STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

HeatherLynn · Gucci

Parent's Wedding Anniversary

Kelly · Hermes

I guess it's up to you to know whether your parents would appreciate a surprise party or not. But if you're worried that she'll make plans, why don't you say that you want to take them out to dinner for their anniversary or something? Then she'll leave the night open.

Suasoria · Chanel

I'm in the camp that doesn't like surprises, even happy ones, so I'd definitely involve her in the guest list, picking a place, etc. - but keep some details a secret so there's still some surprises in store.

In addition to your ideas, brunch (either catered or at a restaurant) would be more reasonable cost-wise than a big dinner. Since it's December you'll be working around people's holiday party schedules too.

A restaurant can do a special fixed-price menu if you choose to have people pay for their own meals - just let people know ahead of time it's going to be $25 per person or whatever.

And maybe work in the Alaska theme somehow to remind them of their special trip...ice sculpture of a polar bear? Make mock postcards with a snapshot of your mom & dad on the ship for the invitations?

jettie · Kate Spade

My sister and I threw a surprise party for our parent's 30th wedding anniversary a few years ago. We ended up doing it at their house (we got them out of the house all day by sending them to a movie and lunch, which was supposedly their gift). However, if you can have it at someone elses house, it would be much easier. My sister and I didn't have big enough houses to host a party and most of our relatives live in other cities so having it at a restuarant would've been more than we wanted to spend. That's great you are starting the planning early, I really think that is key. Good luck!