Having a surprise party thrown for you is pretty rad. Besides being completely surprised—because hopefully that’s what happens—you get to kick back and relax while someone else does all the legwork (unknowingly kick back, of course). Having a surprise party thrown for you is also ridiculously flattering. Now you know that the people in your life love you so much that they’re willing to lie to you, trick you, and surprise the pants off you. Love, music, attention, food, gifts—what more could a birthday baby want?
However, the story is a little different for the person throwing the party. Hosting a surprise party can be tricky, but don’t get discouraged. A surprise party is pretty much the same thing as a regular party, plus a “big reveal.” Just think of it as an undercover mission—an undercover mission to plan the most perfect surprise party ever. From copping some fresh decorations to picking the best tunes, here are 10 tips on how to pull off the surprise party of the century.