Host a Simple Birthday Celebration at Home

Once we become adults we tend to celebrate birthdays by the decade, not by the year. After we hit 21, it’s all about the “zeros,” right!

Here’s a way to get together with family or a small group of friends and have a simple celebration at home to commemorate all those years in between.

These ideas can also be used for a small party that recognizes special events in life like job promotions, a new home, personal achievements, etc.

The party ideas here are perfect for a ladies luncheon, a family supper, or almost anything in between!

Set the table for a party

Create a table that’s easy to set but still festive and celebratory.

• Use the guest of honor’s favorite colors to decorate with.
• A tablecloth or fabric can instantly create a look. Since it covers a large area it can become the main color of the décor even if it’s the only place the color is used. This is a great trick to fool the eye into seeing more color.
• A combination of black and white dishes and napkins gives any base color a bold graphic look. Layer place settings with black and white dishes for a dramatic impact.
• Add a confetti-filled push pop to each place setting. Wrap it with color coordinating scrapbook paper to match the table.
• Make a party style table runner with paper confetti. Sprinkle it down the center just as you would lay a fabric runner.
• Make easy centerpieces with a mix of flowers and mini vases. Weave them back and forth down the center of the table for a simple accent. This allows the food to take center stage while still adding life to the table.

Easy Birthday Menu at Home

Speaking of food on the table, serve an easy menu family-style. Keep the recipes simple, flavorful, and make-ahead so there’s no fuss when hosting. Here are some dishes I love to serve for the occasion.

Serve an appetizer salad like this spinach and arugula tomato salad. It’s SO tasty and has great crunch, too.

This Thai noodles with shrimp recipe is perfect for a light birthday luncheon or dinner. You can make it in the morning so it’s ready to pull out of the fridge and serve.

A simple party cheese board rounds out this easy menu. Instead of offering it as a pre-meal appetizer though, I like to include it as part of the meal itself. It’s a great accompaniment to the pasta salad and green salad.

Of course you can really get the party started by serving champagne using tips from our champagne bar. Or mix up a signature cocktail like this gin & ginger liqueur cocktail.

Birthday Cake for Dessert

The tradition in our family is that the birthday girl or boy gets to choose the birthday meal and the birthday cake of their choice. Here are some favorite cake ideas.

• Ice cream cake from the grocery store or local shop
• Pineapple white layer cake
• 4-layer orange cake
• Chocolate fudge caramel mini cakes
• A classic birthday cake

Activities for At-Home Birthday Celebrations

• Have a birthday brunch complete with cake for breakfast!
• Create a DIY spa day and pamper yourself. Gather self care supplies from the store and do all the things, from face masks, to bubble baths, to mani’s and pedi’s.
• Ask family to hop on a Zoom party. If you can’t spend time with loved ones, set up a time to gather on a Zoom call. You can sip drinks together, chat and catch up, or play games that don’t require you to use the same supplies.
• Dress up like you’re going out on the town. Nothing elevates an occasion like dressing up for it; even when you’re staying in.
• Have a living room dance party. Put on your favorite dance music and dance like nobody’s watching!
• Have a game day or movie day. Play board games, or watch sports on tv. Or have a movie marathon.
• Make it a “favorite things” day. Do your favorite things, eat your favorite foods, watch your favorite movies or shows, etc.
• Set out yard signs or pink flamingoes (number of flamingos corresponds to age).
• Add balloons or flowers to the decoration.

And there you have it – a simple celebration at home with family or a small circle of friends.

And speaking of birthdays, I just had mine in June and it really inspired this celebration party idea. While we had a small group of friends over for a Sunday champagne brunch, I realized that casual and intimate setting was one of my favorite birthdays. No pomp and circumstance of the “zeros” could outdo it!