I spent most of February tying up loose ends for my sister’s Surprise 50^th Birthday party. My brother-in-law and I had started this process months ago, but of course, as it got closer, we were running around making sure everything was perfect.

I am a huge party planner. I have been hooked on party planning since my sister and I had a huge party for my parents’ 25^th wedding anniversary years ago. I especially love planning themed events and every year since having my boys, I always plan a theme birthday party event for them. This year, because of our trip to Disney, we are going low-key in planning their party. However, for my sister, it’s a whole other story. For her party, we planned an Afternoon in Paris theme. I’ve been wanting to do this theme for quite a while now and I was so excited to have the opportunity.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you have probably already seen some pictures and videos, as I was trying my best to post everything as the afternoon went by. I thought I would share some of the details and purchasing information as well.

Instead of using table numbers, we decided to give each table the name of a landmark or a representation of Paris, France. The table names we framed in gold and set them on a gold stand— Eiffel Tower, Chanel Perfume Bottle, Chanel logo, The Sacre Coure, Arc De Triomphe, and Louvre Museum. Table centerpieces were lighted Eiffel Towers placed on top of round mirrors. We sprinkled acrylic gemstones around the towers and placed LED votive candles on two sides. Last minute, we decided to add some balloons to each table, but I had such a hard time finding 50^th birthday balloons; everyone in New Jersey must have been planning a 50^th party that weekend. I was able to get about 10, so we were able to place one on each table as well.

One of my favorite resources for ordering party supplies is from a website called Shindigz.com. They have every theme you can imagine, and their party supplies are above the usual gimmicky items you find at other party supply stores. If you are looking for a professionally themed party, this is the place to find everything you need. One of the items they offer is customized backdrops. We went with the Eiffel Tower backdrop with my sister’s name and birthday customization.

Another party supply company I also purchase from is called OrientalTrading.com. We were able to pick up a Parisian Street light stand up and the Paris Hat Favor boxes. We decorated around the street light with planters filled with colorful flowers. It looked so pretty.

My sister thought she was going to my uncle’s 75^th birthday party, she really had no clue. My brother-in-law was so worried that she would figure it out, but everything went as planned. When she walked in and we yelled, “surprise,” she was shocked. She immediately said to me, I don’t like all this attention on me. I told her to get used to it, it was her day to shine! We spent the afternoon dancing, eating and taking all kinds of pictures and videos. She said she really was very surprised and had no idea. We were happy to hear that, it’s great when you really can pull off a surprise party.

Everything turned out so nice and I’m itching to start planning my next party. What about you?  Do you enjoy planning or just attending parties? I’d love to know.