Whether you’re still exhausted from the holiday season or want to forego venturing out to a crowded bar or restaurant on a cold night, staying in for New Year’s Eve can still be an eventful experience — with the right planning. Do it the right way, and you’re in for a cozy, festive, low-fuss evening.
Here are some New Year’s Eve party ideas to help you plan a fun and jubilant celebration this Dec. 31.
Party planning
Plan your New Year’s event like you would a normal party, making sure to communicate the customary details. Send out custom snail mail or virtual invites letting guests know where the party is, what they can bring, and what they should wear. If you look forward to dressing up, call for a black tie. If you want to go in full-on comfort mode, make it a jammies night. Perhaps create a theme, such as black and white or Roaring Twenties.
Entertainment
Include fun party activities like games, movie marathons, dance-offs, and karaoke. Revisit your past New Year’s Eve celebrations and replicate the best moments. Serve a memorable cocktail for the stroke of midnight, wearing a whimsical New Year’s Eve-themed accessory while singing “Auld Lang Syne.” Make sure to share the entertainment lineup with your party companions ahead of time to build the anticipation.
Create new traditions
Find inspiration from what is trending in social events. Champagne (or sparkling wine…know the difference!) is always welcomed on New Year’s Eve and adds something unexpected to the drink list. Hang up a custom photo backdrop and hand out personalized party favors so your guests will go home with something to remember the evening by.
Delicious food always works
Since New Year’s Eve falls at the end of an active social month, the idea of cooking an extravagant meal is not high on most people’s list. So, order in instead. And, even better, have it delivered right to your home so you have more time to plan the enjoyable details. Select from a range of delicacies, such as lobster pot pie, triple cheese quiche with caramelized onions, and beef and Italian sausage lasagna. Or go lighter with a fruit basket or assortment of meats and cheeses. Chocolate strawberries look Instagram-ready with personalized flutes. Cookie platters, chocolate towers, and fruit bouquets are equally stunning and will arrive at your house with the click of a button (or two).
Create an environment
Nothing makes a home feel more like a party venue than holiday decorations. Arrange flower-shaped LED lights on a mantle, table, or available shelf space. Illuminate a collection of candles in every room. Release a bundle of black and gold mylar balloons so they drip from the ceiling. And, of course, splurge on a stunning flower arrangement, which always signals an elegant affair.
Take it outdoors
Set up your outdoor space with lights, candles, and a patio heater to create a warm and cozy outdoor oasis. Once midnight approaches, wrap up in warm blankets and move to your outdoor party space, which is perfect for popping open a bottle of champagne, noisemakers, and setting off fireworks.
December brings a crush of invitations to swanky or stuffy holiday parties with Champagne and carols. Sure, the free drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres are nice, and maybe you’ll win a prize in the annual raffle, but for the most part, these affairs are dull.
The solution to your holiday party doldrums? An ugly sweater party!
As tried and true a tradition as the stiff corporate holiday gathering, the ugly sweater party embraces the joy of good old-fashioned (or bad-fashioned) fun with friends and family. “An ugly sweater party is intended to be casual and playful, so the focus should be on having a good time,” says Amy Zediana Dearth, CSEP (that’s Certified Special Events Professional for the uninitiated), president of Consider It Done Special Events in Boston.
Use this guide to get you set on the right track for hosting an ugly sweater party to remember this year.
Invite them in style
Set yourself up for a fun night before your guests arrive. “Creative invitations are a way to set the tone of the event at the very first possible moment,” Dearth says. “While some people may simply send an electronic invitation, getting a touch creative can really make a difference.”
Of course, she notes, the size of your guest list will determine how creative you can get. If you’re having a smaller gathering, consider dressing up in your finest ugly sweater and personally delivering an invitation to each guest.
For a larger get-together, you can send personalized ugly sweater invitations in the mail. “Making that moment memorable will entice your guests to want to attend,” Dearth says.
Food with a theme
No party — cute sweaters or otherwise — is complete without the right snack spread. The key to a party menu that appeals to everyone is to mix and match sweet, savory, and spicy options. And when you’re throwing an ugly sweater party, keep the theme in mind when serving traditional party foods.
Dearth suggests incorporating aspects of an ugly sweater into the party menu. “For example, if you’d like to offer beef skewers as an appetizer, instead of bamboo sticks, perhaps you can use knitting needles,” she says. “If you are building a buffet, fill empty vases with holiday ornaments and balls of yarn.”
For something savory, lay out an elegant charcuterie board so guests can help themselves to sausages, briny pickles, and tasty spreads. Decorate the table around the board with tinsel, holly, and mistletoe to stay on theme.
To add some spice to your party, offer a selection of relishes with crackers or crudité for dunking. Or, for a snack that satisfies nearly every taste bud, you can’t go wrong with a giant tin of popcorn. Opt for one with traditional flavors, such as butter, caramel, cheese, and white cheddar, or go the seasonal route, with varieties such as Snowflake Sugar Cookie or Holiday Cookie Dough. Some tins even come in a festive plaid motif that is reminiscent of an ugly sweater design (unless you still think plaid sweaters are in style).
And, of course, because it’s the holidays, you have to end the night with something sweet. A holiday cookie basket provides your hideously dressed guests with an assortment of festively frosted, sugared, and sprinkled baked treats. Plus, the basket makes for a decorative presentation that’s perfect for the occasion.
Plan some high-energy, exciting forms of entertainment. Because an ugly sweater party is meant to be silly, focus on games that are silly!
Amy Zediana Dearth
President, Consider It Done Special Events
Drink up
Great drinks are just as important as tasty food at your ugly sweater party. To keep everyone happy, offer a selection of both adult beverages and alcohol-free options.
Cozy holiday parties call for warm-me-up sips, such as mulled wine (which will also make your house smell wonderful) and pear martinis. If you’re feeling especially festive, pop open a bottle or two of sparkling wine to set the mood.
And don’t leave your bottles of wine out in the cold! Keep the theme going right through to the drink table by dressing them up in an adorable ugly sweater and matching hat. They’re just the right size for your favorite 750-milliliter bottle, regardless of whether you prefer red or white.
Capture the moment
Since your party is all about showcasing the wildest looking sweaters all night long, Dearth recommends having cameras at the ready for the inevitable photo ops.
She also suggests setting up a backdrop, or several, around the party for guests to pose in front of. “Because the sweaters are the focus, try for a more neutral backdrop,” she advises. Set out a few instant cameras so guests can take their pics home as a party favor.
For additional decorations, Dearth says to always return to the theme. Turn your living room into a cozy ugly sweater itself with decorative touches, such as colorful yarn, festive and kitschy holiday accents, pom-poms, and glitter.
Keep ’em laughing
The biggest mistake hosts make when throwing any kind of party, Dearth says, is forgetting about the fun. To avoid that pitfall, you need to fully embrace the lighthearted nature of an ugly sweater party. “Plan some high-energy, exciting forms of entertainment,” Dearth recommends. “Because an ugly sweater party is meant to be silly, focus on games that are silly!”
Break out old school board games, such as Twister and Sorry. If your party is adults only, arrange an interactive drinking game that incorporates charades or picture drawing. Or, get Bad Christmas Movie Bingo, which combines watching a holiday movie (any one of your choosing will do…the worse, the better) and, well, playing Bingo, of course.
At the end of the night, close things out with a group vote for the ugliest sweater. The winner can take home bragging rights and a festive prize — like, say, a set of Star Wars ugly sweater stemless drinking glasses.
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.
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.
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.
Take your winter birthday party to a local restaurant or bar for some painting, drinking, and laughter.
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.
Birthday parties come in all shapes and sizes, and at wildly different costs. To be clear, you do not need to spend a fortune to have a fabulous, legendary birthday soiree, just as long as the honoree leaves happy. But you do need to ask yourself several questions when planning someone’s birthday bash, regardless of whether it’s a small, intimate gathering or a big, over-the-top blowout.
I saw a beautiful birthday party where every guest got their own seafood tower and the ice in each individual tower was monogrammed for that person’s initials. Something like that is a real wow moment.
Pamela Rothbard
Editorial director, PartySlate
“Birthday parties rely on a few factors,” says Liron David, founder and executive producer for Eventique, an event planning company that specializes in large format live and virtual events. “Who is the party for? Is it for the host/hostess, or is it for the guests? Whether the budget is $1,000 or in the millions, you have to think about the audience. What is the experience they are going to appreciate?”
Answering these questions will help you decide how much detail to include and how much of a wow factor the party has to have.
For all parties, no matter the size, telling a story is crucial, David says. “You can’t have one ongoing party. You can’t just arrive and start drinking. How do we slow down and create a beginning, a middle, and end, so there is always momentum?”
Designing a birthday party, whether it’s a themed movie night with a small group of friends or an epic private concert with an A-list celebrity, is no small task. To help make things easier, we’ve provided ideas for birthday parties for every budget, from modest — but memorable — to the truly aspirational.
$0
You don’t have to spend big bucks to have a fabulous birthday party. In fact, you don’t have to spend any money at all. Inviting a few friends and family members over to your place is a great way to keep costs to a minimum — or to zero. Have the party be potluck style and BYOB, and make it a movie night or TV binge marathon, with guests coming up with creative dishes to pair with the entertainment theme. Throw in some interactive board games while you’re at it.
$100
A hundred bucks may not seem like a lot, but if you like partying outdoors, you can stretch that Benjamin far with a few simple steps. First, pick a venue that is free, such as a local park or waterfront, or if you live in apartment building, see if you have access to your roof. Then, make a run to a big box retailer to buy food in bulk, such as charcuterie, crudité, a deli spread, and snacks (what’s a party without chips?). Bring a fold-up table from home, if you have one, or find a friend who is willing to lend you theirs, and add a tablecloth for some décor.
$1,000
With a larger budget comes the flexibility to go bigger. A grand can go pretty far and allows you to get creative, too. One fun idea is renting a sailboat for the day. Sailboat rentals in Miami, for example, start at $600. That leaves an additional $400 for food and drink, or nautical wear (you know you’ll want to buy a captain’s hat) you want to bring on board. You can also ask your guests to BYOB to help keep costs down.
$10,000
As with any party budget, so much of it depends on the size of the guest list and how much you want to include. Ten thousand big ones can mean a massive party for hundreds of people. Or, David suggests, an extravagant, over-the-top, intimate dinner for two that includes a performance of some sort, such as an illusionist, all in a private room at a fabulous restaurant. If you go this route, make sure to order both the surf and the turf…
$50,000
“With a $50,000 party, you can make a choice about what you want to go big on. What will wow your guests?” says Pamela Rothbard, editorial director for PartySlate. “For example, you could do really luxurious dishes. I saw a beautiful birthday party where every guest got their own seafood tower and the ice in each individual tower was monogrammed for that person’s initials. Something like that is a real wow moment.”
Rothbard also saw an Italy-inspired birthday celebration with a signature scent, and every guest went home with a diffuser filled with the scent.
Another idea, she says, is to have the event at an iconic space in your city. If the birthday guy or gal is an art lover, rent out a known art museum and have the whole party themed around elements of art or a particular piece.
$100,000
Break out a map of the world because with $100,000 the element of international travel should come into play. David recommends destinations like Greece, Sardinia, or Tulum, Mexico, where you can get more bang for your buck.
“These locations are built for hospitality, travel, and quality of service,” he says. “Local costs are not as high as you may find in the United States, so $100,000 goes a long way.”
Chartering a private jet, for example, costs anywhere between $3,000 to $5,500 per flying hour. A $100,000 budget could jet you and six of your closest friends off to Mykonos, where a luxury villa with a private chef is waiting.
$500,000
Here’s where you can start talking about a real show with high entertainment value. Think of a themed event but taken several levels beyond.
David suggests choosing a theme, such as Carnival, for example, and hiring a custom costume designer to outfit guests as they arrive. “Accessorize guests as they enter, hire performers throughout the night, and continue the storyline,” he says.
Half a million dollars means you can rent a huge space and include a substantial guest list. Heck, with this much money, just invite the whole phone book (remember those?). David suggests having a sit-down dinner with no fewer than six to eight courses. Make the performance part of the meal as well.
“Toward the end of the dinner, you need to get people out of their seats and to the dancing portion of the night,” David says. “There is some culmination, something so over the top that people cannot stay in their chairs any longer.” That, he says, keeps the energy going so that not a single moment of the party feels tired or stale.
$1 million
Cue raising your pinky finger to the corner of your mouth. With a budget of $1 million, you’re now talking about bringing some serious star power to the party.
“Booking stars, making it almost a personal concert, is wonderful for milestone birthdays,” Rothbard says.
Of course, it depends on the level of star power you’re looking for. Some stars will take the entire $1 million budget for their fee, but others will come at a lower cost, leaving you with money left over for the venue, food, and drinks.
Another idea is stocking a carnival claw machine with designer products, such as purses, shoes, scarves, watches, and other luxury items. Have your guests try their luck at snagging some serious designer swag, and then provide the official boxes and bags for them to take their prizes home with them.
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.
A successful family reunion gives attendees the chance to create new memories in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. But anyone who’s ever planned such an event knows how much work goes into coordinating all the moving parts. If you’re thinking of organizing a reunion for the first time and are feeling overwhelmed about where to start, have no fear. We’ve gathered the best family reunion ideas from expert planners to ensure your event runs as smoothly as can be.
Plan far in advance
If this is your first time planning a reunion, start a year in advance. This ensures you have time to get the word out, send out surveys, and coordinate committees, locations, and venues. It will also maximize your attendance, as it will allow your family members to plan their vacations around the reunion.
When deciding on a date, list several options, keeping in mind that one single date is unlikely to work for everyone. “The perfect date does not exist. Someone will always have a conflict,” says marketing specialist Dianne Turgeon Richardson. “Just like planning a wedding, you have to pick the best date you can and let attendees figure out their own schedules.” Survey for a date that has the maximum potential, and then stick to it.
Enlist help
Assembling a team will take some of the stress off your shoulders. Think about committees that can handle different aspects of the reunion, such as lodging, food, venue, and activities.
Entice finicky folks to come with good food.
Genevieve Tyrrell
Artist and writer
This will be especially helpful if most of your family is traveling for the reunion. “Try to have the folks who live in the location [of the reunion] do the planning,” says Wendy Downey, a nurse who has been planning family reunions for decades. “Long distance can be very costly because of the travel, not just for the event.”
Give them something to do
Just because you’re all related doesn’t mean that everyone will know each other. An icebreaker event early on will help guests discover connections and encourage conversation. Though you’ll want to plan fun events, such as family trivia or a slideshow, don’t overwhelm your guests. For most people, the best part of getting together is the chance to sit down and catch up.
That said, don’t worry too much about alluring family members with a schedule of events. After all, the best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. “Entice finicky folks to come with good food,” says Genevieve Tyrrell, an artist and writer with family across the U.S. “Maryland steamed blue crabs was our thing.”
Keep it flexible
A successful family reunion should be accessible, allowing family members of all walks and in all stages of life to attend. It should also be relatively affordable. Backyard BBQs are family reunion staples for good reason — they’re easy and can be pot-luck style, with guests bringing their favorite dishes to cut down on costs.
Being flexible also means planning for the weather. Just take it from Stacey Kucharik, owner of publishing company Polished Print. “We planned a big reunion five years ago in a backyard, decorated with hundreds of pictures (some very old), and (inevitably) it down-poured,” she says. “We had invited 150 people, and there wasn’t space for everyone inside, so many people left.” Make sure that if any part of your plan falls through — even parts that are out of your control, such as the weather — you’re prepared with an alternative idea.
Travel smart
If you’re planning a reunion to which most people will have to fly, make sure travel arrangements are coordinated. “Try to book nonstop,” says Michelle Justiniano, a flight attendant. “If you need to book a flight that has stops, make sure you have plenty of time between flights. Thirty minutes from one gate to another may be challenging if you’re seated in the back of the first plane and need to get to another concourse.”
Weather can also be an issue with air travel, especially in the spring or summer, so give yourself plenty of extra time between flights.
Consider outsourcing the help
If the reunion planning starts to become overwhelming, consider hiring someone to take care of the little things. “My family gets together at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun,” says Diana Chhour, a technical support analyst with a large family. “The resort has a coordinator to schedule reservations at restaurants.” Such conveniences minimize the hassle and take stress out of having to worry about every last detail.
“My family hires a whole countryside hostel just for us,” says Dan Underwood, who lives in London and has a reunion with his Scottish family every few years. Renting out an entire villa just for your guests, with staff onsite to plan meals and events, can make the weekend comfortable and relaxing.
Whether you’re expecting a few members of your extended family or hundreds of relatives, trying these family reunion ideas will ensure your next get-together is an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Planning and hosting a bridal shower is a great way to show your support for the bride-to-be. But it can be a lot to take on, and nobody wants a frazzled host the day of the event. (You’ve heard of bridezilla? Hostzilla is just as ferocious!) You’ve worked hard to create a fun and memorable day for the bride, and you should enjoy it, too.
Organizing a bridal shower isn’t a cake walk (although cake should probably be involved), but following these five simple steps will make the celebration extra special and let you relax and enjoy your time with the bride-to-be.
Choose a color scheme
The first thing to do is decide on a color scheme for the event. This can be based on the bride’s favorite color or inspired by the wedding colors — just make sure it’s what the bride wants. (That’s a good rule to follow for all the planning, actually.) For this particular bridal shower, we went with a lavender and blush theme since it’s a great end-of-summer color combo that can easily transition into fall. It’s also a unique color palette that will make the bride feel like one of a kind — which, after all, she is.
Send out a gorgeous invitation
First impressions are everything, and when it comes to alerting the masses about a soiree, the invitation is of the utmost. Whether it be paper or electronic, the invite sets the tone for the rest of the event. Make sure your invitation flows with your theme and contains all the info your guests need to know: location, date, time, registry, even theme (if there is one).
Set your table
The table is the main attraction at a bridal shower, so you really want to shine here. Follow your color scheme and use pieces that complement it. I chose a lavender plate, gold flatware, an apricot-colored napkin, and simple glassware.
Once you have those key elements down, layer in the details. We added two gorgeous menus for food and wine, and beautiful place cards. These are the little details that your guests will remember.
Bring in the decor
Flowers instantly bring bright colors to every event. Add alluring blooms to your table and place them throughout the venue, like at the dessert table and bar, since those will be the most visited areas.
But don’t stop at flowers! Balloon arches are a showstopper and bring a fun pop of color to your party while adding a festive flair.
Food and drink
Any host knows that keeping your guests happy means having a steady flow of delicious bites and beverages. Instead of serving a full multi-course meal, I made these personal charcuterie cones and a delectable grazing board full of fine meats and cheeses for guests to nibble on while drinking an amazing selection of wines. This type of menu allows for more socializing.
We also offered mouthwatering desserts for guests to simply grab. I love doing the desserts this way, as it allows your guests to share and mingle throughout the party. Sometimes we add a cake, but we always love to have small bites for guests to easily enjoy.
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.”
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.
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
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.
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.
Our backyards are not just places for the kids to run around, the dog to roam, or us to grill dinner for our family — they’re ideal venues for entertaining friends and family.
All you need to host a backyard party is a keen eye for detail…and a record player.
1. Create an experience
Games like cornhole and horseshoes have a permanent place at a backyard party, but to create a total experience, consider going further. Urban Cowboy Hotels owner Lyon Porter, who’s known for hosting eclectic hangs at his Catskill and Nashville properties, says backyard parties are opportunities to be original.
“People want an experience. My partner, Jersey Banks, and I try to be super thoughtful about things like themes or outfits,” Porter says. “Our backyard parties have featured mentalists performing disappearing acts, séances, and roundtable talks in ‘Jeffersonian-style oration.’ It’s really about making the party memorable in unexpected ways.”
2. Prep for success
Washington, D.C.-based celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn has some sage advice: “If the host is going to cook, then they should do most of the work before the party — you never want to miss out on the fun. I always prep the day before, and that really ends up impressing my guests. If I’m going to grill steaks, I’ll be sure to rub them, season and marinate them, and have them in [zip-top bags] ready for the grill.”
3. Serve creative cuisine
Mendelsohn, a master snack maker, offers three easy ideas for backyard party treats.
Mushroom jerky
“We can’t talk about summer barbecue trends without talking about fungi. Portobello and cremini mushrooms have always been a substitute for meat. Just marinate the mushrooms, grill them on the barbecue a little bit, and then dehydrate them in the oven.”
Watermelon and jalapeño water
“Chop up the watermelon until it liquefies and then add a little coconut sugar and either honey or agave, and squeeze in some limes. Grill the jalapeños quickly, slice them, and infuse them in your watermelon water. It combines the spiciness of the jalapeño with the freshness of the watermelon.”
Strawberry shortcake log
“Macerate your strawberries, maybe throw some liquor in for a little kick, then get your angel food sheet cake. Whip up your vanilla cream, layer the strawberries over the whipped cream, and then slowly roll it up. Top it off with whipped cream and macerated strawberries, and that thing is a big, big win.”
4. Hire a bartender
Employing a bartender at your backyard party makes all the difference. “A bartender is a must,” Porter says. “They can craft signature cocktails based on seasonal or event themes.” They also free you up to mingle and enjoy time with your guests.
5. Form small pods
Porter suggests making seating areas into small pods of four to six people. “In smaller numbers, everyone can participate in that group discussion — and then when the food ends, it really turns into a party.”
6. Cast shade
Eventually people tend to retreat indoors and escape the elements. But to keep the party outside (and dirt from tracking inside), Porter suggests adding some shaded areas in the backyard with umbrellas or tents.
7. Spread out the sound
Veteran New York City DJ Nick Russo likes to start with “funkier and mellow stuff” and then introduce some indie or new wave music. He tries to play familiar songs early in the party so arriving guests feel welcome right away. If you don’t want a DJ, play vinyl records selected by your guests for a timeless party atmosphere.
Selecting the right tunes is obviously the first step, but designing the sound of your backyard venue is essential, too. “Usually two speakers, on the left and right of the DJ, are enough. But you can go a step further with multiple speakers that cover all angles in a bigger backyard to make the sound as full as possible,” Russo recommends.
8. Clean up in real time
Porter says it’s vital to eliminate trash and clutter as it’s produced. “If you see something when you’re walking around, put it in the trash can. And have multiple trash cans set up everywhere — give people the option to discard garbage and recyclables.”
9. Provide protection
You’ll want to have bug spray, sunblock, and maybe even fans (if it’s a particularly hot day and you’re short on shade) on hand for when your guests arrive. If your party goes into the evening, tiki torches or citronella candles will help set the mood and keep insects at bay.
