Just like the 30th, 40th and 50th birthdays before it, a 60th birthday is usually considered a milestone. Congratulate the 60-year-old person in your life by throwing her a bash that tops any birthday party that came before it. A big birthday deserves a big party, so go all out when planning someone’s 60th.
Format
Sometimes, even 60-year-olds like surprises. If you think the other guests can keep a lid on things and you can work around the birthday person’s schedule, try throwing a surprise party. A surprise party may not work for a person who is always on the go or who has extra-talkative friends. In that case, let him in on the planning. Other party formats include a dinner party, picnic or cocktail party.
Decorations
Keep the decorations tasteful, unless the birthday person has a sense of humor and appreciates “over the hill” and other age jokes. Make pretty centerpieces for the tables at a dinner party, and place name cards at each place setting. A big banner that reads “Surprise!” is a nice touch for a surprise party. Candles, flowers and balloons remain great decorations, no matter how old a person is. Have the birthday person pick a theme if you like, and choose the decorations based on the theme.
Food and Beverages
Do a bit of research before the party to find out what cocktails or other drinks were popular the year the birthday person was born. If they are not too complicated, try serving the cocktails as the primary drink at the party. Serve the birthday person’s favorite meal at a dinner party. Ask the birthday person for input on snacks for the party, or do some snooping if it’s a surprise. Arrange cupcakes on a platter so that they form a “60.”
Activities
A 60th birthday party may be a time for remembering and celebrating a person’s long life so far. If the birthday person has grandchildren, have the children line up and say a poem about their grandparent. Set up a slide show to run during the party’s dinner. Make copies of several pictures of the birthday person, and have guests write captions for the pictures when they arrive. The sillier the pictures and captions, the better. Save time at the end of the party for sharing the captions with the assembled group.
Size
A 60th birthday can be a giant bash where everyone the birthday person knows is invited, or it can be a small, intimate affair with just the person’s family and close friends. Keep the birthday person’s wishes, as well as your budget, in mind when inviting guests. Don’t invite 100 people if she says all she wants is a quiet dinner at home. You may find the party is more difficult to plan the more people you invite, especially if you invite a range of ages, from children to older adults.
Photo Credit
- birthday image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
