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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To want something ‘different’ for a party?

49 replies

Mamaweeble · 26/05/2018 14:01

DH is going to be 40 this year. Planning a small gathering of close friends and family. The problem is, he hates dancing or silly games so I have no clue what to do to celebrate.

We have a venue for free which is beautiful (think hotel type conference venue) but I have zero idea what to do with it! Would love it to include kids - but i just can’t find any ideas anywhere. The internet is full of party ‘themes’ but all of them seem to assume a food and dancing type party, do people not do other things for fun?

OP posts:

specialsubject · 26/05/2018 14:45

if he hates dancing or silly games then fancy dress is probably also high on his 'saw my own leg off' list.

team up for an outing of his choice. No need for surprises etc.

Bluesmartiesarebest · 26/05/2018 14:46

Don’t make that cake, op! It sounds awful.

ICantCopeAnymore · 26/05/2018 14:47

That cake sounds very classy.

NotTheFordType · 26/05/2018 14:49

Does he actually want a party? I'd far rather just have people over for dinner/BBQ and drinks, or go out to a restaurant.

Hygge · 26/05/2018 15:02

Universal I noticed your idea. I like the idea of jazz music more than I like the idea of the cake. Sorry silver

Could you have a 40 themed quiz? Does he like quizzes? It could cover events from the year he was born, or something that was in the news every year on his birthday/week he was born from the day he was born to now. Music that was number one on his birthday each year. That sort of thing.

The best parties we've had have included an entertainer because it takes a lot of the pressure off.

When you say the things you've seen on the internet assume it will be food and dancing, you are serving food aren't you?

PolkaHots · 26/05/2018 15:06

“Make them smaller darling, daddy doesn’t like big nipples!”

Petalflowers · 26/05/2018 15:06

Does it have to have a theme? Can’t it just be a gathering of friends and family to socialise?

Alternatively, how about a race night? (Or afternoon)

ProustianMadeleine · 26/05/2018 15:09

If the idea of the cake wasn't bad enough...getting the kids to make the nudey ladies, just wow!

possumgoddess · 26/05/2018 15:47

Ooh oooh oooh - murder mystery dinner like pianocat says. I would love that!

Notthatwomanagain · 26/05/2018 15:50

WTAF at that cake?! And the kids helped?!

That is actually one of the worst things I’ve read for a while

FoofFighter · 26/05/2018 15:53

Cheese and wine evening?
Snail racing?
Retro board games?

Original poster

Mamaweeble · 26/05/2018 15:58

Thanks so much all.

I don’t think the naked lady cake is quite right for him, but some of the other ideas are good. He’s into sports and computer games, so maybe need a sports day type challenge evening

OP posts:

GerardWay · 26/05/2018 16:12

I know how you feel, my DH is 60 next year. We are going to my Sil's 50th tonight. He will drop me off and come back later to take photos ~sighs~.
I have no idea what to do for his birthday. I might just rent a big cottage in this country with a log burner for a few days and invite very, very close family and friends. No party, just food and drink with those we love.
Good luck with whatever you do.

FoofFighter · 27/05/2018 11:13

Country cottage party sounds awesome

MakeItRain · 27/05/2018 11:19

Well GerardWay at least you know what cake to make now, 60 naked ladies handcrafted by the grandchildren
I like the hired casino idea for the OP.

edwinbear · 27/05/2018 11:24

www.megablasterworld.co.uk

I’d be doing a Nerf Wars Party 😁

KatieKittens · 27/05/2018 11:25

You have said your husband doesn’t like games at a party. He doesn’t like dancing either. That’s ok.

Parties don’t have to have themes.

Plan what would be a nice party for him, not what you would like.

How about a private dining area in a restaurant instead? Or a cafe which offers exclusive hire in the evenings for small functions?

TheNoseyProject · 27/05/2018 11:36

If he’s a gamer does he have lost of gamer friends? Could you bring a bunch of consoles and do a group game?

You could make an awesome gameboy cake!

m0therofdragons · 27/05/2018 11:36

@RJnomore1 my dh would be horrified by that cake!

Violetroselily · 27/05/2018 11:40

Board games - set up lots of different tables and have everyone switch around every so often

Beetle drive

Notso · 27/05/2018 12:39

Creased at the cake and following comments.

PercyPigAddict · 27/05/2018 13:39

I don't think a naked lady cake would be quite right for many people... (not envy)

Basta · 27/05/2018 13:52

How about a private dining area in a restaurant instead? Or a cafe which offers exclusive hire in the evenings for small functions?

The OP has a venue!!

If he doesn't like silly games, does he enjoy more cerebral games? Quizzes, puzzles; that sort of thing?

Whatshallidonowpeople · 27/05/2018 13:54

Can I suggest an idea for the cake - my sister made one for her DH's 40th which consisted of 40 naked women draped all over the cake - all shapes and sizes blond, brunette, red head, big and small boobs, made out of fondant icing - it went down a bomb at the party

That sounds revolting and disrespectful to women

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