30th bday

teacher84

I wanted to have a low key surprise celebration for my dh's 30th- do you think it would be better to have friends to our apartment or out to a dinner? I'd rather do the apartment to keep it on the cheaper side (I'd just get food catered in) but would it look stupid if we only had around 10 people there? Most of his friends are kind of spread out so I think it will only be around 10... do I really need to plan anything other than dinner and assume we would all go out to bars afterwards? This sounded like a great idea at first and now I'm a little hesitant as to whether this is stupid!

hopey1kanopey

I think it sounds like a lot of fun. You don't need to have a huge amount of people for it to be a fun party, and you know your H and his friends. You know what type of thing they would prefer.

saravecinco

I think it sounds good for both you and the guests   You could always ask guests to bring a drink to share if you don't want to go out to bars after dinner.

findingmyshoes

I would just meet at a restaurant and have everyone just pay for themselves.  That's the cheap way to do it.  Okay, that may be a little tacky, but if you just tell people, hey, we are meeting for dinner to celebrate, don't tell its a surprise, I think that people will assume that they are paying.  Then there is no clean up and no need to cater.

But that is just me and I am super low-key.

GatorWedsNole

teacher84:

I wanted to have a low key surprise celebration for my dh's 30th- do you think it would be better to have friends to our apartment or out to a dinner? I'd rather do the apartment to keep it on the cheaper side (I'd just get food catered in) but would it look stupid if we only had around 10 people there? Most of his friends are kind of spread out so I think it will only be around 10... do I really need to plan anything other than dinner and assume we would all go out to bars afterwards? This sounded like a great idea at first and now I'm a little hesitant as to whether this is stupid!

I think you're idea sounds perfect!  I'd love to go to this type of get together.  Depending on the type of food you order - you might be able to set up a really nice dining table or serve it more casual, buffet style.

Set the mood with good background music or a concert DVD, you can also dime the lights and have lots of inexpsensive tealights everywhere.

As far as the bar goes, it sounds like fun.  Just make sure no one expects you to pick up the tab there.  If that's the case, you could always buy a few bottles of liquor for after dinner and break out a board game.

HTH!

JennyQ1985

Do it at your place & cook yourself.  It'll be cheaper, more low-key and better for visiting/hanging out in your own home than a loud restaurant.

JP-n-JI

saravecinco:

I think it sounds good for both you and the guests   You could always ask guests to bring a drink to share if you don't want to go out to bars after dinner.

I agree- Have them bring a drink and party as long as you guys want to!