Birthdays should be cherished and not just be about turning one year older. It’s your birthday and you’re excited about it, but with that comes the dreaded question…” what should I do to celebrate”? When you’re younger, the possibilities are endless, but as we get older, it becomes less about the parties and more about spending it with the people you love and doing the things you enjoy the most.
When I was a child, I would spend weeks planning my birthday parties. Then, in my late teens and early 20’s, I relied on my friends to do all the planning. Now that I’m in my 30’s, I like to take control again and plan all the events myself. I’ve hosted a lot of birthdays in the past, but the most memorable ones are the ones spent with good friends and family. I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite ways to celebrate the perfect birthday!
What’s A Party Without A Theme?
Honestly, it wouldn’t be a proper birthday party without a theme! When someone invites you to a party, the first thing you ask is “what’s the theme?”. No one hosts a “plain Jane” party anymore, where your guests are expected to come in everyday clothes, eat appetizers and dance to boring music. Themes add value to the party and make the day/night more exciting and fun. It also helps to give aesthetic to your home and an excellent way to get your guests involved. Think superheroes, 80’s or 90’s night, mardi gras, pajama party, and luaus. Just because we’re all grown up, doesn’t mean we can’t have fun! Whatever your party theme will be, it’s something that your visitors will enjoy and remember. One of the best ways to quickly and effortlessly level-up friendships is to create a shared experience.
Games, Games, And More Games!
Hosting a game night is a sure way to bring your friends together. Trivia games are an excellent way to learn together while getting out of your comfort zone. You will end up tackling new challenges, which can help bring your friendship even closer together. Everyone’s favourite time of day, while we were in school was recesses, and game night is like an adult play-date. There’s something about laughing with a large group of friends that’s unforgettable.
Create A Scavenger Hunt
Take your bar-hoping to an entirely new level with a scavenger hunt. It’s the perfect way to get your friends involved with strangers and even make some new ones along the way. Think of several different challenges and pair them with a point system. The harder the task, the more points you will receive. Anything from asking a stranger to let you do the “trust fall” into their arms, to getting a picture with a stranger, to trying 5 different types of beer, to dancing on a table. There will be so many memories to talk about for years to come!
Dine - Potluck Style
Have your friends over for dinner, potluck style. We often find ourselves ordering takeout when we have our friends over, or spend hours in the kitchen trying to plan that perfect meal. Why not switch it up and ask your guests to bring their favourite dish. It’s an excellent way to try new food over great conversation. You could also invite a chef into your home for a one-on-one cooking lesson with all your friends. Anything from pasta-making to baking, it’s a fun way to get creative in the kitchen.
Give Back
Host a fundraiser. It’s an easy way to have fun while giving back. We all remember hosting tea parties when we were children, well it’s never too late to host one as an adult. Many charities are affiliated with a colour, so you could host a theme party in that colour and charge a small fee to enter. Cocktail parties are an easy way to collect money, because who doesn’t love a fancy drink and yummy appetizers. Another great option is to host a backyard BBQ. Offer your guests raffle tickets to win amazing prizes or put their skills to the test with lawn bowling and hula hooping. If you’re not looking to host a fundraiser, ask your guests instead of bringing gifts to your party, donate the money they would have spent, and give it to your favourite charity. This is an excellent way to give back.
Well I am happy I found this blog! I will be turning 30 in September plus I just became a new mommy to a handsome baby boy! So Birthday ideas was very far from my mind! This is awesome now I am addicted to this blog!!