Successful Birthday Party Planning (Part 3)

Are you organizing a birthday celebration for a friend or spouse? It’s not always easy when a chore complicates an already hectic day! Theme, invitations, lunch, cake… Prepare the party ahead of time and follow some basic recommendations to guarantee the celebration runs smoothly on the big day. Following Part 1, you’ve struck the proper title again! This post will provide you with all of the information you need to properly organize a birthday celebration.

 

Earlier in part 1, we have gone through:

Step 1: Make a checklist to organize the birthday party

Step 2: Make a guest list

Step 3: Choose a party location

 

In part 2, we have covered:

Step 4: Send out invitations

Step 5: Plan the music

Step 6: Arrange lighting

Step 7: Think about activities

Step 8: Plan the birthday gift

 

Let’s delay no further for this 3rd and last part that will cover:

Step 9: Set the birthday menu
Step 10: Decorate the reception room
Step 11: Get help on the day

Step 9. Set the birthday menu

If you’re using a caterer, choose the menu, place the order in advance, and deliver it to the party site.

If you’re cooking yourself, get help or divide the work among family and friends. Prepare as much as possible in advance, even if it means freezing the dishes until the meal.

For the aperitif

 

Drinks and appetizers are the main elements of the aperitif. Whether or not it is a dinner party, the quantities vary. In general, we count:

– 1/2 bottle of champagne or wine per guest;

– 1 bottle of strong alcohol for 10 people;

– 8 mini canapé toasts per guest for a simple aperitif.

Note: don’t hesitate to use frozen food.

Choose cocktails, which are easy to prepare and more affordable than champagne: the punch bowl can even last all evening.

Keep drinks in the refrigerator, cool outside, or a tub filled with ice.

For the meal

 

Avoid recipes that require you to be in the kitchen all the time: opt for recipes that can be made ahead of time and served cold or warm.

If you have more than 20 guests, opt for a caterer, or you will miss out on the evening.

Note: for hot dishes, you can borrow plate warmers or keep them in the oven at a low temperature, or you can use cloches to keep the plates warm. Don’t forget to bring enough water and bread.

Stand-up meals

Avoid knife-sliced dishes if you have chosen to have a birthday buffet without seating.

Choose simple recipes that you can eat with a spoon or fork, plate in one hand.

Seated meals

For a sit-down meal, consider preparing a seating plan and name tags.

Note: in all cases, provide garbage cans.

For dessert

Order or prepare the cake in advance. If you order it, dare to use personalized decorations with photos and messages.

Don’t forget the candles!

10. Decorate the reception hall

There is no need to choose an overly complicated theme unless you have the time and the means.

– A simple colour theme is usually enough to set the mood.

– Match the dishes, tablecloths, and napkins.

– Add balloons, bouquets or garlands.

– If you want to go further, create authentic decor adapted to your theme.

You can also plan a costume party, with a basket of props at the entrance for those who have forgotten.

Note: if there are children, consider setting up a table for them, also decorated, with comics, markers and paper, games or books.

11. Get help on the birthday

Once you’ve made your to-do lists, divide the tasks among family and friends.

– Send your spouse to get the cake.

– Have a friend set the tables.

– Have someone else do the finger foods.

– Have someone take care of the drinks.

Planning is therefore the key to getting a successful birthday party. Please keep in mind that this post is incomplete without your participation, kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.