My dad is 50 in the summer and could you give me ideas for a theme for his huge !
Question:
My dad is 50 in the summer and could you give me ideas for a theme for his huge party?
Answers:
Golden Oldies
This theme is great for people that were teenagers in the 1950's or wished they had been, it is not only simple, but easy to arrange, decorate and organize. Send invitations out shaped in the old black 45 record styles, with "side One" listing information and "Side two" listing the directions to the party. Decorate with jukebox style decorations, 45 records, photos of poodle skirts or if you can find any poodle skirts, hula hoops, pictures of hot rods and or miniature match box car hot rods, Games can include Bazooka Bubble Blowing Contest, Hula Hoops, Limbo Contest, Dancing The Twist, Doing The Stroll and so much more. Ask the gust to dress in a Golden Oldies look!
Lets Count Down
Let's pretend we are planning a 50 days until 50 party ( These ideas can also be used for 30 days until 30 party, any milestone birthday). Set up a calendar for the birthday person reminding them how many days are left before the big 50. Mark certain days with sarcastic sayings, funny quotes about aging, or words of wisdom. Mail the invitations/announcements out 50 days ahead of time and use a calendar as the invitation (easy to make on the computer) Let the guest know who's turning 50 or any other milestone age and date. Be sure to follow up with a "25" days left announcement so the guest won't forget. Ask everyone to mail. in an idea when they RSVP.
Create a list of 50 signs you know the celebrant is getting, such as:
Age is a number, old is in your head
Age isn't important unless you are cheese
Age does not determine who's right, it only determines who's left
You're still on the right side of the grass
You've seen it all, heard it all, done it all, you just can't remember it all
At your age, you've got achy, breaky everything
You know you are getting old when you remember when Queen Elizabeth was Princess
Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age
Growing old is mandatory... growing up is optional!
Etc...
Medieval Celebration
Computer-generated invitations are easy and inexpensive. There are lots of graphics available on the Internet for designs, such as castles, moat, knights in shining armour, ladies in waiting, dragons, swords, etc... Ask the guests to come in costume! Ask the male guest of honor to dress as the Knight in Shining Armour or the female guest of honor to dress as a Lady In Waiting for the party. Decorate the area with paper swords, shields, castle backgrounds, gold, and black tableware, streamers and balloons, NO silverware!! Silverware was not invented until the 17th Century in France so NO silverware only finger foods. Set the table with plastic goblets for serving drinks and red wine or a dark red juice for the toast. Lace doilies, Elaborate settings, and plenty of candles will give the room the dramatic effect you're looking for.
Memories Of The Way We Were
Lasting mementos from the party
Pin a sheet on the wall and ask all the guest to sign their names add comments (Use permanent marking pen) When the party is over, it can be used as a table cover year after year just keep adding on every birthday!
Ask each of the guest to bring a photo of themselves with the birthday person from the year passed. For instance, if the person is celebrating their 40th Birthday, ask them to bring a picture of themselves when they were in elementary , or were co-workers, church, class reunion, collage, etc.. Makes for great memories and lots of talking over of old times.
Have a Memory Book and ask everyone to write down something about the birthday person. Examples include:
The most embarrassing moment with Steven was___________________
What I remember most about Kelly is ______________________________
You won't believe what Paul did for us,___________________________...
The most romantic moment with Rebbecca was______________________
The funniest thing Kevin ever did was___________________________...
Something Amy did to change my life was_________________
Etc...
"Through The Years" Video or Collage, collect old photo's from family and friends to either create a collage or have the picture's transferred onto a DVD , don't forget the music, a perfect addition to the clips, or play favorite oldies at the party while the DVD is playing. Make sure to give yourself enough time to get all the photo's around because it can take up to 3-4 weeks for the process of the photo's to be put on to a DVD with the music.
Memory Scrapbook
Use pictures to create a memorable scrapbook as a gift to the birthday person. If possible, ask the guest to mail their favorite picture of the guest of honor when they RSVP, left over picture can be used to decorate the room.
Food
If you're having the party in you're home or at a restaurant, buffet style is the easiest way to serve food. If you are catering the meal, buffets are often less expensive than a formal sit-down affair. Serve large trays of food that can be prepared ahead of time for at home parties, Italian dishes, prepared meats, salads, etc. Think back to parties you went to and enjoy and remember what foods were served!
Quick Party Check List
Pick a Date and Time
Make a Guest List
Decide on a Party Theme and stop by My Party Shop If you don't see what you need please ask and I can work with you to get you what you need.
Buy Invitations, Address and Send
Plan the Food
Order the Cake a week in advance
Plan the Drinks ( Please DON"T Drink and Drive)
Plan the Music and Entertainment
Plan and buy Decorations at My Party Shop
Cleaning
Camera, Film, Batteries, Memory Cards, Video Tapes, DVR
Things Worth Remembering
Table Covers, plates, napkins, silverware, cups, centerpiece, napkin rings, streamers, balloons, banner, CAKE etc..
Games
Toilet Paper
Weather? What happens if it rains?
Candles and Holders
Gift table
Chairs & Tables
Dress Determination
Hotel Reservations (Non-locals)
Maps (To/From airport and other locations)
Transportation - Taxi's Home (Make sure you have numbers on hand of local taxi services)
Memory Book
Balloon Bouquets
Flower Arrangements
Signs to were party is
Music and Entertainment Toast Audio/Visual Needs Speeches