Originally Posted by Minding My Ps and Qs
Does the party have to be a surprise? Happy anticipation was always part of the fun for my dad. My mother began having family and friends parties for my dad on his 65th. We celebrated that one and every 5 years after that - including his 95th! He so enjoyed looking forward to the big day, as well as greeting people he hadn't seen since the last party! If at all possible, I strongly recommend letting you FIL in on the plans. :-)
That was my thought exactly. He knows he'll be 75 and it's an occassion to mark. He probably knows his wife would've planned a big celebration. Why let him think you're doing nothing just to hide it and "surprise" him. Letting him in on the plannng - you'll invite the people he wants, do the things he wants and have the food he wants. What could be a BETTER way of saying Happy Birthday!?