Whether it's your 18th, 50th, or 90th birthday, it should definitely be celebrated!

In this blog post, I will help you plan your birthday, covering everything from food to entertainment and everything else that goes into a birthday party. Let's get started - there's a lot to go through!


Set a budget

First and foremost, we need to get a handle on the budget. It's always a good start because based on the budget, you can plan everything. I feel that a budget helps me not to spend too much money when I'm throwing parties.

I've made a checklist of things to remember when setting your budget:

  • (Venue)
  • Food and drinks
  • Decorations
  • Flowers
  • Flags
  • Balloons
  • Tables and chairs
  • Invitations
  • Audio equipment
  • Lighting equipment
  • Tablecloths and napkins
  • Paper cups
  • (Buffet table) and gift table
  • Entertainment

Figure out the practical details

Now it's time to figure out the practical details, and then we'll move on to the fun stuff later:


Date:
The date should obviously be close to my own birthday. My birthday is on December 16th, so I would hold my birthday in the winter, and probably also the weekend closest to my birthday.
However, I have often held it in either November or January, as there are a lot of Christmas parties, etc., in December.
If you have a birthday in the summer, it may also be a good idea to consider whether to hold it in the middle of the summer vacation or move it to either the beginning or end of the summer, so everyone is not on vacation.


Location:
It's important to have a place where everyone can be. For example, I live in a small two-bedroom apartment, so there aren't many options for hosting a big party.
I would probably rent a venue or something similar, and if you're lucky enough to have a birthday in the summer, you can also hold it in your garden or outdoors in general.
 

Plan food and drinks

Now we've come to the point where we need to plan food and drinks. It can depend on whether you're having an 18th birthday or a 50th birthday. Both because your budget is typically a bit different and because there are different preferences.

Therefore, I have chosen to divide it into formal and informal parties when it comes to food and thus provide some concrete suggestions for delicious food for the birthday.

 

Formal food:

Starter

  • Tuna Tartare
  • Grilled White Asparagus Soup
  • Smoked Salmon with Dill Cream
  • Beef Carpaccio with Parmesan
  • Lobster Bisque

Main Course:

  • Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic
  • Truffle Oil and Mushroom Risotto
  • Lemon-Grilled Chicken with Pesto
  • Steak au Poivre
  • Pollock Fillet with Beurre Blanc

Dessert:

  • Passion Fruit Panna Cotta
  • Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Lemon Tart with Meringue
  • Exotic Fruit Salad with Coconut Cream
  • Classic Tiramisu

Buffet food:

  • Mini-sandwiches
  • Pizza bites
  • Mini-burgers
  • Tapas or antipasto platters
  • Nachos with dip
  • Grilled chicken skewers
  • Individual fruit salad servings
  • Sausage rolls

If you're having a morning birthday, here are some brunch ideas:

  • Omelets
  • Avocado toast
  • Yogurt parfait
  • Belgian waffles or pancakes
  • Smoked salmon and bagels
  • Fruit skewers
  • Smoothie bowls
  • Mini croissants and pain au chocolat
  • Coffee and tea bar

Beverages:
Here I would probably serve some wine, champagne, cocktails, and shots, as I would be hosting an evening party.. And of course, water too.
If you're hosting brunch, you could serve fruit punch, juice, milk, coffee, and tea.

Birthday Cake:
It's also important to consider a birthday cake. I usually make a chocolate cake and then decorate it with some icing... everyone likes chocolate cake with icing. Otherwise, you can always go with the classic birthday cake.

 

Ensure decoration

I definitely think there should be decorations for your birthday. I think I can show you what I've bought for my own birthday party, and what other ideas I have.

Flags:
Of course, there should be flags for the birthday, as it's just a tradition. Birthday flags also always give a festive atmosphere to the room.

Balloons:
Yes... it's always a sure winner with some balloons. They also give a super festive atmosphere to the room, and you don't need very many balloons before it adds a lot to the room.

Flowers:
If you're into a more elegant look, I would recommend decorating the venue with some flowers. It makes the party more formal and nice.

String Lights:
If you're having your birthday party outside or somewhere where it gets a bit dark, string lights can always create a super cozy atmosphere.

Inflatable Numbers:
Almost every birthday I've been to has had this kind of decoration. Inflatable numbers just create a real birthday atmosphere - and then people aren't in doubt about how old you actually turn...
 

Birthday Theme

You could also experiment with different themes for your birthday. It always adds a little extra to the atmosphere, and it's just super fun if people actually make an effort! You could even have a competition for the best costume, so you make sure people show up dressed up.

Here's a list of different themes you can have for your birthday:

  • Beach theme
  • White party
  • Corona theme
  • "The day that was" theme - perfect for a daytime celebration
  • Cocktail party
  • Afterski theme
  • Masquerade ball

Ensure audio equipment

It's super important to have good music and good speakers that provide clear and loud sound. I think music contributes to almost all the atmosphere of the party. Make a good playlist beforehand, so you can just put it on when you're having the party - it's also annoying if people keep changing the music.


When I've had a birthday, I've had a system set up myself. It was very similar to the "Yamaha Stage Pass 400BT", which ensures professional sound. Good sound can be expensive, but otherwise you can also rent some audio equipment, so it doesn't blow the budget.


Otherwise, I can also 100% recommend a DJ. That way, I can pass the responsibility off to someone else, and I also ensure that the music fits the atmosphere. DJs are good at feeling the mood of people, so they know exactly which songs fit the party. They can also play up the party, so people get out on the dance floor.

 

Ready for your birthday

Now you should be pretty ready to host your birthday. Good luck!