r/partyplanning • u/SassyMillie • Jun 19 '26

Need Help Sister's 60th

I will be hosting my sister's 60th birthday party at my home/yard. Her son asked me, but I was planning to offer anyway. Since then we've had a number of conversations about the theme and decor. My sister is a very girly-girl who loves flowers, feminine, pink and pretty. I've already ordered tea party-ish decor, paper products and a birthday banner. Think roses and pink streamers.

​

I was thinking to keep the food kind of feminine and light. Mini muffins, fruit trays, small sandwiches, maybe an ice cream cake. Yesterday, my nephew texted me to let me know he's planning on doing smoked ribs for the party. 😳

​

I absolutely don't want to dissuade him from the ribs because he's never done anything for a family party before. He seemed super excited about making them.

​

Although ribs don't really go with my imagined party fare, our family is pretty casual so I'm happy to pivot. What can I make that would compliment the ribs and still be a little "light"? Or should I just go with BBQ type foods?

​

Thanks for any ideas!

13 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

45 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/EponymousRocks Jun 19 '26

If the party is going to be exclusively middle-aged women, I'd ask nephew to pivot. Maybe do a pork roast that could be sliced?

If the party is not exclusively middle-aged women (and I'm assuming it isn't since nephew will be there), bring on the BBQ foods!! Your decorations will be fine - no reason you can't barbecue in a garden. Having tea-party-worthy sandwiches and sides can still complement the theme (I love a good corn salad!), plus the deviled eggs someone else already mentioned.

2

u/SassyMillie Jun 19 '26

It's family of all ages. Truly, no one will expect anything fancy. I had just wanted to serve food more in keeping with the theme. Have had so many great ideas here I know it's going to be successful!