Jackie Rupp, Author at 1800Flowers Petal Talk

Why Spring Birthdays Are the Best

Spring birthdays land at the perfect time for celebrating. We’re leaving the winter behind and welcoming warmer temperatures, blooming gardens, and more sun. Who wouldn’t be in the mood for a party?

“I love spring birthdays so much,” gushes Brittany Young, CEO and founder of Certified Celebrator and author of “Celebrate with Sprinkles: More Than 100 Party Possibilities to Add Joy and Sparkle to Any Occasion.” “Spring makes us feel new; it’s a season with new opportunities. We just all start to feel a little happier when the weather starts to turn.”

Young likes to keep things light, such as serving fresh fruits, chicken and pasta salads, and fun finger foods. She also suggests always being prepared for the notoriously unpredictable spring weather by having backup plans in place for outdoor parties and keeping things easily mobile and ready to relocate in case of spring showers. But, at least they bring us these…

Spring birthday party ideas for all ages

Spring is ideal for outdoor parties, and embracing bright and fresh birthday party themes. Here are a few of our favorites.

Blooming ice cream crawl

Who says you have to wait until summer to welcome back this beloved treat? It’s easy to decorate around this concept, with plenty of fun ice cream-themed decorations and other desserts to choose from. Make it a true “crawl” experience by putting out plenty of fl avors to sample, along with toppings like sauces, cookies, nuts, pretzels, and cereals to help guests customize their creations.

spring birthdays with tea party with cake and food

A spring tea party offers loads of possibilities, Young says. For fans of Jane Austen or “Bridgerton,” you can easily incorporate these elements into the classy theme. Stack tea pots, teacups, antique-styled books, pearls, and vintage tchotchkes to create a look sure to inspire raised pinkies. Take a nod from Young and chill wine bottles in buckets with eatable flower ice cubes. Of course, no spring tea party would be complete without some fancy sweets like petits fours, authentic British scones, and peach galettes.

Kids who love to play dress-up can also enjoy the mystique of bite-sized tea sandwiches, lacy table settings, and tiaras at the table.

Grow your garden party

Spring inspires us to want to celebrate the rebirth of nature around us. Translate that energy into a garden potting party. For little ones, dig into their fascination with bugs and playing in the dirt by serving up the quintessential “worms and dirt” cake along with some delicious chocolate strawberry ladybugs .

Young suggests encouraging guests to collect bits of nature from outside for crafts. “We do a lot of rock painting, finding things from the yard, and gluing them all together lets them use their imagination to create something unique.”

spring birthdays with gardening party — Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

spring birthdays with seed kits — Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

She suggests gifting pots with personalized seed p a ckets for grow-at-home party favors. Decorate a table with terracotta pots (which Young uses as cute cupcake holders), sheets of moss, and pretty gardening tools. For adults, offer a variety of plants that they can use to create their own container garden and feature cocktails with sprigs of fresh herbs.

Festive and fruity

Spring is all about vibrant colors, and fruits offer a rainbow of ways to create a unique spring birthday party theme. Whether it’s strawberry, lemon, or pineapple, you can either choose a single fruit to create a birthday party around or mix and match with a variety of flavors.

spring birthdays with guac and salsa — Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

Southwest fiesta

Combine Tex-Mex fare with Southwest charm for endless party possibilities. A fiesta is one of Young’s favorite themes because it’s suitable for both kids and adults. The latter can enjoy a make-your-own-margarita bar while guests of all ages will love a taco-making station with all the fixings.

For kids, keep these toppings spill-proof in muffin tins to cut down on clean-up. Decorate with Southwest-style plants, papel picado banners — traditional Mexican crafts consisting of intricate designs cut into pieces of tissue paper — and piñatas. Don’t forget to include plenty of cactus-themed accessories, such as these hilarious flower pots and stackable glasses. Add in a fun cacti or succulent potting activity based on the age range of your guests.

Spring birthday party ideas for kids

These ideas may be specifically intended for little ones, but they are still big on fun.

Happy “bee day”

Get the kiddos buzzing with this party theme Young designed to celebrate spring’s beauty. Combine baby’s breath with sunflowers as the centerpiece of your tablescape along with touches like woodsy decor, mason jars, and bottles of bear-shaped honey. Play bee-themed versions of party games and serve up treats like Buzzing Bee Dipped Strawberries.

spring birthdays with a bee party tablescape — Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

Peter Rabbit vegetable garden party

Let guests experience the magic of Beatrix Potter by recreating the woodland world of this beloved storybook character. Deck out the decor in the classic colors of this mischievous rabbit, including bright baby blues, yellow and brilliant greens. Don’t forget to supply plenty of veggies along with some yummy Buttercream-Frosted Walnut Carrot Cake Cookies.

Spring birthday party ideas for adults

If you’re planning a more grown-up birthday blowout, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices.

Go big on the blooms

Spring reminds us how much we missed the fragrance of flowers, so celebrate the season in a big way with plenty of fresh blooms. Dot a dinner table with an overabundance of gorgeous spring flowers — but don’t stop there! Offer a flower arranging workshop for guests outside (if the weather’s nice enough) or around a kitchen island. “Everyone is able to make their own bouquet and take it home with them,” Young says. “Doing a project like this together really opens up the door for lots of conversation and deeper connections.”

Pretty in pastels

By March, most of us are ready to ditch the deep dark colors of winter for brighter hues. Create a chic pastel-themed party using plenty of pink, mint, purple, and peach decorations, such as streamers and plates.

“I’m a big believer in balloons,” Young says. “They take up a lot of space and are very affordable.” She adds that a color-themed balloon arch display makes the perfect spot for guest photos. Serve up equally pretty treats in soft, subtle shades, such as irresistible spring truffle cake pops.

Host a luxury picnic

Take full advantage of the season’s mild temps by hosting a picnic. Begin setup by using tarps as a base to protect picnic blankets. Add pillows and poufs to outfit the setting, and combine small folding picnic tables for place settings. Line the table with a complementary table runner and deck out the scene with flowers, candles, and place mats.

spring birthdays with woman eating meat and cheese in kitchen

spring birthdays with wine cheese and meat

For a backyard party, serve a gourmet brunch that includes quiche, lemon poppy seed cake, English muffins, Canadian bacon, and two bottles of wine. If you need more portable delights, a snack-filled picnic basket or bakery tray overflowing with springtime favorites is sure to fit the bill. Add backyard party games, such as cornhole or ladder toss, or make it a “Rosé and Croquet” party for a truly luxe experience.

55 Best Love Quotes from Movies

Few mediums depict romance in a more touching and heart-rending way than movies. A finely crafted cinematic feature about love can make our hearts skip a beat and inspire those vibes that make us want to get up close and personal to that special someone.

So this year, why not skip the crowds this Feb. 14 and enjoy a cozy night in with a feel-good film? Whether you binge rom-coms or are a sucker for a teak-jerker, curling up on the couch for a movie that tugs at the heartstrings and something sweet to eat can make for a cuddle-worthy good time. And after all, isn’t that what this day is all about?

In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are 55 of the most romantic love quotes from movies. Grab a box of tissues and read on.

55 most romantic love quotes from movies

1. “What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey, that’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon.” – George Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life

2. “I never wanted to have anything in my life that I couldn’t stand losing. But it’s too late for that. It’s not because you’re beautiful and smart and perfect. I don’t feel alone anymore.” – Henry DeTamble, The Time Traveler’s Wife

3. “I love you.” “I know.” – Princess Leia and Han Solo, The Empire Strikes Back

4. “And most of all, I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.” – Frances “Baby” Houseman, Dirty Dancing

5. “At best, it’s a happy delusion — these two people who truly love each other and have no idea how truly miserable they’re about to make each other. But, but, when two people know that, and they decide with eyes wide open to face each other and get married anyway, then I don’t think it’s conservative or delusional. I think it’s radical and courageous and very romantic.”– Tina Modotti, Frida

6. “Are you very much in love with her?” “As much as a man can be.” “Do you think there’s a limit?” “If there is, I haven’t found it.” – Ellen Olenska and Newland Archer, The Age of Innocence

“No matter what happens now or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.

Phil connors

Groundhog Day

7. “Oh, I wouldn’t mind, Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you.” – Augustus Waters, The Fault in Our Stars

8. “Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” – John Keating, Dead Poets Society

9. “There I was, standing there in the church, and for the first time in my whole life I realized I totally and utterly loved one person. And it wasn’t the person next to me in the veil. It’s the person standing opposite me now…in the rain.” – Charles, Four Weddings and a Funeral

10. “If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.” – David, Love Actually

11. “I love him! I love him for the man he wants to be. And I love him for the man he almost is.” – Dorothy Boyd, Jerry Maguire

12. “You must do me this honor, you must promise me that you’ll survive. That you won’t give up, no matter what happens, no matter how hopeless. Promise me now, Rose, and never let go of that promise.” – Jack Dawson, Titanic

13. “People think that we’re crazy. It will never work. You’re going to fail. … Those are the beginning of every great success story.” – Diane Court, Say Anything

love quotes from movies with couple embracing in the rain

14. “You erased me from your memories because you thought you were holding me back from having a full and happy life. But you made a mistake. Being with you is the only way I could have a full and happy life. You’re the girl of my dreams…and, apparently, I’m the man of yours.” – Henry Roth, 50 First Dates

15. “No measure of time with you will be long enough. But, we’ll start with forever.” – Edward Cullen, Twilight

16. “It’s an extraordinary thing to meet someone who you can bare your soul to, and who’ll accept you for what you are.” – Edward Cullen, Twilight

17. “When I’m with you, I feel so safe. Like I’m home.” – Andrew Largeman, Garden State

18. “I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night.” – Harry Burns, When Harry Met Sally

19. “People do fall in love. People do belong to each other, because that’s the only chance that anyone’s got for true happiness.” – Paul Varjak, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

“Some people are worth melting for.

olaf

Frozen

20. “I say, fall head over heels. Find someone you can love like crazy and who will love you the same way back. How do you find him? Well, you forget your head, and you listen to your heart.”
– William Parrish, Meet Joe Black

21. “No matter what happens now or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.” – Phil Connors, Groundhog Day

22. “I know I can’t make the bad go away. You’re right, I can’t. But when the bad comes again…I’m gonna be next to you.” – Johnny, Frankie and Johnny

23. “When I was walking down the aisle, I was walking toward somebody who didn’t have any idea who I really was. And it was only half the other person’s fault, because I had done everything to convince him that I was exactly what he wanted. So it was good that I didn’t go through with it because it would have been a lie. But you — you knew the real me.” – Maggie Carpenter, Runaway Bride

24. “There are people out there worth letting your guard down for. Were you happier with or without him? That’s all that really matters. It doesn’t make you weak to love someone.” – Tina, Bros

25. “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that’s what you’ve given me. That’s what I’d hoped to give to you forever.” – Noah Calhoun, The Notebook

26. “So what happens after he climbs up and rescues her?” “She rescues him right back.” – Edward Lewis and Vivian Ward, Pretty Woman

27. “I can’t figure out the mathematics of this, I just know I love you.” – Graham Simpkins, The Holiday

Best gift ideas for movie night

love quotes from movies Movie Night Action Gift Box — Movie Night Action Gift Box

love quotes from movies personalized snack bowls — Movie Night Personalized Snack Bowls

love quotes from movies Dog Owner Movie Night Box — Max & Milo™ Dog & Owner Movie Night Box

28. “It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together, and I knew it. I knew it the first time I touched her. It was like coming home, only to no home I’d ever known. I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car and I knew it. It was like magic.”
– Sam Baldwin, Sleepless in Seattle

29. “Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.” – Alex Hitchens, Hitch

30. “When he looks at me, the way he looks at me, he does not know what I lack or how I am incomplete. He sees me for what I am, as I am. He’s happy to see me. Every time. Every day.”
– Elisa Esposito, The Shape of Water

31. “He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God.” – Nick Carraway, The Great Gatsby

32. “That day, she was amazed to discover that when he was saying ‘As you wish,’ what he meant was ‘I love you.’ And then even more amazing was the day she realized she truly loved him back.” – Grandpa, Princess Bride

33. “I hate the way I don’t hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.” – Kat Stratford, 10 Things I Hate About You

“Death cannot stop true love. It can only delay it a little while.

westley

The Princess Bride

34. “You’re not perfect, sport, and let me save you the suspense: This girl you’ve met, she’s not perfect either. But the question is whether or not you’re perfect for each other.” – Sean Maguire, Good Will Hunting

35. “I live in Notting Hill. You live in Beverly Hills. Everyone in the world knows who you are, my mother has trouble remembering my name.” “I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” – William Thacker and Anna Scott, Notting Hill

36. “… If you trusted love this far, don’t panic now. Trust it all the way.” – Sharon Rivers, If Beale Street Could Talk

37. “You are not unlovable. There is always something to love. Even in a stupid, stupid universe where we have hot dogs for fingers, we get very good with our feet.” – Evelyn Wang, Everything Everywhere All At Once

38. “I’m always just about to fall off of the edge of the tallest building. I stopped falling the second I saw you.” – Tony Wyzek, West Side Story

39. “And when her lips found mine, I knew I could live to be a hundred and visit every country in the world, but nothing would compare to that one moment when I kissed the girl of my dreams for the first time and knew that my love would make it last forever.” – John Tyree, Dear John

40. “Our love is like the wind: I can’t see it, but I sure can feel it.” – Landon Carter, A Walk to Remember

41. “I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest.” – Beatrice, Much Ado About Nothing

42. “Some people are worth melting for.” – Olaf, Frozen

love quotes from movies with couple embracing

43. “Loss has been a part of my journey. But it has also shown me what is precious. So has a love for which I can only be grateful.” – Theresa Osborne, Message in a Bottle

44. “I just wanted to take another look at you.” – Jackson Maine, A Star is Born

45. “If there’s any kind of magic in this world, it must be in the attempt of understanding someone, sharing something. I know it’s almost impossible to succeed, but who cares, really? The answer must be in the attempt.” – Céline, Before Sunrise

46. “I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.” – Arwen Undómiel, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

47. “I turn on my computer. I wait impatiently as it connects. I go online, and my breath catches in my chest until I hear three little words: You’ve got mail. I hear nothing. Not even a sound on the streets of New York, just the beating of my own heart. I have mail. From you.” – Kathleen Kelly, You’ve Got Mail

You complete me.

jerry maguire

Jerry Maguire

48. “Love. You can learn all the math in the ‘verse, but you take a boat in the air that you don’t love, she’ll shake you off just as sure as the turn of the worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she ought to fall down, tells you she’s hurting before she keels, makes her a home.”– Malcolm Reynolds, Serenity

49. “My dearest friend, If you don’t mind, I’d like to join you by your side. Where we could gaze into the stars, and sit together, now and forever. For it is plain as anyone could see, we’re simply meant to be.” – Jack Skellington, The Nightmare Before Christmas

50. “Death cannot stop true love. It can only delay it a little while.” – Westley, The Princess Bride

51. “In my opinion, the best thing you can do is find someone who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you.” – Mac MacGuff, Juno

52. “You complete me.” – Jerry Maguire, Jerry Maguire

53. “It’s like in that moment the whole universe existed just to bring us together.” – Jonathan Trager, Serendipity

54. “Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy.” – Julianne Potter, My Best Friend’s Wedding

55. “I would rather be a ghost drifting by your side as a condemned soul than enter heaven without you. Because of your love, I will never be a lonely spirit.” – Master Li, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Why Winter Birthdays Are the Best

Looking to make a birthday celebrated between December and March special? Whether your neck of the woods is set for a deep freeze or remains mild all year round, the winter season is a special time to gather together, get cozy with hot cocoa, and share some fun and games together — all fun things that make winter birthdays the best!

What makes a winter birthday special

Once you decide on a theme, sprinkle elements of it throughout the party. This makes your guests feel like they’re on some unique journey.

Emily-Rachael Atunrase

Owner of Empress Luxury Events LLC

Between all the holidays packed into the season, the messy weather, and the frigid temps, winter can, at first glance, seem like a hard time to celebrate a birthday. But, explains party planner Emily-Rachael Atunrase, it’s actually ideal. “My sister’s birthday is in the winter, and I was just telling her how lucky she is, because ’tis the season, right?” Atunrase says. “During the winter, we’re all used to traveling around, visiting friends and family, we’ve got the time off or we’re bored, and we’re looking for something fun to do. In winter, people are ready to party!”

As owner of Empress Luxury Events LLC in Philadelphia, Atunrase sees birthday parties happening both inside and out during the winter (weather dependent), with plenty of her clients transforming their homes into a winter wonderland. If you’re ready to sleigh some winter birthday party planning, read on for fun ideas that make the most of what the season has to offer.

How to make a winter birthday special

Embracing a winter birthday with a seasonal theme is a great way to go, Atunrase says. A themed birthday party — no matter the season — allows you to get creative and leave a lasting impression on your guests. “Once you decide on a theme, you can sprinkle elements of it throughout the party,” Atunrase says. “This makes your guests feel like they’re on some unique journey; it keeps them engaged and looking to see how many times you incorporated that theme around the food, the place setting, the decor.” Atunrase likes to set a birthday dinner table with a favor related to the theme, such as holiday ornaments or color-coordinated silver, blue, or white macarons.

winter birthday ideas with blue macarons — A take-home gift of icy blue macarons sets the tone for a frosty winter birthday.

She also suggests an indoor/outdoor option for home parties. “Think of how lovely it would be to walk through twinkling lights on a chilly evening to get to a firepit or bonfire, sit around with cute little inscribed mugs filled with piping hot cocoa, and then head inside when it’s time to eat.” With fire pits, outdoor heaters, and inflatable tents becoming increasingly accessible, we have many more outdoor options for winter birthday parties than we did just a few years ago.

That said, you don’t have to leave the warmth and comfort of home to have a memorable winter birthday — in fact, staying inside can be ideal. Atunrase recalls one client who booked an at-home massage for her husband’s birthday. While he relaxed upstairs, Atunrase went into action creating the party below. “By the time he came down from his massage, his whole family was waiting for him,” she says. “We brought in a hibachi chef, and then cleaned up at the end of the night.” That sure beats battling the crowds and cold to stock up on birthday party supplies.

But if you don’t want to hire a private chef to make the most of a winter birthday, there are still plenty of DIY ways to enjoy a chill-tastic winter birthday.

Kids winter birthday party ideas

These winter birthday party ideas will please the little ones while also providing entertainment for the adults.

Luau or beach party

If your crew is longing for summer fun, give everyone a respite from the cold by offering up a luau- or beach party-themed blowout. From serving fruity drinks and ice cream cone cake pops to putting out beach blankets and play sand, guests can fully indulge their summer vibes. You can even set up a station where kids can make leis with orchids (with adult supervision, of course). Ask guests to come dressed in Hawaiian shirts and beach gear, and you’ll all be transported to warmer climes.

Lumberjack jamboree

Gather together all the plaid you can find and invite guests to wear their best denim and flannel. Add in plenty of burlap and evergreen decorations, serve flapjacks, and have fun by renting a Velcro ax throwing game. Don’t forget to hand out faux burly beards for the perfect photo opp. There are even ways to make a fully plaid cake with just some extra red and black food coloring.

winter birthday ideas with kids christmas birthday party

A warm frozen birthday experience

Skip the heaps of soggy clothes while still indulging in snowman making and igloo sculpting. Faux indoor snow is easy to make; just mix a half cup of hair conditioner with three cups of baking soda. Then, repurpose a Christmas tree and cover it with the “snow” and artificial flocking, adding evergreen garland to it as well. Incorporate plenty of snow-themed items, from icicle lights to snow-white balloon arches, Atunrase suggests. Keep with the theme by serving treats like dipped strawberries that look like snowmen or offering a winter cooking decorating station.

Adult winter birthday party ideas

It’s not just the kids who get to have fun with a wintertime birthday. Adults have plenty of ways to celebrate their birthday during the snowy season as well.

Winter wonderland

Embrace the beauty of winter with an opulent evening display featuring plenty of icicle lights and repurposed holiday decor. Atunrase says serving hearty, lavish dishes, like the kind you see in holiday movies, will get everyone in the mood. “Instead of a fruit cup, serve fruit tarts, or cobblers straight from the oven. Incorporate all those delicious scents like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon. Instead of regular cheesecake, for the winter, we’re making persimmon fig goat cheesecake.” The winter definitely gives us a chance to get a little more fancy with our desserts.

Paint and sip party

Winter gives us time to be more creative with crafts, so bringing together pals for some winter-inspired painting is a perfect way to spend a birthday. And sure, you could organize your own event, but why not leave things to the experts at PaintNite? They offer both in-person and virtual painting parties with tens of thousands of designs from which to choose.

Cabin cozy

If the weather isn’t too harsh, embrace the outdoors for some campfire fun. Gather ’round the firepit with plaid blankets — or make it a BYOB, aka Bring Your Own Blanket, party — and individual s’mores boards with all the fixins. Or, opt to stay inside and set up an indulgent hot chocolate bar, with a variety of mix-ins and garnishes for your steaming cups of cocoa. One way to create the right atmosphere, Atunrase suggests, is to have everyone wear matching sweaters or pajama sets. Offer fun group activities like board games, card games, or a scavenger hunt.

Winter birthday gift ideas

winter wishes bouquet — Winter Wishes™ Bouquet

winter birthday ideas Ghirardelli All that Glitters Bin — Ghirardelli All that Glitters Bin

Sending Words of Encouragement Is Easier Than You Think

Sometimes, it’s really hard to know how best to support and comfort someone who has experienced a loss, endured heartache, or is going through a hard time. We don’t want to make the situation worse or upset that person further. The nagging fear that we might say the wrong thing often leads us to do nothing. However, according to Brooke James, creator of the podcast The Grief Coach, even the smallest gesture can have profound benefits for someone in need.

Finding the right words

James, a grief educator, saw her own friends struggle with how to be there for her when she lost her father to cancer in 2019. That experience led her to look for better ways to show support.

Today, she consults for national brands, helping them create more empathetic and supportive work environments. Her advice is to always err on the side of showing as much support as you can. “The person who is going through something already feels isolated, so when people leave them alone, thinking that’s best for them, it’s actually the worst feeling.”

If you’re not sure what to say, the best thing to do is ask, James says. “Rather than an overly emotional ‘I’m so sorry’ or ‘How are you?’ which are well-intentioned but don’t really help the receiver feel any better, there are words that can be more comforting. Saying something like ‘I don’t know what to say. I know nothing I say will change this, but I’m here for you,’ that’s perfect.”

People need encouragement for a lot of reasons, both big and small. For James, helping people be heard is an essential part of the healing process. “Right after my dad died, friends would start complaining about something in their life, and then they’d feel apologetic, like, ‘I’m sorry, this is nothing compared to what you’re going through.’ You can still be having a hard time with something even though your dad didn’t die.”

During a time like the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people were grieving things they lost or missed out on, validation is particularly relevant, James says. “Sharing in these types of conversations gives someone who’s struggling permission to be vulnerable. It’s through that process that they can move on to healing.”

When words aren’t enough

After offering words of encouragement, James advises taking action to show how much you care. This can have an exponentially greater impact, becoming a memory that comforts for years to come.

Here are six easy ways to show you care.

1. Focus on specifics

“Rather than say ‘Let me know if I can do anything to help,’ make concrete suggestions that you think the person could use.” Offering to do any number of helpful chores —laundry, house cleaning, babysitting — is a way to lighten their load, James says.

2. Set a weekly walk date

Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air with someone else — even for as little as 15 minutes — can become an immeasurable source of hope and comfort, James says.

3. Remind someone how special they are

words of encouragement with friend giving Flowers

Imagine how good a loved one will feel when they receive a delivery of flowers, food, or a beautiful keepsake (or a combination of two of them!). A heartfelt gift is a great way of letting someone know they’re in your thoughts.

4. Continue the support long term

People can be overwhelmed with support during a difficult period, James says, but their phones have a tendency to go silent a few weeks later. It’s at those times when sending a thoughtful reminder, such as a “Sending Hugs” sweets gift box or Smiling Blooms bouquet, can mean the most.

5. Offer a distraction

Although your loved one might not take you up on it, offering to take their mind off what they’re going through rather than having a serious heart-to-heart conversation can be a refreshing change, James says. “Sometimes you just want to talk about the normal things that you and your friends used to talk about.”

6. Be mindful of milestones

James says the lead-up to anniversaries of difficult times can be especially challenging. “You could send something and say, ‘I know this is a hard week coming up, so I thought you might want some pretty flowers to look at.”

Honest communication and thoughtful actions can take the guesswork out of helping someone through a hard time. When a loved one is in need of encouragement, the best advice is always, when in doubt, do something.

19 quotes for encouragement

Did you know positive words of encouragement can actually have a positive effect on how the brain works? Research shows thoughtful phrases build resilience and motivation.

If you’re looking for the right words to send to someone in need of encouragement but are coming up empty, try using a famous quote that feels right for the situation. Here are a few to help you get started.

Learn from adversity

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that’s why I succeed.” — Michael Jordan
“It’s not about how hard you can hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” — Rocky Balboa, Rocky
“Everything negative — pressure, challenges — is all an opportunity for me to rise.” — Kobe Bryant
“If I got rid of my demons, I’d lose my angels.” — Tennessee Williams
“Your past does not equal your future.” — Tony Robbins

Keep moving forward

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” — Albert Einstein
“Life is an improvisation. You have no idea what’s going to happen next, and you are mostly just making things up as you go along. And like improv, you cannot win your life. Even when it might look like you’re winning.” — Stephen Colbert

Look at the positive

“If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” — Oprah Winfrey
“There should be no boundaries to human endeavor. We are all different. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there’s life, there is hope.” — Stephen Hawking, The Theory of Everything
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” — Helen Keller

Remain hopeful

“The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.” — Samwise Gamgee, The Lord of the Rings
“But you know happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.” — Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
“The night is always darkest just before dawn, but I assure you, the dawn is coming.” — Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight

Be fearless

“Don’t be afraid of fear. Because it sharpens you, it challenges you, it makes you stronger; and when you run away from fear, you also run away from the opportunity to be your best possible self.” — Ed Helms
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” — Nelson Mandela

Live life on your own terms

“You cannot live your life to please others. The choice must be yours.” — White Queen, Alice in Wonderland
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” — George Bernard Shaw
“Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you.” — Tyrion Lannister, Game of Thrones
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” — Dr. Seuss

Why Fall Birthdays Are the Best

Autumn is many people’s favorite time of year, and there are lots of good reasons for that. The weather is pleasantly cool, with crisp nights that make us want to get cozy with a favorite cardigan and warm apple cider. It’s the return of baking season, which means the aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are everywhere you turn. People are arriving back from their summer vacations, and the time feels right to reunite with friends. All that, and more, makes autumn an awesome season for celebrating a birthday with these fall birthday party ideas.

Think boozy hot chocolate, an apple cider bar, s’mores, and flannel blankets.

jessie williams

Founder, WE Events

“Fall is my favorite time of year in Chicago,” exclaims Jessie Williams, founder of WE Events, a party and event planning service. “The leaves are changing colors, the temps are getting more manageable, and kids are back in school.”

Whether you’re planning to host an autumn birthday party for an adult or child, you have as many themes to choose from as there are leaves on the ground.

4 fabulous fall birthday party ideas

Autumn birthdays fall into that perfect sweet spot on the calendar. This time of year offers the flexibility of hosting either an indoor or outdoor party, along with plenty of easy ways to embrace the season.

1. Make it all about them

“To make a fall party extra special, customize,” Williams says. “Use items that go with your theme and add names or nicknames to those items. Think blankets for a bonfire party or mugs for a camping party.”

fall birthday party ideas with fall dessert table

2. Add an awe-inspiring autumn treats table

A show-stopping food table can set the tone for the rest of the party. Whether it’s a snack buffet or dessert bar, this stylish self-serve station can be decked out for the season with wooden crates and other warm, rustic touches. One idea is a DIY apple cider bar chock full of toppings, such as cinnamon sticks, cocoa powder, and whipped cream.

The finishing touch? Plenty of fall decor. Tablescapes are extra easy for fall, with gorgeous natural options everywhere you look. “Use gourds, pumpkins, apples with fall leaves, and fall floral to decorate the table,” Williams says.

3. Decorate with seasonal florals and shades

Think about the colors of fall: oranges, reds, browns. With that in mind, Williams suggests supplying a captivating printed photo backdrop, with designs ranging from rustic wood or a fall scene with blankets, sunflowers, and hay bales.

Balloon sculptures are also a popular budget-friendly way to make a big impression. For a retro fall camp-out vibe, opt for muted shades of moss green, beige, and rust tone balloons accented with natural dried flower arrangements of pampas grass, wheat, and thistle.

4. Be mindful of fall’s wild weather

Planning parties in the Windy City, Williams knows all about preparing for the unpredictable autumn weather. “Wind and rain can very quickly ruin a party. When planning any outside party, it’s always best to have a backup plan.” She suggests considering renting tents or heaters, or selecting a venue that has an interior option if needed.

“I like to always bring tablecloth weights and, if setting up a tablescape with paper plates, have something heavy to place on each plate, such as a custom “place card,” so they don’t blow away,” Williams says. “My favorites for fall are pumpkins or apples with each guest’s name on them.”

Trick or treat yourself to a Halloween-themed party

Fall is associated with Halloween, so why not lean into that connection for an October birthday? You have so many options when you embrace this theme, the most obvious of which is a costume party.

This can translate to a lavish masquerade ball for adults; for kids, make it a fun DIY costume contest. A gorgeous Día de los Muertos-inspired dinner party, complete with tamales, sugar skulls, and hibiscus tea, can work for all ages. Create a makeup station to give everyone traditional calaveras skull faces, which will make for instant photo ops.

Another kid-centric idea is to create your own backyard pumpkin patch, far away from the swarming crowds at the local farm. Here you can set up outdoor pumpkin painting stations and a scarecrow stuffing area replete with old clothes, hay, and silly accessories.

fall birthday party ideas with halloween birthday party

One of the favorite parties Williams has planned was actually not for a client but for her daughter and their neighbors. “We hosted a ‘ghost hunt,’ where I put candy and trinkets inside plastic eggs that I wrapped in tissues with ghost faces drawn on them. I hid them throughout our yard and the neighbor’s yard,” she says. “The house was already decorated for Halloween, so no extra decorating work was needed. Even the older kids had a blast finding the ‘ghosts.'”

Williams points out a wonderful fall party perk: If you decorate for Halloween, or even just the autumn season, your party decorating is nearly done. Just add a few birthday elements to make it feel extra special for the guest of honor.

Fuel your November celebration with the spirit of Friendsgiving

November birthdays can present a planning challenge, as they fall during a time when most people’s attention is on Thanksgiving and prepping for the holidays. If you’re planning a large get-together for friends or classmates, consider holding the birthday party earlier in the month, when the weather may be warmer and schedules less chaotic. Play with a fall clothing theme, such as everyone comes wearing their favorite flannel or a sweater-weather ugly sweater. And don’t forget: Your party should be not just for the guest of honor but the senses as well. With the lovely smells of fall filling the air, this is definitely the time to bust out the pumpkin spice candles.

Williams suggests considering a philanthropic option to infuse your party with the spirit of gratitude that is so prevalent during the season. “Consider encouraging guests to bring an item to donate to a charity.” This could be anything from books for a children’s hospital library to dog toys for an animal rescue. For an adult Friendsgiving birthday party, this can take the emphasis away from presents and make it more about coming together and helping out a cause everyone can feel good about.

4 fun fall birthday ideas & themes for kids

1. Football party

Fall means football time. If you have a little fan of the game, you can create a miniature-sized tailgate party, complete with smaller versions of classic parking lot games, such as cornhole or ladder ball.

fall birthday party ideas apple orchard candle — Apple Orchard Candle

2. Scary movie night

Gather up those blankets and pillows, set up a projector screen, and play some slightly spine-tingling classics.

3. Classic country fair

Give guests bandanas, set up classic carnival games, such as ring toss and milk bottle knockdown, and serve corn dogs and funnel cake.

4. DIY party

Whether your guests are decorating candied apples, making mini-wreaths, decorating cookies, or trying their hand at some autumn-scented soap making, fall-themed crafts can keep everyone entertained.

4 fabulous fall birthday themes for adults

1. Hoedown party

Williams suggests renting a backyard mechanical bull, using mason jars to hold floral arrangements, and adding extra seating with hay bales. Ask everyone to come in their best rodeo attire, such as cowboy boots, a long-sleeve button-up, jeans, and a leather belt with a big, ol’ belt buckle.

2. Backyard bonfire

“Think boozy hot chocolate,” Williams says, “an apple cider bar, s’mores, and flannel blankets.” Add a lush fall soundtrack and a few conversation games, such as “Two truths and a lie” or “Would you rather.”

fall birthday party ideas with oktoberfest party

3. Oktoberfest party

Create a backyard biergarten with a sampling of fall beers and classic German cuisine, including sausages and fresh-baked pretzels. As a bonus, ask guests to dress in traditional Bavarian garb.

4. Seasonal harvest sampling

Embrace all the flavors of the harvest with a dinner filled with fall’s favorites, including Brussels sprouts, squash, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. Put a comfort food fall twist on the traditional charcuterie board with a hearty and homey baked potato board, complete with a host of favorite toppings. Or go all in on a single flavor, with a menu that includes pumpkin hummus, pumpkin salad, pumpkin soup, and pumpkin ravioli.

Toronto Baker Dishes on Her Favorite Fall Flavors

fall flavors with Fran Murray relaxing on the couch

“I don’t know if it’s the crisp breeze or the changing leaves, but I just feel so alive in the fall,” says Food Network contestant and baking entrepreneur Fran Murray. This 41-year-old mother of four is simply mad about autumn — it’s the season in which she got married, and it’s her favorite time of year to bake.

She says fall has the “perfect weather for taking walks in cozy sweaters.” It’s also when Murray infuses her work in the kitchen with many of her favorite fall flavors. “I’ve had an obsession with warm spices for as long as I can remember,” Murray explains, “so baking in the fall brings me so much joy.”

Murray, who resides in Toronto, finds it particularly rewarding to share what she whips up as displays of affection to her friends and family. “I take baking as a catalyst to infuse love and encouragement in the hearts of the folks that I encounter.”

That sentiment goes back to her earliest childhood memories of being in the kitchen with her mother in Jamaica. There, she would watch as her mom made batches of Jamaican black cake, a rich fruit dessert filled with raisins, prunes, and currants, and soaked in dark rum and red wine — for months (!) — before being eaten.

“I can still recall the smells of that cake, and the happiness that it brought to folks in the community was just amazing,” Murray says. “That’s what stuck with me — that baking isn’t just the mechanical part or a skill set but the love in a product you can share with others.”

Use that herb harvest in your baking

One of the highlights of the fall for Murray is being able to include her herb harvest from the summer in her baking. While locally grown and fresh herbs are still available, fall is a great time to freeze herbs in individual serving sizes for use in cooking and baking throughout the colder months. With the last of the harvest you don’t freeze, Murray suggests incorporating herbs like basil and thyme into shortbread and amaretti cookies to add new flavors to these classic desserts.

The fall flavor trifecta: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves

Warm spices epitomize the scents and tastes of fall. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are three of the most beloved spices of the season. “They just hit the taste buds differently. They make you feel cozy inside,” Murray says. “It’s like they give you a warm hug.”

Murray recommends doubling, and sometimes even tripling, the cinnamon in typical fall baking recipes. “Don’t be afraid to add warm spices to all your desserts,” she says.

Just a reminder, though: Don’t skip the cloves. Although they may not be as widely used as cinnamon, they are an essential part of fall flavoring. “Anytime you use cinnamon, add an eighth of the amount of cloves,” Murray says. “A little goes a long, long way, and you will notice the difference.”

Spice things up this fall

For simple desserts that need a little something extra, such as sugar cookies or vanilla cupcakes, Murray has a quick and easy flavor booster: simple syrup. Boil up a batch (one part sugar, one part water) and keep it in the fridge so you always have some on hand when the need arises. (It’s also an essential ingredient in many cocktails.) “Add some cinnamon, some nutmeg, a little clove, and some lemon zest to that simple syrup, and then just baste it onto a dessert to infuse all that delicious flavor.”

Fruity fall goodness

Fall is all about the fruit, right? Apple picking, cranberry stringing…and did you know pumpkin is actually a fruit??? Poaching or grilling apples and pears makes for an easy dessert that Murray seasons with those beloved warm spices. She also delights in pairing them with citrus zests. “My family thinks I’m crazy, but whenever they reach for a citrus fruit, I’m like, ‘Wait, I have to zest it first!'”

She freezes the zests of limes, lemons, and oranges in little baggies that she’ll use throughout the fall in cakes, pies, sugar cookies, shortbread, and cupcakes. “Add orange zest to your pumpkin latte — it’s insane what’s going to happen to your taste buds.”

An animated ad for 1800flowers.com's fall collection

Chocolate never goes out of season

One of Murray’s favorite staples for fall baking is chocolate, but you might be surprised how she uses it. “Chocolate pairs with everything in the fall,” she says. “When I bake my apple pies (obviously adding my double dose of nutmeg and cinnamon!), I pour chocolate syrup over them.” She says the sweetness from the apples mixed with the autumnal warm spices marries with the rich chocolate to create the perfect flavor union.

It’s that kind of experimentation that Murray says makes fall baking so much fun. “Use traditional desserts and add your own twist to them. I always say, you don’t have to be a master chef to whip up yumminess and release your creativity.”

What I Love About Fall: It’s Back to Baking Season

For our “What I Love About Fall” series, we asked people of all walks of life to share personal stories that illustrate why they’re passionate about autumn. In this installment, writer and baking enthusiast Jackie Rupp recounts a neighborhood pie party she once hosted this time of year.

My oven stays off during the summer, when I focus more on grilling and lighter meals. With cooler temperatures arriving here in my hometown of Philadelphia, I’m getting ready to once again fire up the oven and get creative with some fall baking.

Fall is a great time to start exploring new baking recipes before the rush of the holiday season begins. I love making cakes, pies, and cookies, and I am starting to challenge myself by experimenting with baked vegan desserts (chocolatey vegan brownies, anyone?). But the best part to me is sharing and gifting my baked creations.

Neighborhood pie party

Pre-pandemic, I moved to a new neighborhood and wanted to get to know more people in my area. I decided it would be fun to host some neighborhood dessert swaps, during which I could meet new people and make new friends. I created events on my neighborhood groups on social media and got a great response. Who doesn’t like baked goods, right?

My favorite event was our pie party. I hosted a group of about a dozen women, most of whom I’d never met before. I couldn’t believe how generous everyone was with their time and energy. My entire kitchen island was covered with pies of all kinds: apple, cherry, lemon, pecan. We didn’t know what to slice into first. (We also learned that wine goes amazing with pies, by the way, so don’t be afraid to pair yours with a glass of white or red, or even a little bit of bubbly.)

The funniest part of the evening was when one woman, who did not have time to bake, confessed to picking up a store-bought pie on her way over. That led to several other guests making confessions of their own: “Yep, my pie was store bought, too.” It was nice to realize that I’m not the only one that sometimes has grander baking plans than my schedule allows me to pull off.

No one cared, of course.

We were all grateful to just have an evening to ourselves, where we could sit around with the smells of cinnamon and clove in the air and enjoy conversations while eating absurd amounts of pie. We had so many leftovers, but that was our goal. We divvied up all the pieces into slices, and everyone got to take home several varieties.

An apple pie inspired by a Philly institution

One of my favorites was my French apple pie à la mode inspired by our hometown Tastykake brand. For those not familiar with this local favorite, it comes in little rectangular pie tins and is ubiquitous at convenience stores here in Philly. It’s your standard apple pie but with a generous amount of raisins added in. As a kid, this felt so exotic to me. I thought this must be how the royals in the French court ate their apple pie. I have no idea of the exact lineage, but where the pie goes from good to great is the addition of a crunchy vanilla icing layer on top.

To achieve this icing on a full-sized pie, I used a simple sugar cookie glaze. It’s just a mixture of milk and powdered sugar to which I add a tiny drop of vanilla. Essentially, you can use any of your favorite cookie glaze recipes. You can even spice it up for fall by adding nutmeg, cinnamon, or a little orange flavor.

what I love about fall with French apple pie a la mode

The key to icing the pie is doing it only once it is completely cooled. Although I do love my hot apple pie, this icing won’t hold up to that type of heat. It’s super easy to get the right consistency: If it’s too runny, just add more sugar or thin it out with warm water.

This year, I’m thinking of hosting another pie party, this time outside, around our firepit. It’ll be BYOB (bring your own…blanket), and I picture us sipping warmed spiked…I mean spiced apple cider and digging into some more delicious pies.

Is it fall yet? Because I’m ready to bake.

How to Make Summer Birthdays Special

Quick, think of everything you love about birthdays (playing games, getting together with friends and family, cake). Now, think of what makes summer so awesome (warm temps, no school, ice cream). Put them together, and you’ve got the absolute best time of year for a birthday party!

“Summer birthdays can be a blast, and with short work weeks, warm weather, and any excuse for a pool day, there are many ways to make a summer birthday special,” says Kristine Cooke, event planner and designer at Simply Charming Socials.

The laid back and flexible nature of the season, Cooke adds, makes planning summer birthday celebrations easier. “Kids are out of school, workloads tend to be lighter, and vacations are sprinkled throughout the months, so adding in a birthday party or trip isn’t as hurried,” she says.

Summer lets you fully enjoy the great outdoors

With the weather generally warm and sunny, the options for where to host a summer birthday increase infinitely. “You can celebrate anywhere, from a manicured backyard to a pool deck, down by the lake or oceanfront, on a rooftop or in a garden,” Cooke says. “Even the mountains in the summer months are beautiful and great for a glamping trip or campout.”

While there’s nothing like an outdoor summer party, Cooke is quick to point out the pros of an indoor party. “When the AC is pumping and you can enjoy a sweat-free fete, indoor parties are where it’s at,” she says.

4 easy ways to achieve summer birthday happiness

With a little extra consideration about the season, you can host a memorably fun summer birthday party.

1. Choose a summertime theme

A theme might feel too “extra” at first, but it can help immensely when it comes to brainstorming and planning — not to mention the “wow” factor for your guests and special birthday person. “One of our most memorable summer birthdays was a citrus-themed pool party for 4-year old twins at their home in Atlanta,” Cooke says. “From water activities to a tapas bar, on-theme desserts to colorful picnic-style seating, this party was pretty and fun!”

Photos courtesy of Grace Jayne Photography

2. Opt for summer-friendly foods

Particularly for outdoor daytime parties, avoid foods that melt quickly in the sun (anything with chocolate) or things that spoil easily (shrimp salad, for example). Focus on summer foods that refresh and hold up in the heat, such as watermelon salad, gazpacho, and cucumber sandwiches.

3. Think drinks

“Always keep plenty of cool beverages at the ready, boozy or otherwise,” Cooke says. Freeze bottles of water, have plenty of ice on hand, and make sure juice boxes and water is easy to access, especially for little hands.

4. Bug off

Nothing can kill a party faster than a swarm of mosquitos. In addition to bug spray, Cooke says fans are a helpful way to ward off bugs and keep everyone cool. “And for the evenings, tiki torches or citronella candles are key.”

Summer birthday parties for adults

A summer birthday also means the party possibilities are virtually limitless. Cooke, whose business is based in Georgia, says some of her favorite summer birthday celebrations have included an al fresco dinner party, poolside white attire party, and dockside low-country boil. Another stand out? “An intimate boat ride followed by a multi-course waterfront dinner.”

summer birthday with group of young friends drinking cocktails on beach

For adult summer birthdays, Cooke suggests taking full advantage of gorgeous summer evenings. “Laid-back gatherings, when the sun sets late into the evening, are so enjoyable. Or opt for a pool party or beachside celebration…where else can you blow out the candles with a frozen drink in hand?”

Know someone who’s turning 21, 30, or the big 5-0 this summer? For the person celebrating a milestone birthday, Cooke likes the idea of whisking them away. “Tropical destinations are popular in those summer months, but if you’re staying in the U.S., we recommend New England or the Pacific Northwest, areas that have so much beauty in the summer without the high heat or cold winter weather,” Cooke says.

4 summer birthday themes for adults

1. Throwback summer camp

Who says you have to be a kid to enjoy camp? Make silly crafts, learn to tie knots, and give everyone merit badges for their awesome achievements.

summer birthday with group of friends outdoors drinking red wine

2. Parisian wine tasting party

Fancy up a deck or patio and serve up a mix of reds, rosé, and white wines along with fresh grapes, cheese, and charcuterie.

3. Color-themed party

Ask everyone to dress in the same color. Don’t forget to end the night with a toast and sparklers (these aren’t just for wedding exits anymore).

4. Hot tropics

Encourage guests to come in their best island attire (bonus points for the loudest Hawaiian shirts). Send out the tropical vibes with festive decor and coral-colored party fans, and indulge in some icy cocktails that will transport partygoers straight to a seaside bar (in spirit, at least).

Summer birthday parties for kids

summer birthday with kids swimming in a pool

Now, about those kiddos. A summer birthday for younger ones means you’ll want to track down school friends to get invites out to everyone. Cooke says it’s also important to consider the summer heat and other related factors. “Summer birthdays for kids can be a blast but can come with a few challenges, especially if you’re hosting outside.” She suggests always keeping sunscreen, bug spray, and a first-aid kit on hand. “And we can’t stress adult supervision enough, especially for pool parties, bounce houses, and campfires.”

4 summer birthday themes for kids

1. Backyard camp-out party

Roast marshmallows, set up pop-up tents with sleeping bags, tell scary stories, and sleep under the stars.

summer birthdays with kids roasting marshmallows while camping out

2. Magic garden party

Think gnomes as decoration, cupcakes decorated like mushrooms, cookies with “fairy” sprinkles, and grow-your-own crafts.

3. Drive-in movie night

Keep this party low-key, with an outdoor projector playing a favorite flick and an ice cream bar or popcorn station.

4. Mermaid/Merman party

Tails are optional, but “sea” food is a must (or maybe just the fish cracker variety). No pool? No problem! Get well stocked on water balloons and Super Soakers. Indulge little ones in their own summer dessert board that’s just as fancy as the grown-up variety.

Alt Bashes: What These Unique Parties Are and Why We Should Have Them

Life can be challenging and stressful. Often, we look to traditional holidays — occasions that are meant to be celebratory and full of revelry — to provide us with a break from the everyday grind, but even those can put a lot of strain on us. That’s why it’s so important for our wellbeing that we acknowledge the smaller achievements in our lives.

Enter: alt bashes.

What’s an alt bash?

Alt bashes are parties that celebrate the little milestones in life. These are events that may seem minor but carry great significance to us. And, in this day age, they matter more than ever.

From puppy showers to break-up cakes, alt bashes prove it’s not just occasions like birthdays, weddings, and babies being born that warrant a shindig. Bought your first car? Celebrate it with a soiree. Signed the lease to a new apartment? It’s party time. Divorce just got finalized? Throw yourself an alt bash. (It might even turn out to be more fun than your wedding reception was!) These mini milestones all show that you’re moving forward in life, and they deserve to be celebrated.

Not only are alt bashes a fun reason to throw a party, but they can be good for our souls as well. Celebrations that bring us together to recognize small milestones are great ways to acknowledge progress toward achieving something greater, says psychotherapist Amy Morin, host of The Verywell Mind Podcast and author of the international bestseller 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. “It feels really good to know that your friends and family know you’re working hard to reach a goal,” Morin says. This support network can be there after the party’s over, she says, to help you stay on track, supporting you along your journey.

“Celebrating smaller milestones or little victories can be instrumental in helping us stay motivated.

Amy Morin

Editor in chief, Verywell Mind

Celebrating small wins helps us stay motivated

One of the best parts of an alt bash is how liberating it can be. You can throw an alt bash for literally any reason, no matter how small the milestone. The freedom alt bashes offer gives us a chance to celebrate small victories on the way to big goals. “So often we think we have to wait until we reach the finish line before we can allow ourselves to celebrate the hard work we’ve put in,” Morin explains. “But sometimes celebrating smaller milestones or little victories can be instrumental in helping us stay motivated.” When we allow ourselves to break a bigger goal down into smaller, more manageable chunks, it’s easier to see our progress, Morin insists, and that can make the bigger goal seem more attainable.

photo of alt bash with young woman rejoicing at her computer

Morin encourages people to make sure goals are measurable and actionable. “Saying you want to become happier or get healthier won’t help. Instead, set out to go to the gym three times a week or pay off $100 in debt this month. Write down your goal and find a way to keep track of it, like just putting check marks on the calendar to show the days you worked on your goal.” Hosting an alt bash to celebrate meeting one of these mini goals can be a wonderful motivator and something to look forward to at the end of the task.

8 reasons to celebrate with an alt bash

Saying goodbye to the past and hello to the future

Revel in the end of a relationship when you’re ready to move on. Bake a breakup cake and throw a party with friends to help the healing process, whether it’s following a divorce or relationship ending.

photo of alt bash with friends celebrating a dog's adoption

Quitting a job

A party doesn’t just need to be reserved for a promotion or retirement. The great resignation has inspired plenty of “I Quit” parties that commemorate a new chapter beginning.

Adopting a pet

Your new fur baby can be any age when you celebrate their “Gotcha Day.” New pet parents can invite the special canines in their life to the party, but you’ll probably want to host that alt bash outside. (And don’t forget the party supplies!)

Overcoming a health obstacle

Whether it’s meeting a fitness goal, going through the last round of chemotherapy, or recovering from an injury, health milestones deserve a moment with loved ones.

Seeing the kids off into the world

Empty nest photoshoots have hilariously been trending online. Now it’s time to bring your social circle into the fun with an empty nest house party.

Meeting a financial milestone

photo of alt bash with friends with drinks toasting at rooftop party at night

Paying off a mortgage or big credit card bill, or becoming free of student loan debt takes lots of hard work and dedication, so why not celebrate the occasion (in a fiscally responsible way, of course)?

Improving your home life

We all have tasks around the house that we are always putting off. So if you finally get around to wall-mounting that TV, painting your bedroom, or organizing a closet, invite your buddies over for some delicious treats. Heck, throw in some wine and you might even be able to get them to help you with some other household chores while they’re there.

Welcoming a new member of the family

Baby showers aren’t just for babies, and they aren’t just for birth parents either. Adoption parties are just as special and exciting. This can also extend to fostering as well as annually celebrating the finalization day of an adoption.

Alt bash party planning tips

Alt bashes are fun and easy to plan. Here are three ways to make the preparations even simpler.

1. Focus on food

Specially themed cakes with fun puns and sayings relating to the milestone that’s being recognized make great centerpieces. And since alt bashes are meant to be laidback affairs, don’t spend time on lots of food prep. Instead, opt for a party menu that requires little effort, such as a sweet and savory brunch or a sampling of bakery favorites.

photo of alt bash with group of friends talking and laughing at lunch

2. Deck it out

Have fun with decorations that relate to the theme of the party. Grab some puppy-themed supplies for a dog adoption or a “Flying Colors” party pack after acing that big exam (get it?). And, of course, every alt bash needs a well-placed message banner (the cheekier the message, the better). With decor, you can go as far as you want. That means custom napkins, photo backdrops, wine bottle labels, you name it.

3. Don’t forget the games

Entertaining games make your guests feel like they’re part of the celebration. “Guess How Many” jars are popular and easy to make (except for the counting part). You can also find printable games on the internet for virtually every type of party. Just make sure to pick ones that keep the laughs coming, are easy to understand, and feed into the theme.