50th Birthday Celebration A Big Milestone, But Not Over the Hill

Baby Boomers are and have been turning 50 over the last 10-15 years in record numbers. There has been a lot of 50th birthday party planning going on because of it. And frankly, the ideas of how to wow the guest of honor and guests are getting a little tired.

Here are some fresh ideas that I hope will spark some creative and fun ideas for you as your 50th birthday party planning gets underway for your special guest.

Basic party planning still needs to be your starting point:

• What's your theme?
• Who will you invite?
• What will you serve?
• How will you entertain your guests and the guest of honor?

Here are a few twists on a 50th birthday party plan to consider.

Let's Start with the Theme of the Party.

The whole notion of 50 as being "old" is - well - OLD! Take the opposite direction. Instead of an "over the hill" approach, take a "first day of the rest of your life approach." Don't even mention age!

Focus on your honoree's strengths and what they have done and will do for their family, friends, community, work, etc. Narrow your focus to one or two ideas so your theme doesn't appear disjointed.

Who Cares that Your Honoree is Turning 50?

50th birthday party planning is all about putting together a gathering of people who are special to the birthday person. Invite people who have played an important role in the life of the birthday person. Also invite people whose lives have been touched by the guest of honor.

Think beyond the "usual suspects" and ask around to see if there are people who are especially appreciative to your guest of honor for what they have done for them.

Teachers, a minister, co-workers and bosses, family members, and any volunteer activities are all areas to investigate how your guest of honor has made a difference in the lives of others in 50 years.

You can ask your birthday girl or boy for suggestions also. My experience however, is that most people who are having a party planned for them are modest about who to invite - other than the obvious guests like family and close friends. Once your guest list is firm, send out invitations about a month in advance.

Be sure to include the theme of your party in the invitation and anything you would like your guests to bring.

Good Eats!

Every party needs good food. Be sure that your menu includes some of your guest of honor's favorites. Consult his or her mother, spouse, or close friends for ideas.

If the food fits with the overall party theme great! If that's too much of a stretch, just make sure whatever you serve is good. Better to have a terrific pot of chili with jalapeno cornbread than to try to pull off some unfamiliar, riskier menu.

Jugglers or Opera Singers?

Whatever the entertainment, it should be something your guest of honor likes, is in good taste, and entertaining! Get your other guests involved. One can choose the music they know he or she likes. Each guest can be asked to bring their fondest memory or a special secret they know (but won't embarrass) about your birthday person.

Amidst the fun and gaiety the focus on 50 years of a treasured life is what you are celebrating. Blend good memories of good deeds with fun and everyone will have a night to remember.

E. Ann Hill is a successful party planning expert and hospitality professional with many years of personal and professional party and event planning experience.

She loves to entertain and wants to share the easy and challenging lessons she has learned with eager novice and seasoned hosts. Her goal is to instill the #1 objective for entertaining - the host should enjoy planning the party and the party itself as much as his or her guests.

Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Published by Walk-Away A Winner Publisher, Orlando, Florida.

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