Expert: Jen Zahm - 9/12/2006

Question
I want to throw my 17th birthday party on my actual birthday, Septemeber 23rd, which is in 11 days. It's a Saturday and I plan on having about 40 high school seniors at my house for the party. The party will be outside, in my backyard, and begin aroun 6:30 pm and end around midnight. I am ordering Mexican food for my party but I don't know how much I should buy (quantites). Also, I was thinking of doing a "Dancing Under the Stars" theme since it's outside the entire time. Any other theme suggestions for the party? It can relate to the Mexican food, but I just don't know how I could have it with tons of teenage boys and girls.  

Answer
Hi there,

The place you order the food from will be able to help you with quantities of your food.

 I think Dancing under the stars is a great theme.  "Fiesta", with south of the border decorations, maybe some Latin-inspired music and a few big sombreros would be fun as well.

 A taco bar, where your guests create their own tacos, buffet style, would be a fun way to serve the meal.

I hope you have a fabulous birthday and a fun party!!!