Planning a Surprise 30th Birthday Party

My husband is turning 30 in December and as the party-loving wife, it sounds like the perfect occasion to host one heck of a surprise party. As the husband is a huge sports fan (baseball and football in particular) and an avid coach (both baseball and football…go figure), I’ve decided that a stadium-themed tailgate-style party is definitely in order. Luckily for me, all of his teams (the Atlanta Braves, the Buffalo Bills and the teams he coaches at school) all share the same colors of red, white and blue so that gives me a pretty good place to start when it comes to gathering inspiration.

{Cracker Jack photo from Passionate Eater}

{Martha Stewart does it again - I love these!}

Having just come out of a wedding, obviously I need to keep this fete extremely budget-friendly so I’m going to focus on stadium foods of all varieties to help keep costs down and add to the authenticity; a hot dog bar with condiment station, Cracker Jack, peanuts, nachos, pizza, and cupcakes and cookies frosted like baseballs for starters.

{Another Pint Please}

{I have a love affair with striped paper straws lately. I love these photos by Amy Nieto Photography}

A big tub of icy beer and a well-stocked bar with custom Gocco cocktail napkins, striped paper straws, and personalized beer koozies will all be necessities. (What? They don’t have screenprinted napkins at baseball games? Oh. Well, maybe that part of this party is about me. I admit it.)

{Braves MLB Shop}

Of course, a personalized Braves jersey will be required. Only, I’m going to get a little crazy and let people draw all over it with Sharpie marker a la guest book and later have it framed for him to hang in his classroom.

{Photo by Beach Productions via EAD Weddings}

Now, while I’m not planning to make this manly jock-inspired party girly in any fashion, I love all of the red, white and blue details Maggie incorporated in her gorgeous wedding recently featured on EAD Weddings. I do believe working in some fabulous details will take this party from your ordinary Sunday football party to something really fun and festive. I’m all about the fun and festive.

{Jessica Claire via EAD Weddings}

And who can forget the welcome party E and her hubby hosted at Turner Field (aka the home of the Braves, peeps!) for guests of their glamorous vow renewal celebration last December?

Has anyone else ever thrown a surprise party? Or a stadium-themed party for that matter? I’d love to hear your ideas!