2013 was a big year for milestone numbers in our family. My parents celebrated 40 years of marriage, my mom turned 60, and I turned 30. Even though my parents don’t loooooooooove throwing parties, I somehow got the soiree gene and got the big idea to put together a little surprise get together for my mom’s birthday. I knew she’d never agree to going out with a group and I knew she wouldn’t want something big if she walked into a shindig she didn’t know about, so I gathered our closest family and friends to surprise her at her own house. That’s right. I invaded her home (ours was in transition as we were packing to move in May/June), took over, and threw a party.

I realized the last time she had a birthday party, it was also a surprise, but it was her 50th and she was mid-treatments for breast cancer. Goooood times. Well, she made it to ten more years and deserved some recognition and since it was her 60th, I had the idea to make it a Sweet 60th, like a Sweet 16, but with boys. And it was literally sweet — I baked and bought desserts and told the guests to eat up before coming, because this was a sweets and Champagne party!

Her actual birthday was spent on an airplane. BORING! So I told my dad that he had to take her out for a make-up 60th birthday dinner, whereby I had 90 minutes to turn their outside deck from drab to fab! Thankfully, I had a great team: Bryan helped me clean and hang things, Granny, who he picked up so she could join us, ended up plating all the yummy desserts, and I did the design work and general bossing around. Cable reality shows should be hunting us down: an old lady and her two grandkids. Who wouldn’t watch us?!

Handmade sign that I love to make for all special occasions!

I had made a lot of my mom’s favorite flavors into desserts. She loves Snickers candy bars so I made Snickersdoodle cookies — snickerdoodle cookies with chunks of Snickers tossed in. Yes please. She also got me into Biscoff spread, so I made Biscoff blondie bars, also a winner. Cinnamon coffee cake is a must at every party. And Nothing Bundt Cakes was the centerpiece of our spread, with a chocolate chocolate chip cake decked out in their signature cream cheese frosting. If you haven’t, just… yes. Do it.

I also made sure to pick up six bottles of their favorite Champy that they tasted when they were in French countryside a few weeks before. Cheers to that.

My dad texted me mid-set up while they were at dinner that my mom wanted to go to Kohl’s after dinner. Um. No. I had 20 of her favorite people gathering at her house for a 7 p.m. calorie-fest, and this discount shopping nonsense would have to wait for another night. Fortunately, my flustered father (he doesn’t do well with aiding and abetting surprises) forgot his wallet at home so they had to come home to get it. He crossed his fingers and hoped she’d go toward the back of the house where the outside deck is.

We waited out on the deck, she came down the hall, saw SOMEthing was up outside and I heard, “OH, COME ON! What is this?!” and then came outside and we all yelled, “Surprise!” It was perfect.

After greeting her public, she passed out. No really, this is a warning to any and all fellow well-intentioned children of 60-year-olds: Throwing a surprise party for your senior citizen mother will probably result in a brief period of paper plate fanning, ice water, and apologies from embarrassment. As the hostess, you will feel responsible. It, too, will pass.

With Angela, one of my mom’s longest friends who approved the Champagne selection!

It’s really too bad we can’t see her face. It’s probably whiter than Ellen’s jacket.

So after about ten minutes, my mom finally turned a skin shade more in line with a living person and returned to her party to make fun of herself for almost needing mouth-to-mouth to celebrate her own birthday. Although I think the biggest concern — and one that I can fully appreciate — is that the sweat and ice would frizz her hair that had just been professionally blown out that afternoon. I had insisted we go together as a mother-daughter birthday experience because I knew she’d be mad if she showed up to a birthday party without a proper appearance. Sure, she looked great, but the party almost killed her. Priorities, man.

I think my favorite part of the party was when Madelyn marched my mom over to the sweets table. She couldn’t see it from her grand entrance, but her granddaughter was more than ready to dig in and she knew the guest of honor had to see it before she could enjoy it.

Madelyn marches Mimi over to dessert mayhem, not to be missed!

The rest of the evening was spent laughing and catching up with favorite people. Madelyn put on a little show and we toasted my mom. My dad even classed it up by raising a glass and bragging about sleeping with a 60-year-old. It was a typical Siegel celebration.

I think my mom has forgiven me by now for almost giving her a heart attack (the party was in May. Oh hi, better-late-than-never). Hey, ten years ago it was cancer; this year it could’ve been myocardial infarction. Just trying to keep things exciting. I, however, thought the night was a total success and was touched to see the usual greats come out for a wonderful night to celebrate a wonderful — and a little delicate — lady.

Desserts and pouring Champagne: These men have the right idea.

My dad saying inappropriate things. LA LA LA LA LA LA

A good sign that she wasn’t going to kill me.

It’s not a birthday party until the birthday girl blows out her candles!

Mothers and Daughters, Siegel and White Edition

Kaplan Girls

Somebody put Bubbie (and Gigi) in the corner. Glad that my Grandma and my Granny could help us celebrate!

Madelyn and Mimi, pooped out at the end of the night.

The Sweet 60th End: Madelyn cuddling up with her Mimi and Grandma waaaaay past her bedtime.

I always love planning a good party, and my mom’s was just the warm-up for what was to come for Madelyn’s 2nd!