Surprise Cocktail party for DHs 40th.. what to serve?

[CountessVonKnackerstein]

He's 40 in a couple of weeks. I can't afford to hire a hall or anything so thought I'd invite close pals for a Sunday afternoon party. (it means kids can come if need be, the next day is a bank holiday so no school or getting up for work)
Which cocktails do people like? Do i need lots of food? Where do I hide stuff and when do i tell him!!

Do you have any freinds that live close by willing to help out? M&S party food is good, we did it for NY last year as is Waitrose, have you got any friends with teenagers willing to bung things in oven and pass around? Cocktails unless you have someone that will make them up just do stuff that you can make jugs off, plus wine and beer and soft drinks. Can you organise a friend to take him out for an hour or two while you and acouple of friends put stuff out and put things in oven?

Good idea, I can get his dad to take him for a pint...