80th Birthday Decorations

Every birthday is a celebration of life. Because the average lifespan for an American is 77.7 years, it's indeed a milestone to reach one's 80th birthday. If you're planning a party for a family member or a close friend who's about to become an octogenarian, you'll need some ideas for 80th birthday decorations.

Things You'll Need

• Decorative signs
• Photos showing the octogenarian throughout their life
• Banners
• Posters
• Birthday greetings

Instructions

1. Remember to focus on the fact that the honoree is turning 80 years old. This means that no matter how you decorate for his party, it's essential that some of the trimmings include personalized signs such as "Happy 80th Birthday, Joe!" or "Mary's 80 today!"

2. Decide on a theme for the octogenarian's party. It should be something that will honor her and her life. Because there are so many themes to choose from, think about a personalized one. Perhaps the theme should just revolve around the celebrant's life. Decorations for 80th birthday parties can include photos of the celebrant, from childhood through present day.

3. Plan a theme that personalizes times past in conjunction with the person as he aged. It can be a "Memories" themed party. For example, decorations can include posters with pictures and sayings such as "Bill Smith Was Born in 1929, the Same Year Sam Foster Invented Sunglasses," or "Carol Learned to Drive In Her Father's Brand New '43 Buick Roadmaster."

4. Decorate the party location, using pictures, banners and posters that focus on the things the celebrant has loved most in life. Examples include family, longtime friends and neighbors, pets, hobbies, careers and church.

5. Choose the colors of the 80th birthday decorations based on the octogenarian's personal preferences. If his birthday is on or around the Fourth of July, for example, don't make the mistake of using red, white and blue decorations. It mixes the holiday in with the person's birthday, which might take away from the personal nature of the celebration.

6. Create "Happy Birthday!" candy bar wrappers using your computer and printer. Glue or tape the papers with the greetings around candy bars, and use them to decorate the tables. You can place the candy bars in decorative bowls, for example.

7. Ask family, friends and other invitees to lend you a favorite picture of the 80th birthday lady. Copy the photos, and make a large collage. Leave plenty of white space at the bottom of each photo. Then, have everyone who donated a picture write a special message to the octogenarian. Decorate the party location by hanging the collage in a prominent place. Give the keepsake to the honoree after the party

Tips & Warnings

• Attach photographs to foam board and display them on stands positioned around the room.