Hosting a 70th Birthday Party

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Hosting a 70th Birthday Party

Hosting a milestone birthday party takes on special significance, and this certainly holds true for a 70th birthday party. Here are some things to think about as you plan the party:

First of all – always keep the guest of honor in mind when planning. The party is to celebrate him or her and when you think about their likes, dislikes and accomplishments it will most likely trigger party ideas for you.

The guest list should be, for the most part, generated by the guest of honor. However, if it is a surprise party than ask close family members for input as to whom to invite. If some of the guests have to travel a great distance to attend make sure you give them plenty of notice to make travel arrangements. And if you can provide them with accommodation information (nearby hotels, etc) all the better.

Some people choose to build parties around themes. Themes for a 70th birthday could include hobbies or interests of the birthday man/woman or a more generic theme like “70 is the New 60”

Think of the tone you want to set. If it is on the casual side then a fun invitation and perhaps a potluck meal (where everyone contributes) would be appropriate. For a more formal party have the invitation lean on the formal side. If people are to dress up you can say something like “no jeans, please”. Also – if you don’t want guests to bring gifts state on the invitation “your presence is the only gift necessary” or “no gifts, please” or “in lieu of gifts you may make a donation to xx”.

A very meaningful and fun thing for the honoree and guests alike is to ask guests to bring a photo or a memory to share of the guest of honor. If they bring pictures have a table set up where they can be displayed. If a memory, make sure that here is a time during the party where guests can share, aloud, these memories.

Don’t forget to toast the guest of honor. It can be short and sweet. Or you can ask someone close to him or her, ahead of time, to make a speech. But make sure they keep it on the short side too – 5 minutes or less.

Ahead of time assign someone to take pictures or video of the party. If pictures were taken, put together an album to present to the birthday man or woman – it will be so very appreciated.