Tips for Hosting Meaningful Birthday Celebrations

Guest Writer: Birthday Party Professional Natalie Mayhew, owner and creative director of Fern & Maple – party planning & lifestyle expert

 

No matter how old someone turns, a birthday is always a great opportunity to show them how much you care and make happy memories!  A party to celebrate them, big or small, is the closest thing I can think of to bottling up that moment in time so you can have memories to look back on for years to come. 

With a little planning and some thoughtful details, you can make a small intimate gathering at home, or a grand blow-out at a fancy location, so much more meaningful. These tips for hosting a meaningful celebration will ensure that you make your guest of honor feel special.

 

GUESTS & CELEBRATION SIZE

One of the most important things to consider is how to create a celebration that is reflective of your guest of honor’s unique personality and preferences.

When it comes to the guest list, it should include people they enjoy being around - even if the guests aren't all friends or acquaintances! A party is a great place for people to make new friends.

When I decide the size and style of a celebration, I always aim to make the birthday person feel comfortable. For introverts, that may mean a casual, smaller family gathering that allows for more meaningful interactions.  For extroverts, it perhaps calls for a “let loose”, big celebration that involves dancing and mingling with everyone they know.

 

CELEBRATION THEME

Another way to make a celebration truly memorable is to choose a theme that represents something they love. This is one of my favorite parts of hosting a birthday celebration: choosing a theme that really speaks to them.

If they are a fan of a particular band, artist, TV show, movie, book, or even just a color or aesthetic, create a party that incorporates this love into the decorations, music, and food.

You can even focus the celebration around an activity they are big on, and host a game night, beach party, movie night, or even a sports-themed event. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun with it!

 

THAT MAGICAL MOMENT!

There is a special magic around birthday cakes, although nowadays birthday cake, donuts, pies, cupcakes or any treat of choice are all acceptable.  The common denominator is always blowing out the candles, making a wish, and singing Happy Birthday.  These are all integral parts of a magical birthday celebration, young or old!

So when it comes to the special dessert, I love to pump up the “wow factor”. This is THE moment!

One of my favorite ways to do that is by using the Celebration Stadium! It really delivers the “wow” and the happy! It is a beautiful way to make an entrance or a statement on the birthday dessert table.  

The Celebration Stadium Birthday Grandstand is a stunning visual display when the candles are lit, and because the candles aren’t actually IN the dessert, there is no wax mixed in with your sweet treat, and no time spent removing candles.

 

START A TRADITION

Incorporating a meaningful tradition into a birthday celebration can make it even more memorable.  It can be as simple as sharing stories of past birthdays, the songs that are sung, or the foods that are prepared.  Or perhaps its creating a time capsule, donating toys, or visiting a favorite place every year.

In my family, there is such excitement and anticipation for the familiar things we do each year on a birthday. Favorite traditions for us include reading a birthday book together every birthday eve, opening a single gift before school to increase the anticipation of the after-school haul, and an avalanche of balloons as you exit your room in the morning! We also receive two birthday cards every year, one serious and one funny.

A new tradition for us is bringing out the cake in the Celebration Stadium! Every year another candle is added to the display (it holds up to 100 candles for the 100th birthday party).  This is a great way to mark the passage of time, and an opportunity to tease parents about their age!

 

 

THOUGHTFUL GIFTS

One of the best ways to make a birthday celebration special is with a thoughtful gift.  A sentimental gift or experience isn’t about monetary value; it shows you care. 

Thoughtful gifts can evoke memories.  For example, you could create a slideshow or video montage of memories to share, create a birthday playlist of their favorite songs, or create a memory jar of notes, quotes, or recollections of times together.

Other thoughtful gifts might incorporate a shared experience, such as going to a concert, a class, a getaway, a movie, or a picnic together. 

Finally, a thoughtful gift can be as simple as taking the time to make something special just for them. This might be a handwritten note, or handmade gift such as a baked treat, knitted scarf, painting, or photo gift.

 

 

I hope this helps you to plan a celebration that not only makes your guest of honor feel truly special, but also one that is unforgettable for both of you. 

 

About the Author

Natalie Mayhew is the owner and creative director of Fern & Maple – a party planning & lifestyle blog. Born in Wellington New Zealand, Natalie has ventured far from her roots and is inspired by the sights, sounds and textures of her childhood, travel and hours rummaging through antique sales. Natalie’s blog reflects her unique style, the life of a busy mom and party stylist, and showcases her own DIYs, vintage finds and party inspiration. Natalie has a passion for fun, laughter and all things party.