How to Have a Successful Birthday Dinner

Arrange a memorable birthday dinner for a friend or family member.

A lot of planning goes into hosting a birthday dinner for a dear friend or loved one, especially if you want the honoree and guests to have a good time and leave the venue with fond memories. Detail to attention and personalized touches make the celebration a special one. To have a successful dinner, you have to take into consideration the different age groups in attendance and keep them occupied and entertained throughout. Enlisting duties to helpers makes it easier to supervise all details for the evening.

Things You'll Need

• Notepad
• Pen
• Invitations
• Streamers
• Balloons
• Banners
• Music system
• Candles
• Flower arrangements

Instructions

1. Arrange a detailed meeting with the celebrant four to six weeks in advance to discuss the details for the dinner. Determine what he likes or prefers so you organize the dinner accordingly. Decide the date, venue and theme, if any, along with the menu. Depending on what the honoree prefers, arrange the dinner in his favorite restaurant, or arrange a catered event at home. Draw up a list of guests and finalize it with the honoree before inviting them. Plan to host a small gathering at home, or consider the honoree's choices for restaurants if you plan to have a large celebration.

2. Send out invitations four weeks in advance to inform the guests about the birthday dinner. Include the time, date, venue and theme, if any, along with an R.S.V.P. so those who cannot attend can inform you on time.

3. Visit the selected restaurant or rented venue and discuss the menu with the caterers. Include the honoree's preference of hors d'oeuvres, main entrees and desserts. Because the celebration is a birthday dinner, include an elaborate course specific to the honoree's preferences. Depending on a restaurant's policy, you may be required to pay a certain amount in down payment at the time of reservation. If hosting the dinner at home, discuss with the caterers when they should arrive and begin serving the meal.

4. Decorate the venue on the day of the dinner. Use streamers, balloons and banners in the honoree's favorite colors to add a festive touch to the space. Divide a large venue into two sections; one for gathering and the other for dining. Let the guests collect and mingle while caterers serve dinner in the other section. Set up a long table on one end of the space reserved for the guest of honor and family. Position the table to face round tables for guests.

5. Place a music system in the gathering section and set its volume low to provide background music as guests collect. Decorate the space with scented candles and fresh flower arrangements.

6. Allow guests into the dining area 20 minutes before serving dinner so they locate and settle in their preassigned seats. Make a toast to the celebrant's health and happiness, or give a small speech at the end of dinner, thanking everyone for making the evening memorable.

References

• University of Florida Extension; How to Plan A Dinner Party; Starlette Lazenberry
• Evite: The Party Basics
• Home Organize It: Hosting a Perfect Party