[MistySeptember]

My sister and I are planning a small (30 people or so) surprise brunch for our Grandmother who turns 75 in March. We are requesting no gifts, as Gramma's house is already filled to the brim. She really enjoys gardening and just recently retired so we were going to suggest a bringing her a plant or gardening stuff, but we thought 30 plants might be a little hodged podged looking as well as overwhelming for Gramma. That's alot of planting. We thought about doing steppping stones at the party, but far too messy. So we considered sending each guest the materials, but how do you ship cement. Plus many of the guests are older folks and this wouldn't be an apporpriate task to ask them to take on themselves.

We've considered a quilt with each guest creating a block. But do we send them out with the invites and ask them to be returned at the party? Or do we find a way for them to do it at the party. Any ideas? Has anyone done this?

I am kind of looking for an idea to fill in some of the time at the party, as mostly it will involve eating and socializing. We considered creating a picture wall, or having each guest speak about Gramma, but to us it felt a little funeral like and sort of like a Eulogy. Gramma is pretty sensative about that kind of thing. Since we won't be opening gifts, I had hoped to find something to "do" whether it's looking at pictures ect. We thought maybe a small project like the quilt idea, something people sign or something might be fun. We just kind of feel like we need something to fill the time a bit.

Any ideas are welcome Maybe we don't need to "do" anything LOL

Thanks In advance!

[WileyB]

Normally, I work best under pressure, but I read your note and had a few ideas off the top of my head. I don't know what kind of people are coming to you grandma's party, but do you think they would like a simple game of bingo to play, and have some volunteers to bake cakes or pies for the prizes? If she is the humourous type, how about having guests bring a "gag" gift, there is sure to be plenty of laughs that way. Also, I love gardening as well, but what do you think about asking the guests to bring a packet of seeds instead. That way, she can plant whenever she wants to, and can space it out. Hope this may give you something more to think on - and good luck with the party, I hope it is her best one ever!

[AndreaS30]

Saw your post and thought I would give you an idea. What about going to get a big clay pot and have everyone personalize the pot with paint...whether it be their name or a drawing on there...maybe you could do a pot with all the grandkids names on it. Then you could plant flowers in the big pot.