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MrsMerlot
Unconditional Love
Member since 4/06 6005 total posts
Name:
Chrissy
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Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
Mom & I are planning my brother's Surprise 21st Birthday Party. I'm doing everything from the booking, planning, set-up, decor, etc, while mom is putting up the $$$.
I found two places - one place I'm in love with and one place mom is in love with.
One is a lounge while the other is a restaurant.
We're estimated 50 guests and our dilemma is deciding which will be best. We are inviting 25 "family" members, and 25 will be my brother's friends (ages 21-24.)
The lounge would be exclusive to our party from 8pm - 11pm - top shelf open bar, passed apps (or buffet) for the three hours & decor.
The restaurant is offering us the back room (semi-private) w/wine, appetizers, salad, pasta, three-course selection, and the cake.
Both are in the same range ($42 vs. $36 per person.) They're both in the same neighborhood - Brooklyn - across the street from each other.
Mom likes the Lounge idea since the "younger" ones can stay there afterwards when the adults/family leave, and it's more appropriate for a 21 y/o birthday party.
However, my mom is worried that the family/adults will "complain and talk" about the food (being buffet/passed) instead of sit-down, and that the $$$ spent won't be "shown" even though the lounge is a little more expensive (b/c of the drinks.)
What do you think is more appropriate for this situation?
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Posted 3/12/07 2:22 PM  |
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eroxgirl
My Loves
Member since 5/05 15697 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
I really like the idea of a lounge for a 21st birthday party in general, but since your mom is concerned about family talking, you can have the sit-down dinner and then your brother and his friends could always go out afterwards on their own.
I'm also just making the assumption that the party will be in Bay Ridge and there will be no shortage of places to go afterwards.
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| Posted 3/12/07 2:27 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9509 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
I think a lounge will be much more fun....
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| Posted 3/12/07 2:27 PM |
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ml110
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 5435 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
hmm... well, will the lounge be open to the public after 11?? so like if you do the party at the restaurant, could the "younger" crowd just go across the street after the dinner to "party" at the lounge?- like as an after party, but you're mom wouldn't pay for that part?
that way, it seems like it could be the best of both worlds... a nice dinner, but then the younger crowd could still party it up afterwards
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| Posted 3/12/07 2:29 PM |
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mtnmama
Member since 5/06 4794 total posts
Name:
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Message edited 6/8/2009 3:46:33 PM.
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| Posted 3/12/07 2:29 PM |
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MrsMerlot
Unconditional Love
Member since 4/06 6005 total posts
Name:
Chrissy
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
Posted by cpanyc
Which do you think your brother would like more? The party is for him, the relatives should realize that. I voted for the lounge. Sounds like fun, Good Luck!
I think (know) he'll like the lounge more since we've never done anything like that for him and his friends. We ALWAYS end up a restaurant.
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| Posted 3/12/07 2:30 PM |
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chikita315
Love
Member since 8/06 7945 total posts
Name:
M-lo
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
I think the lounge is appropriate and way more fun.
If family is going to talk, someone should remind them they are going to a 21st birthday party and not a wedding.
My new motto "You don't like it, don't come"
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| Posted 3/12/07 2:30 PM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
I think the lounge is better for a 21st b-day party.
JMO but if I was invited to a party that started at 8 pm I would assume that dinner was not included and I would eat before. I think as long as a party is not given during a typical "meal hour" it's ok if a full meal is not served.
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| Posted 3/12/07 2:31 PM |
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MrsMerlot
Unconditional Love
Member since 4/06 6005 total posts
Name:
Chrissy
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
I think the lounge is better for a 21st b-day party.
JMO but if I was invited to a party that started at 8 pm I would assume that dinner was not included and I would eat before. I think as long as a party is not given during a typical "meal hour" it's ok if a full meal is not served.
That's an excellent point! Maybe I should include something on the invitation stating such?
It's going to be more of a cocktail reception than "light apps" - is there a way of stating this?
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| Posted 3/12/07 2:45 PM |
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JP826
=)
Member since 9/06 10903 total posts
Name:
Me!! All about ME!
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
Christine.. I say restaurant because it would be something to please everyone. You can all have a nice sit down dinner with the family- everyone will eat good & be merry! After dinner your brother & his friends can go to the lounge & party on their own. There is a happy medium in this situation!!!!
Lots of luck with whatever you & mom decide. I'm sure whatever it is, your brother will appreciate it
Message edited 3/12/2007 2:55:00 PM.
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| Posted 3/12/07 2:48 PM |
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DandS
We are so blessed!!
Member since 1/07 1951 total posts
Name:
Stacey
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
Posted by lululu
I think a lounge will be much more fun....
I like the lounge idea for the 21st birthday - I think your brother will have more fun there.
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| Posted 3/12/07 2:49 PM |
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Christine
2nd verse same as the 1st
Member since 5/05 15287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
I think the party should be geared towards the guest of honor - so my vote is lounge. 
Invite everyone to a cockail party with hors d'oevres and they should know they are not getting a regular dinner.
It's a very cool idea!
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| Posted 3/12/07 2:50 PM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
How much older are the family members? I think the people who are your parents age will prefer to sit, so would rather be at a restaurant. Heck, I am approaching 40 and I would rather sit and have a great meal at a restaurant too 
I think I prefer the dinner and as others said, he and his friends can go out afterwards (and any of the hip family members too...)
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| Posted 3/12/07 3:30 PM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
Posted by dpli
How much older are the family members? I think the people who are your parents age will prefer to sit, so would rather be at a restaurant. Heck, I am approaching 40 and I would rather sit and have a great meal at a restaurant too
I think I prefer the dinner and as others said, he and his friends can go out afterwards (and any of the hip family members too...)
ETA: I think if you go with the lounge, it would be a good idea to state that it is a cocktail party. I think I might expect food, even if it started at 8PM
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| Posted 3/12/07 3:32 PM |
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BikerGrl
Merry Christmas!
Member since 5/05 2875 total posts
Name:
It's not the destination....it's the journey!
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
The lounge would be great! People should realize this is for a 21 year old, so a sit down dinner is not as appropriate
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| Posted 3/12/07 3:36 PM |
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MrsPornStar
Partners in crime
Member since 10/05 14656 total posts
Name:
Mama
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
Posted by ChrissynRicky
It's going to be more of a cocktail reception than "light apps" - is there a way of stating this?
You can state "Light appetizers will be served"
or
The honour of your presence is
requested
at XXXXXX's surprise 21st birthdy party
Address
on DATE
for Cocktails and
Hors d'oeuvres
at six o'clock in the evening
or
There’s a BIRTHDAY PARTY
And you’re invited to show
But don’t tell XXXXXX
‘cause he doesn't know
So if you can make it,
here’s a word to the wise
Make sure to come early,
‘cause it’s a SURPRISE
Please join us for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
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| Posted 3/12/07 7:03 PM |
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FRAPPALICIOUS
sexxxxxy
Member since 10/05 2236 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
There’s a BIRTHDAY PARTY
And you’re invited to show
But don’t tell XXXXXX
‘cause he doesn't know
So if you can make it,
here’s a word to the wise
Make sure to come early,
‘cause it’s a SURPRISE
Please join us for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
LOVE THAT!!!!!!!!
eta...I chose lounge.
Message edited 3/12/2007 7:43:11 PM.
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| Posted 3/12/07 7:42 PM |
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
The lounge is a fun idea! Just as long as there is no one elderly who may be more comfortable sitting at a restaurant.
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| Posted 3/12/07 8:47 PM |
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JTK
my 4 boys!
Member since 6/06 7396 total posts
Name:
Kristi
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
i like the lounge idea better..
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| Posted 3/12/07 9:30 PM |
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MrsMerlot
Unconditional Love
Member since 4/06 6005 total posts
Name:
Chrissy
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
Posted by hmpena
Posted by ChrissynRicky
It's going to be more of a cocktail reception than "light apps" - is there a way of stating this?
You can state "Light appetizers will be served"
or
The honour of your presence is
requested
at XXXXXX's surprise 21st birthdy party
Address
on DATE
for Cocktails and
Hors d'oeuvres
at six o'clock in the evening
or
There’s a BIRTHDAY PARTY
And you’re invited to show
But don’t tell XXXXXX
‘cause he doesn't know
So if you can make it,
here’s a word to the wise
Make sure to come early,
‘cause it’s a SURPRISE
Please join us for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
  PERFECT!!! 
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| Posted 3/12/07 9:31 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Need Opinions...Throwing a Surprise 21st Birthday Party
I think a lounge is fine, even if there is family. IMO a sit-down would not be as age-appropriate for the person you are celebrating for. As the lounge if they can arrange for some extra space for some of the older guests.
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| Posted 3/13/07 7:56 AM |
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