one) included in our Retirement Community newsletter, and made sure my copy did not include the invitation. So again I was shocked to see my yard filling up with friends and neighbors, and my DS home form SC.

I love these kinds of things that show love and concern.

Surprises are fine with me!!

Sue

P.S. My birthday is next month, but I don't think there will be a surprise this time. Maybe for my 90th!
OklaMoni
13 years ago
My husband planned a surprise party for me when I became an American Citizen, and my daughter got my friends together for my 40th.

Both were awesome.

Moni
cynic
13 years ago
There's been a couple times but they weren't really surprises. I figured it out. Some people acting different and some acting "too normal".

I'm better at surprising people than being surprised I guess.
liljunkr
13 years ago
Only once and my friends learned very quickly I DON'T RE-ACT WELL TO SURPRISE PARTIES. I worked an unusual late shift, arranged by my roomie and boss so they could set up the party. I had no clue anyone even remembered my B'day was the next day. I got home just after dark and I expected my roomie to be out for the evening with her guy. We lived in a not so great area and I traveled armed from the parking lot to inside the locked apartment. When I latched the door the yelling started and the light bulb blew at the same time. Not a great thing to happen. I didn't shoot but when roomie got the table lamp turned on I was back against the door with my 38 in hand pointed at my friends. Sure was quiet then. I put the weapon away and the party was a little uptight until a few drinks were consumed by anyone not designated to drive. We laugh about it now. My friends haven't tried to surprise party me again and "That's a GOOD THING!" I am just very thankful I was trained very well in how and when to use a weapon.

LIL
lydia1959
13 years ago
I don't really like surprises... but I've had two surprise parties.

The first was a bridal shower put on by my 2 best friends. The second was a baby shower thrown by the people who worked with me at Walmart. That was totally unexpected and I was very surprised and humbled... they gave it to me during the 'regular' morning meeting. I got so many needed items. Other women had been expecting, but I was the only one who got a shower... it was the only one I got too so I was very touched by it.

I wouldn't care if someone said they didn't want a party... everybody deserves a party at certain points in their lives. If you aren't sure that you should plan that surprise party... do it anyhow.
Marilyn Sue McClintock
13 years ago
No, I have never been on the receiving end of a surprise party. I have given a couple that I can think of for my Mother's birthday. She was really surprised each time.

Sue
monica_pa Grieves
13 years ago
Yes...also my 50th Birthday party.
DH #1 had it at our country club, invited over 100 friends and relatives, huge buffet and a live band that played 50's rock music.
vicki_lv_nv
13 years ago
Not a surprise party...but a surprise wedding. My ex thought it would be a really cool idea to surprise me with a wedding ceremony. We already had our license, because we had planned on another date. I hated it. Absolutely hated it. I don't like to be the center of attention like that. Never have. He knew that. I don't like to be surprised. I instantly cry for some reason. Nice eh?

However...if people don't mind it...then I am not above surprising them. LOL
sjerin
Original Author
13 years ago
It's fun to read all your stories. Yikes, liljunkr!! That could have been a really bad story--glad it turned out well.

I too turned beet red and teared up, which I just hate. Oh well, guess it makes everyone else smile.

Sue, I do hope you get another surprise party, maybe even before you're 90. How's the ol' ticker??

Thank you for the b-day wishes, Ya Ya and Toni (Happy Birthday to you too!) There sure are a lot of birthdays in the month of May.... Is it those hot August nights?
carol_in_california
13 years ago
Not really a party but a wonderful surprise and a lesson learned.
We have friends my DH knew when he was in grade school who moved to our area.
It was my birthday several years ago and they invited us for dinner...she is a wonderful hostess but a terrible cook so I was not exactly looking forward to going.
We got there and my friend, Joni was running late, as usual. I was annoyed.
The doorbell rang and she asked me if I minded getting it for her.....she had invited my kids to help celebrate.
I learned humility that night.
sue_va
13 years ago
Sjerin, ticker is just fine; thanks for asking. If I am surprised this time I'll let everyone know.

And all KTers can consider this as an invitation to my 90th Surprise Party. Y'all come now, ya heah?

Sue
bulldinkie
13 years ago
Yes my sister said Im going to best friends little boys bd party she says go along.I said noooo I dont feel like it.She said just go along Im not staying.So i went ,we get there she says you go first,"i opened the door everybody I knew was there, a surprise baby shower for me.
clubm
13 years ago
No I have never been on the recieving end and I hope I never am. I told my family not to even thinki about giving a surprise party. I don't mind them for someone else but just not me.
lowspark
13 years ago
Nope, not me!

I actually LOVE entertaining and having parties. We recently went to a surprise 50th BDay party for a friend and I told my DH, do NOT ever surprise me with a party.

I like to plan my parties, do the food, do the invitations, etc. For me, all that stuff is half the fun of the party! I would not be happy at the idea of all those people knowing the "secret" and planning without me.

I have GIVEN a surprise baby shower before. A long time ago. And it turned out great. But shortly afterwards, in retrospect, it occured to me that it would have been better if she knew.

And I will also say that of all the surprise parties I've been to, only a very small percentage of the guests of honor didn't somehow find out in advance.

Guess I'm sort of a surprise party spoil sport! LOL
declansmom
13 years ago
Yes....34 years ago for a shower for my first son. I was supposed to pick my girlfriend up to go swimming, and when I showed up at her house in my "mismatched" bikini, everyone yelled "SURPRISE"!!!!
I certainly was! Thank goodness my sister had the foresight to bring an outfit for me!

Anyone Been at the Receiving End of a Surprise Party?

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des_arc_ya_ya

Toni S

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Anyone Been at the Receiving End of a Surprise Party?

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