Elements of Surprise

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One great trick to keep parties interesting and fun is the simple element of surprise.  That doesn’t mean things have to be elaborate or over the top, just keep some things to yourself when planning.

During my recent foray into the wedding world, I was shocked to see people with blogs simply dedicated to all the details of their upcoming nuptials.  The dresses, the florals, the invites and programs and menu, groom’s attire, music PLAYLIST, every tidbit.  I wanted to scream – thank goodness none of my friends do this, or why go!

Of course when you have a party on the brain, your best friend is going to hear way more than she (he) would like, but no one else should.   It really keeps things much more fun this way!

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In my California days, with a group of girlfriends, we would host a mariachi party.  For the first one, people assumed that was just a theme, and were pleasantly surprised when live mariachi music was there to set the mood for (too many) homemade margaritas.

Then as we continued having this fiesta and people came to expect the music, we changed it up to an iPod, but then brought in a taco truck.

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Or a few years ago, I attended a party hosted by a friend and as a surprise, he had Pinkberry and all the goodies brought in for dessert (this was just  before the craze, so it was a BIG hit)!  I promise it was more fun not knowing than waiting all night for something you already know is coming…

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Or for a friend’s birthday, surprise them with a piñata or cupcakes instead of the cake.  (I know, cupcakes are probably over, but when not expected, they are still a hit!)

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Even when having just a few friends over for dinner or drinks, it is still easy to have some of the thrill.  No one needs to know the menu, or the seating arrangements before they get there.  Or maybe its just a fun cocktail that you know one of your guests loves.

For soirees of all sizes, it really is important to keep a few things to yourself to retain the wonder and amazement – and to keep them coming back!