We are kind of doing something like this in a way...We foun d out they have NEVER had a photgraph of all the kids together. and since they are all still living I decided on family photos (we do this at my family reunion)

I took some photography courses (and so did my mom) So we will be taking photos of the famil all the girls all the boys and then indiviual families including mine which will be a three generation pic. fil dh ds ... and then pictures in general He will give each family one copy (normal 4x5) of the family photo and if they want any other pics they can order them thru me

It only seems fitting to ask family members to bring a "covered dish" or something to help with the food prep. You could offer cake, coffee and soft drinks, paper products. Sometimes when we get people involved, they behave a bit better. Perhaps making a "thing" of it.... 75 different dishes - make your best dish. collect the recipes and create a family recipe collection to celebrate his birthday.

Don't forget to take a family photo. Our neighbors have been hosting the family picnic each year for a long time now. He hosted because his father (90) couldln't travel. Last year it was a long one! 4th of July weekend, but it lasted more like 6 days. People come from all over the country and camped out in his yard. (They get two port-o-potties) Anyway. My husband was a professional photographer at one time. He took my new digital camera and took candid shots and a few of the entire family with Ma and Slim sitting in the front. Well, Slim passed last month. Its the ONLY family photo - I'm so glad we took it.

Attached is a picture of the "tatoo" that was drawn on each guest with a magic marker. They did have such a blast!

I hope your celebration turns out to be a fun and wonderful time.

His birthday is actually the 7th and we had to postpone the party until the 16th as that is when one of my husbands uncles (he is only one that lives out of state) will be in from Colorado..
So we have planned a small store bought cake and a fairly normal present for his bday day but no big deal...then we are going to have either my hubby or hus aunt act like the are taking him somewhere to go out to eat or something and then say they have to stop at my house (fellowship hall we are using is in alley behind our house) and bring him there instead (we live in the country so they need an excuse for not heading to town)

our food plan so far

I will be making a large cake to look like a tool box and tools

my ideas...

I make potato salad, macaroni salad, cole slaw, sloppy joes, baked beans, corn on the cob, green beans, either beef and noodles or beef stew

Chad (hubby) ideas
order fried chicken from WalMart (my fil loves walmart deli fried chicken) we got some recently for a funeral 50 pc is only like 34.00..Hubby says to get about 100-150 pcs
and maybe cook out, burgers and hot dogs

My brother owns a guard company, and goes to small as well as large group meetings. From BD parties that might get out of hand, to those held in the Fairgrounds, he can provide protection and has on occasion called police.

I'm sure you have some like his group near you. If you think it might get out of hand, having someone impressive in uniform might make them think twice about acting up.

And yes, we have some of that sort in our family, almost every one does.

It sounds like you have this fling pretty much nailed down. I hope everything works out and there are no "discussions" about who got what and who didn't. Good luck!!!

I was happy to see you plan to take family pics including the in-laws as well My husb is from a family of 13 children. When there's a get-together, they take brother and sister pic's.(parents are deceased) I'm not the only "in-law" that feels slighted. The spouses are 1/2 of the team creating and raising the next generation. The sister-in-laws (9 of us to begin with) are the ones to plan, cook the food, buy the gifts, and in some cases see that our husbands attend. Some of us attend even if our spouse (no excuse) doesn't. I feel we've become an important part of the family as well.

GOOD LUCK with the party. I'm sure your FIL will appreciate your efforts.

If you haven't advertised a full sit down meal.... I really like the idea of an open house with "light refreshments". We did this for our son when he graduated from the Air Force Academy and it worked out so well. Our house would not accomodate the number of guests we invited. The church fellowship hall would work very well for an open house. Good luck and happy birthday to the birthday boy!

Ask guests to wear something of 1936, play music of the 6o's or just do something that suites that age, great fun and enjoy! Sorry food is not my strong point.

Before my Mom passed away I was THE party planner....easiest is the prepare ahead buffet. I say if FIL likes fried chicken go for it. I always do a baked Ziti...it is easy can be made weeks ahead and frozen. If you like to make breads, banana pumpkin zucchini all of them can be made ahead and put on a pretty platter and put on a dessert table. A big tossed salad always pretty and easy. Hope your party goes well, try to remember to have fun too!