How to Plan a 65th Birthday Party

Creating a special 65th birthday party for a family member or dear friend will take a little bit of effort, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. When it comes right down to it, a party is a party and what you need to take care of are the basics of food, drink and venue. The rogue element of a birthday party involving a guest of honor is the theme. This is where creativity comes in. Here are a few ideas to help jump-start that process.

Instructions

1. Pick a theme. Everything else, from the style of food to the look of the invitations will stem from your theme. Have a brainstorm session with the guest's spouse, siblings or close friends. Determine what his hobbies are. Does he like to travel? Read action-adventure novels? Is he into the paranormal or sci-fi? Make a list and try to take your theme from here. Coming up with a theme in this way makes for a more personalized party than using old chestnuts like a "black and white," or "1940s" party.

2. Find a venue. This will help determine how many people you can invite. Will it be a small, intimate affair at your house? Is there someone close to the guest of honor who wants to host? Would you prefer to rent a hall? Much of this will be determined by how big your budget is and how many people you would like to have attend.

3. Determine the guest list and send invitations. Once you've figured out how many people you would like to have, and where and when the party is, get those invitations out as soon as possible. Go the extra mile and send actual invites through the mail. A 65th birthday party is a special occasion and you can express that by adding the personalized touch of a snail mail invitation.

4. Hire a caterer. If this is a large party, you will do yourself a favor by hiring someone to organize and prepare the meal. It might seem like a lot of money upfront, but when you get to the party day and realize you don't have to worry about food, drink, set-up or clean-up, it will be worth every penny. Also, if this is a themed party, you can direct your caterer to come up with menu items that will fit that the theme. Ask friends or co-workers if they can recommend someone. A little advice? Try not to use close friends to cater your affair unless they are professionals in the food business. Catering tends to look easier than it actually is.

5. Gather decorations. Go to a store that specializes in party planning and choose decorations based on your theme. Atmosphere is important and you want your guests to get into a festive mood when they walk through the door. Utilizing streamers and balloons is great, but what else can you come up with to go along with your theme? Ask the clerk for ideas and suggestions. She will have likely heard it all.

6. Hire a band, musician or DJ. I once attended a lovely party where the only music was a piano player who performed background music for the evening. It worked well, was unobtrusive and added a classy touch to the party. If you would like a little more punch, or want to invite people to dance, bands do a great job. Check with your local musical instrument store, where musicians tend to advertise their work.

7. Organize helpers. Parties should be fun for everyone, so try not to do too much on your own. Your guest of honor likely has many friends and family who would love to help plan and put together a party in her honor. This allows other people to feel a part of something special and it takes some of the burden off you.

References

• Planning Parties and Theme Ideas