Theme

While most adults like to celebrate their birthdays, there are none more memorable than those special milestones - 30, 40, 50, 60, etc. The theme possibilities for these parties are endless! If you are hosting a milestone event, you might want to center everything around the guest of honor's age. However, don't be afraid to try something more creative. Think about your special guest's interests (for example golf, boating, music), or select a theme party appropriate for the age group that you know all of your guests will enjoy (Rock n' Roll, Luau, Fiesta, Casino, etc.). If your party is for men only, it might be centered around a sport. If your party is women only, maybe it's centered around a Spa Day. Whatever the choice, make it something your to remember!

Party Plans

Planning and hosting a party should be fun, not stressful! Plan ahead, starting at least 6-8 weeks in advance, depending on the theme, so that you're not rushed the day of the party. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtful planning and attention to detail, and you'll enjoy yourself more throughout the party planning process.

Make sure you deliver or mail your invitations at least 2-3 weeks in advance so that your guests can respond and plan accordingly.

Schedule

The length of your party will vary depending on the theme, the number of guests, the type of food served, and the activities that are scheduled during the event. Think about the events, and allocate time appropriately.

Guests

It's tempting to not want to leave anyone out when planning a party. But remember, it's important to keep the party size managable. If the weather permits, an outdoor event might provide more flexibility if you're working with a larger group. Determine what will work best for you and your party setting. If the party is a large event with lots of guests, recruit some friends who are willing to lend a helping hand.

Decorations

Think about how you can "transform" areas of your home, yard, or other party space so that your guests truly experience the party theme. Reinforce the party theme with coordinating wall and table decorations. Creative Expression's Adult Birthday patterns include a variety of party decorations, including Centerpieces, Hanging Cutouts, Door Signs, Giant Party Banners, Flag Banners, Jointed Banners, Garlands, Yard Banners, and Metallic Balloons.

If you are opting for a theme party, think about and incorporate the theme into the decorations. If it's appropriate, ask your guests to come "dressed" for the theme. Incorporate music that ties to the theme. Create an "experience" your friends will enjoy!

If your party is at home, don't forget to decorate the outside of your house! This will help set the mood for the party and direct guests to the correct address.

Activities/Games

If it's appropriate for your event, plan activities or games. If nothing else, they are a great ice breaker, especially if you have a mixed group at your party. Think of ways to adapt simple word games. Bring out the board games for those that want to participate. Create questions about the guest of honor for your guests to answer.

Other Ideas

Create personalized invitations with coordinating Imprintable Invitations. Keep one invitation as a momento for the guest of honor.

Create a photo video of your special guest, and set it up to play continuously throughout the event. Your guests will enjoy this quick snapshot of their friend over the years, and it most likely will spark some interesting conversation.

Create a memory book or box of the event. Take lots of photos, everything from the guests, to the food, to the games, and the gifts. Make special note of the current events of the day. Include a few small decorations or momentos. Encourage your guests to write special notes or add a momento of their own.

Ask each of your guests to write down a special memory or bring a photo of the guest of honor from across the years, and create a book to present at the party.

Include your guests in a group photo and include the photo as a momento with your thank you notes. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and treasure the memory for years to come!

Your party may or may not include gifts. Make sure your guests know the protocol ahead of time.

Party Wearables

For some reason, adults like to dress up at parties! Creative Expressions Adult Birthday patterns include Cone Hats, and Necklaces for the special guest. Also look for coordinating Hats, Leis, Sashes, and Buttons.

Favors

If it makes sense for your party, prepare a simple favor for each guest. It might be as simple as a button with the guest of honor's photo for each of the party guests to wear. Or, take a picture of each guest with the guest of honor and present it to them in a simple frame. Remember, it's the thought that counts!

Prizes

Game prizes are fun for both winners and losers. If you opt for games, keep the prizes simple so others do not feel left out. Make sure to have some silly prizes on hand for the losers as well so they have something to take home.

Food

The type of food you serve will be dependent on several factors, including the location, the size of the group, and the time of day. Taking all these things into consideration, as well as your budget, you may opt for simple snacks, an appetizer, an outdoor barbeque, or a sit down dinner. Whatever you choose, take the extra step to coordinate the food to the theme of the party. Your guests will be impressed, and you will make the event even more memorable for the special birthday guest!

When preparing your menu, consider foods that you have made previously, that are easy to prepare, or that can be made ahead of time and frozen. Now is not the time to experiment, unless you have time to prepare ahead of time as a test. The party will be much more enjoyable for you as the host if you are mingling with the guests rather than hanging out alone in the kitchen!

Don't Forget

What's a birthday cake without the candles? Look for special milestone candles for the guest of honor.

Unexpected

No matter how much you plan, be sure to expect the unexpected, both good and bad. Be prepared with a good attitude and a camera!