For my mom's surprise 80th, all seven of her children from different states showed up. We did eight balloons representing each decade of her life for her to release after the meal.  We wrote notes on them telling people who found them why we did it and to return the card to my mom.  We also had the local paper (small town) come and take photos of her releasing them and they did a writeup in the paper with pictures.  It was an important day for my mom since she had not been with all seven of her children in almost 30 years!!!!!!!!!!!  We also kept scrapbook supplies handy and asked each of the grownup children to bring recent photos of themselves and their families to put in the scrapbook and write notes to Mom.  We bought different types of food from local restaurants and did our own buffet at the American Legion which we rented. What a great relaxing getting to know you again" time for all. "