OT: turning 40

[AGC]

Help! I'm giving a huge shower for my friend who has never been married nor had a baby. A few wks. ago she was joking about having been to a million showers for weddings and babies but no showers are ever held for single women with no kids, turning 40. So, I'm giving her a shower. I need a theme, food ideas, silly/funny stuff, decorations, etc. I have 4 wks. to plan, 25-30 people (all women) expected to attend. I am requesting potluck and BYOB.She is not a black tombstone and black balloon type. She is kind of island-girl sophisticate...hummmm-its tricky. Thanks in advance for any help. Oh, and of course, $$$ is a factor!

[BarbaraL]

How about something uplifting like "celebrate yourself" or "celebrate life". Is that too new age? I'm thinking about beautiful candles, beautiful music, fine food and wine, fragrant shower gels, trips to exotic locales . . . you know, pampering yourself. Focusing on all the positive things about being in the prime of life with opportunities to develop whatever talents and explore whatever hobbies you want.

[makedah]

WOW! You are such a good friend. I think that's a great idea. I don't have much in the way of suggestions, because I've only been to 2 showers, ever!

What about a shower that compliments one of her interests? Does she do crafts, cook a lot, collect things, drink a lot of coffee? Any of those interests/loves can form the basis for a good shower theme. I also like the indulging yourself idea. It doesn't HAVE to be New Agey http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Longhorn]

I had a bridal shower with a Hawaiian theme. Mai tais, pina colodas, coconut rum and coke -- can you tell I got married out of college? Anyway, the more sedate shower (thrown by the "adults") had a "round-the-clock" theme. The guests got a card with a time on it with their invitation. They then bought something to use at that time.
Maybe you could combine that with another theme -- say, a Hawaiin theme! Guests who get 6AM could bring Kona coffee. Guests who get 6PM could bring plates or table accessories with an island theme -- like rattan placemats!
I also like the fiesta theme.
Also, a girl whose never been married probably doesn't have a lot of crystal or silver or china. It's hard to justify buying that stuff for yourself, but it sure is nice to have -- if you like that sort of thing.

[LGBurns]

I just heard an interview today with an Irish author (I can't remember her name now) who is single and middle-aged. She said that she thought middle-aged people have learned how to "order their lives around life's pleasures." Maybe a theme around "enjoying life's pleasures" would be a good one--I guess that goes along with the previous suggestions about pampering yourself but could also be combined with a shower to support her interests.

[Vanessa]

How nice of you to plan a party for your friend. http://www.party411.com/
the above web site will help you with ideas.
Take into concideration what your friend likes and it will help with a theme.
Since its a big group ask for help from other friends in the planning, invitations etc. You can have a 60's or whatever timeline theme, if she likes traveling or wine a wine party etc etc
You can have friends find pictures of when you were in school or growing up and make a photo album that she will cheerish.

[Beth]

A second childhood theme?

[Luv to Cook]

A Mexican Fiesta? Did this once and it was a great time!

Perhaps a luau?

[AGC]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think a wine party combo. celebrate life is the direction I'll go. She loves wine and is a little blue about 40 so she might enjoy a different perspective. I might pick up an issue of "O" magazine to get some spiritual pampering type stuff. Lots of candles, definately, and Bath and Body Shop stuff. Thanks!!! -amy

[jazzcat]

I turned 40 in July, I think all the ideas here for the party are great! Let us know how it goes.