You've heard of the classic surprise party, but have you ever heard of a backwards surprise party? That's right. Instead of working 24/7 to put together the perfect birthday bash, why not spare yourself the trouble and throw this unique party (on a weekend, by the way)? Here's what happens. About a week in advance, call the parents of all the guests you plan on having. Remember that you want to keep it small, so I suggest about 5 or 6. This party works for boys or girls, but I'd suggest not to mix both. Anyway, ask the parents if you can drop by early (yes, that means no sleeping in, but it's all worth it) on the day of the party- around 6:00 or 7:00, depending on when most of your guests wake up (you might have to inquire about that). Be sure to keep this party a secret between you and the parents only and don't expect gifts! The guests can NOT know, or it ruins the fun.  After you've contacted the moms and dads, it's probably best to reserve enough seats at a resteraunt that serves breakfast or brunch. If you find that you do not have enough vehicles to transport your guests, you may need to hire a volunteer driver or rent a car.  ACTIVITIES: On the morning of the party, just as you promised your guests' 'rents, drive to each of their houses. If you planned well, you won't have to ring the doorbell or knock, thereby waking up your hopefully-sleeping guests, as their parents and/or any other members of the family will already be expecting you. Quietly sneak into your guest's room (camera or videocamera in hand) and wake them up. There are many creative ways to pull this off: 1)Talk into a blowhorn 2)Slip on a scary mask and make frighteneing noises  3) Hide under the bed and (loudly) whisper your guest's name, growing louder, then pop out  4)Scream (this works well with number 1, 2, 3,or 4) 5)Hold a fake spider in front of their face, or set in on top of them, and make a noise  6)Sit next to them on the bed and...1, 2, 4, or 5  7)Call the guest's house (the same one you're in) from a cell phone, making sure no one else picks up. When he or she picks up, either 1, 4, or, if you're sitting next to or near them, say something like Turn around" 8)Pop out of the closet and 12 or 4 This is one of the most fun parts of the party. Of course any of these work well together and I'm sure you can come up with even more combinations and ideas. In any case be prepared for a painful response from your guest. Keep in mind that even if they're already awake you can still surprise them and no matter what even one photo of videotape of your friend's face framed by their bedhead hair after being woken up on a Saturday morning is one you'll treasure for years to come probably unlike your friend. PARTY SNACKS: After picking all your guests up drive down to the restaurant at which you made your reservation for a meal and a good laugh. You'll most likely be in your pajamas and that's okay as long as you're at a casual eatery. Sure you'll attract some attention...you say that like it's a bad thing! Which is understandable if you're a boy in boxers. Seriously guys- get dressed. GAMES: Later you can return to your house and do makeovers play capture the flag or just relax. Some other options are going to the pool seeing a movie roller-blading ice-skating or hanging out at an arcade. Both you and your guests will have a blast and the best part- no party mess or huge cost!   FAVORS: Hand out bags with things to help your guests sleep better as a way of saying "Sorry I woke you up". Include slippers sleeping caps relaxing pillow mist lavender earplugs small pillows pajamas etc. As thank-you notes (for getting up early- DUH!) download the picture you took of each guest onto a seperate card for each and personalize the message inside. Have fun creating your very own Backwards Surprise Party!    INVITATIONS: None DECORATIONS: Nada CAKE: Nope COSTUMES: I don't think so         "