Keep the theme secret to increase anticipation and add drama.
Whether the guest of honor considers 30 a blessing or a curse, without doubt, it is a milestone birthday. When party planning, consider the interests and temperament of the guest, ensuring his comfort. With some thought, handiwork and perhaps the cashing in of some favors, it is possible to throw a lavish bash without breaking the bank.
Multiple Parties
To provide an entire day to remember, contact some of his closest friends and family. Have each person or group organize a mini-party. Provide the birthday boy with an itinerary the night before his birthday or deliver it to his door the morning of the big day with a bright song and a breakfast birthday cake. Depending on what each group plans, he may spend an hour riding horses with his equestrian friends, two hours at the sports bar watching a big game with work buddies, an hour eating a romantic lunch with his girlfriend, only to follow all of this with a traditional birthday party with his family complete with hats. End his evening at your house or the park for a BBQ gathering for all.
Lavish Outdoors
Bring your finest outside to provide unexpected luxury and beauty. With delicate china, sun-catching crystal and linen tablecloths and napkins, show your guest of honor that you treasure her friendship. Transform a picnic or outdoor table with richly colored cloth. Embellish the table with glasses or vases of flowers. Create mood lighting with strings of white lights in bushes and trees. Ensure your colors compliment your theme. Serve food and cake outdoors.
A Year in a Day
This party maximizes supplies and decorations already packed in your garage or basement. It also clearly illustrates your appreciation of this beloved friend year round. Decorate each room in your house for a different holiday. You may decide to begin with Valentines Day, hosting pink and red appetizers amongst candles and heart decorations. The St. Patrick's Day room is sure to have beer, cheer and green decor; play some Irish ditties. Don some bunny ears and host an Easter Egg Hunt in the hallway or backyard. Host Thanksgiving in the dining room and share a big meal of Cornish hen and miniature vegetables. Give gifts around the Christmas tree gaily lit in the yuletide room. End the party on a high note, ringing in the new year or decade of his life on New Year's Eve. If possible, borrow or rent a sound system, karaoke machine, or fun lights.
The Wedding
If she has always dreamed of walking down the isle, but has yet to find Mr. Right, treat her to a wedding. Buy or borrow used wedding dresses or pale colored prom dresses from family friends or area thrift stores. Make a veil from tulle easily found at craft and fabric stores. Make a runner for the aisle by taping, folding, or sewing a plain white sheet. This will lead her way to the inexpensive wedding arch accented with colored tulle, flowers or ribbon. Find a volunteer to lead the ceremony complete with humorous vows. Recruit partygoers to witness this momentous occasion. Make a multi-layered birthday cake embellished with flowers or a miniature couple. Serve sparkling wine and provide the guest with bubbles to use for celebration. If possible, provide an attractive, potential spouse whom the bride has never met. Providing this will give the bride an excellent out when displaying her wedding photos as she explains, It didn't work out; we just didn't know each other well enough.
Over the Hill
Many hosts desire to deck the party room in black for the traditional Over the Hill party. Consider a sophisticated twist by utilizing black tablecloths accented with decorations in a complimentary, bold color. Request the guests dress in black and white. Serve black drinks and boldly colored Jell-O shots. If desiring to spoil a special man, throw him a Playboy Bunny party by providing bunny ears to the female guests. If seeking the more traditional, spirit-breaking party, have a dirt pile cake with a miniature casket sitting atop. Let the guests know in advance that there will be prizes awarded for the best gag gifts. For a sensitive twist, host a fake funeral, encourage guests to wear black and carry tissue boxes. Allow time for each person to share a heart-felt story or roast of the guest of honor.
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