You want to avoid doing it before Pascha more commonly known as Easter if most of your friends are Catholic. The week before Pascha is called Holy Week which is probably the most important time of the year for Christians especially Catholics. Lots of families get together to go to Church on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. So aim for the weekend after. Your ideas otherwise sound really great I think your friends will have a great time!

I would go for a themed party as this also serves as an ice breaker to get folks involved, if you incorporate some activities.

Given your brother is able to cook then a classic buffet would work well with some large punch bowls full of fresh juices (non-alcoholic), or if it is cold some warm drinks (cider, chocolate etc.). Any period theme would work for you, old movies, sixties, The Great Gatsby roaring 20's.

Here are some party ideas that fit these vintage themes and are not so expensive to DIY.

The Great Gatsby (ideal for dancing, roaring 20's style)

http://www.party-ideas.org/party-themes/...

A party game of Auction, hold a mock auction of Luxury items, use you imagination - What would you pay for Lady GaGa's old meat dress!!

http://www.party-ideas.org/educational-p...

Casino type activities are popular and not so expensive to host yourself

http://www.party-ideas.org/party-ideas-f...

Anyway Good Luck and hope all goes well.

Ian

I've had mono for the past two months, so my mom isn't letting me really do anything that i wanted to because my doctors don't want me doing much since i've been really sick. My dad recently passed away and i just want this party to be great, cause i haven't been happy in quite awhile. I was thinking of having a house party but maybe in my house/backyard? i was planning on having it the 18 or 19 or possibly the weekend after that. My real birthday is April 20th which is easter sunday, and since most of my friends are catholic, i have to either have it before or after. I live in New York so I would like to have it in my back yard if its nice with maybe a bonfire, but I don't want people to be cold. I also don't want to have a boring party. I want to have a party where people have a lot of fun. I will be having boys and girls. My brother is a chef so i was thinking maybe he could cook us the food. Maybe you guys can give me some ideas on what we should do at my party or if i should have a theme or anything fun really. I would really appreciate it cause i feel like im the only one who's excited about my birthday this year, and its upsetting me cause its a big birthday! also, any suggestions of what my brother should cook would be great. I really appreciate it guys, thank you in advanced.