Characters:
Anna – organizing a birthday party for her best friend
Lily – her friend, offering party planning suggestions
Anna: Hey, Lily! I’m planning a surprise birthday party for Sarah next week, and I could really use your help. Have you ever thrown a surprise party before?
Lily: Ooh, I love surprise parties! I’ve planned a few in the past. What do you have in mind so far?
Anna: Well, I want it to be fun and memorable, but I’m not sure where to start. Should I focus on the theme first, or is it better to start with the guest list?
Lily: I usually start with the guest list because it’ll help you figure out how big the party will be. Do you want it to be a small gathering with just close friends, or a bigger celebration?
Anna: I’m thinking of keeping it intimate with just our close friends. Maybe around 10-12 people. I want it to feel personal.
Lily: That sounds perfect! Once you have the guest list, you can think about the location. Are you going to host it at home, or are you looking for a venue?
Anna: I was thinking of hosting it at home to keep things cozy. Plus, it’s easier to personalize the space that way. Do you have any tips on decorating?
Lily: Absolutely! Since it’s a surprise, you could go all out with decorations. Balloons, streamers, maybe a photo booth area with props for fun pictures. You could even create a personalized banner or a slideshow with pictures of Sarah.
Anna: I love that idea! A photo booth sounds like so much fun. I could get some quirky props, like glasses and hats. What about the cake? Do you have any suggestions for a birthday cake that’s a little different?
Lily: Oh, definitely! Instead of a traditional cake, you could do a cupcake tower with different flavors or a cake shaped like something Sarah loves, like her favorite animal or hobby. You could even have a custom design with a funny message.
Anna: That’s a great idea. Sarah loves cats, so I think a cat-shaped cake would be a hit! I’ll look into finding a baker who can do that. What about drinks? Should I stick to just a few options?
Lily: Since it’s a small party, a few signature drinks would be fun! Maybe a cocktail that matches the theme or something Sarah enjoys. You could even have a non-alcoholic drink option, like a fruity punch or mocktails, so everyone has something to enjoy.
Anna: That sounds great. I’ll make sure there’s something for everyone. Now, music—how do I make sure the playlist is good for the whole party?
Lily: For music, think about Sarah’s favorite genres and artists. If you’re not sure, you could ask a few friends for suggestions. Maybe even create a playlist with upbeat songs for the first part of the party and slower ones when it’s time to wind down.
Anna: I’ll definitely ask the others for suggestions. I want to make sure it feels like Sarah’s vibe. What about games? Should I include any fun activities to get people mingling?
Lily: Definitely! You could do some classic party games like charades or a trivia quiz about Sarah’s life. If you want something more interactive, a scavenger hunt or a “Guess the Memory” game, where people share funny stories about Sarah, could be fun.
Anna: A trivia quiz about Sarah’s life sounds perfect! It’ll make it feel so personal. What about the timing? When should I start the party and when should I reveal the surprise?
Lily: I’d recommend having everyone arrive about 30 minutes before Sarah does. That way, you can make sure everyone’s settled, and then when she walks in, everyone can yell “Surprise!” It also gives you time to get everything ready and calm any nerves.
Anna: Good call. I’ll plan for everyone to get there at 6, and then we can surprise her around 6:30. One more thing—should I make a speech or something when she walks in?
Lily: You don’t have to do a full speech, but it would be nice to say a few words, maybe welcome everyone and thank them for coming. Just keep it light and heartfelt. A short and sweet “Happy birthday, Sarah!” will do the trick.
Anna: That’s a great idea. I want her to feel really special. Thank you so much for all the ideas, Lily! I think I’ve got everything I need now.
Lily: You’re welcome! I’m sure Sarah will love everything you’re planning. It’s going to be an unforgettable birthday!
Anna: I hope so! I’m so excited to see her reaction. Thanks again for all your help!
