Simple and casual gathering at home. A cozy dinner party or pot-luck. [3] X Research source A barbecue or pool party. A retro or vintage themed birthday party.
Think of your guests when planning a party. If your friend’s birthday is on a weekday, guests may not be able to attend due to work or school obligations. Friday evenings are usually the best time to hold a small get together. [4] X Research source For barbecues or outdoor parties, Saturday or Sunday afternoons are best.
For a small party, keep the guest list to 25 people or less. [6] X Research source
If possible, set-up a private Facebook event page and add your guests. This is an easy way to keep everything coordinated, provide information such as directions or party updates, and communicate with guests. If sending invitations in the mail, look online for creative invitation ideas or print out unique templates. [8] X Research source Be creative and make your own invitations at home. You can personalize them to fit with your party’s theme. [9] X Research source
Take an inventory of chairs, plates, utensils, napkins, cups, and bowls. Purchase additional items if necessary – you do not want to leave your party to go the store because you ran out of napkins! Notify neighbors you will be having a party at least one week in advance. Let them know what time the party is scheduled to begin, and when you expect most guests will leave. This is especially important if you live in an apartment or share a house. [11] X Research source
Set-up an ice bucket at the beverage station and make sure you have extra bags of ice stored in a cooler or the freezer. Keep alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and liquor) separate from non-alcoholic ones, and have non-alcoholic options for underage guests or designated drivers. [16] X Research source Make sure hot foods are covered with tinfoil to keep them warm. Wrap other foods or dishes with foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh. If possible, prepare fruit and vegetable platters in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until just before the party begins. [17] X Research source Place bowls of finger-foods in several locations for your guests to nibble on when they arrive. Select items that can be left out for several hours, such as nuts, chex mix, chips and salsa, or trail mix. Do a once over several hours before the party begins. Make sure the space or house is clean, there is enough soap and toilet paper in the bathroom, and you have enough seating for all your guests.
Recruit help. Do not try to do everything on your own. Get a group of friends and family together and delegate tasks. Set-up a ‘central command station”, such as an email chain or private Facebook group, to keep one another updated. Check-in regularly with your helpers to see how things are coming along. Create a budget and stick to it. What will be spending money on, asking other friends or family to contribute. Use your checklist as a guideline for costs. Call around and ask for quotes on party supplies, venue prices, and entertainment. Write these estimates next to each item, use them to barter for a better deal, and keep track of your spending as you go along.
Do not invite more than 20% of people that can comfortably fit in your party space – typically 70 to 80% of all invitees will actually attend. [22] X Research source Consider people’s significant others and if they are likely to attend when deciding who (and how many people) to invite.
Things to consider when selecting a venue include: availability of parking, if they serve food, who is responsible for set-up and cleaning, size and how many people can fit comfortably.
Customize your invitations so they reflect the theme of the event, or include your favorite pictures of your friend. Search the internet for sites that allow you to customize invitations, such as Zazzle. com or Shutterfly. com. Keep the guests updated by creating a private facebook group.
Different types of food, such as: appetizers and snacks, salads, main course, and desserts. If any of your guests are vegan or vegetarian, or have food allergies. Offering a variety of drinks (alcoholic, non-alcoholic, coffee, tea, water, and ice).
Basic birthday decorations include: birthday candles, a “Happy Birthday” banner, streamers, balloons, fun birthday hats, and table cloths. If this is a milestone birthday (e. g. 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, etc. ), buy plates, hats, napkins, balloons, etc. with your friend’s age. Also, consider making a photo album with pictures of family and friends.
Furniture: tables and chairs for guests, tables for food and cake, and a space for cards and presents. Drinks: soft drinks, water pitcher with ice (can also include lemon or orange slices), coffee urn and hot water for tea, coffee extras (creamer, milk, sugar, stir sticks), wine (red and white), beer, pre-made mixed drinks or cocktails, and cold storage or extra ice. Eating and drinking: plastic cups or glassware, wine glasses, cutlery (knives, forks, spoons), small plates for appetizers, large plates for main meal, bowls for salad, salt and pepper shakers, butter and butter dishes, butter knives, and water jugs. Food tools and miscellaneous: serving spoons and forks, carving knives, extra bowls, pot holders and trivets, garbage cans, and garbage bags.
Mingle, and make light small talk. try to approach each guest and thank them for attending. [31] X Research source If serving alcohol, make sure guests get home safely. Ask several friends to act as designated drivers, or call a taxi. Also, if a guest becomes intoxicated and aggressive, simply pull them aside and ask a sober friend to take them home. [32] X Research source
Pick a date and venue. Make an invitation list, decide on a theme, and hire caterers and a DJ. Send invitations, plan the menu, and plan additional activities (e. g. games). Purchase decorations, collect RSVPs, and plan a fun activity to keep your friend occupied the day of the party. Clean the space and set-up food and decorations.
Alternatively, plan on throwing the party a few days before or after their birthday. Tell them you are taking them to movie or concert, but in reality you are throwing them a party.
Set the stage for the surprise by giving your guests noisemakers or confetti to throw as the birthday boy or girl walks in. You can also ask your guests to hide behind tables, chairs, couches, etc. , and jump-out as your friend arrives. Have someone with a camera ready to capture the moment of surprise.
