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11 Tips to Help You Plan a Surprise 50th Birthday Party

When it comes to celebrating a milestone birthday, there’s nothing quite like a surprise party. But if you’re the one tasked with planning the event, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. So, where do you even begin?

Have no fear! Here is a comprehensive guide to help you plan the perfect secret 50th birthday party menu. Whether your guest of honour is a foodie or has more simple tastes, this article has got you covered.

1. Choose a theme

The first thing you’ll need to do is decide on a theme for the party. This will help narrow down your menu options and give you a starting point for decor and activities.

Some popular 50th birthday party themes include:

  • A decade theme (e.g. the ’50s, ’60s, etc.)
  • A black-tie affair
  • A casual backyard barbecue

2. Make a guest list

Next up in planning any party is to make a guest list. This is especially important for a surprise party, as you’ll need to be able to keep the secret from everyone on the list. A good way to do this is to create a Facebook event or use another invite-only service.

3. Choose the right venue

The first step is to choose a venue that can accommodate your guests and keep the party cloaked in secrecy. If you’re inviting a large group of people, you’ll want to make sure the venue has enough space. A private room at a restaurant or even a rented space at an event venue could work.

If you’re planning a smaller, more intimate gathering, you might opt for a friend’s house or even your own home. Just make sure everyone who needs to know about the party (e.g., the person whose home you’re using) is in on the secret.

4. Keep the guest list tight

Speaking of leaks, one of the most important things you can do to keep your party a secret is to limit the number of people who know about it. So, when it comes to creating that guest list, be selective.

Think about who you really want to celebrate this milestone with and stick to close friends and family members. The fewer people who know about the party, the less likely it is that word will get out.

5. Send out cryptic invitations

Once you’ve settled on a venue, it’s time to start working on those invitations. And if you want to keep your party a secret, you’ll need to get creative with your invitees.

One option is to send out save-the-dates with very little information other than the date and time of the event. Then, a few weeks before the party, send out the actual invitations with all the details.

Another option is to create a Facebook event or other online invitation and only share it with those who you want to invite. This way, you can avoid potential leaks by keeping the guest list small and contained.

6. Get creative with the decorations

Now it’s time to start thinking about decorations. And since this is a milestone birthday party, you’ll want to go all out!

Think about your theme and what kind of decorations would complement it. For example, if you’re having a laid-back gathering, some simple streamers, A star shade tent and balloons might suffice. But if you’re going for something more formal, you might want to consider renting some table linens and decorations.

Photo by Pixabay

7. Plan a menu

Once you’ve got your theme nailed down, it’s time to start planning the food. If you’re unsure of where to begin, take a look at the below party menu ideas. There’s something for everyone!

Appetisers:

  • Prosciutto-wrapped melon slices
  • Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze
  • Mini quiches
  • Stuffed mushrooms

Main Course:

  • Steak au poivre with roasted potatoes and green beans
  • Chicken piccata with angel hair pasta
  • Salmon en croute with rice pilaf and asparagus
  • Vegetarian lasagna

Dessert:

  • Chocolate mousse cake
  • Tiramisu trifle cups
  • Cheesecake popsicles
  • Strawberry shortcake skewers

No matter what you choose to serve, remember that presentation is key. After all, this is a milestone birthday party! So take the time to make your food look as amazing as it tastes. Your guests will be impressed, and the birthday boy or girl will be truly touched by your thoughtfulness.

8. Delegate tasks to other people

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the task of planning the entire menu, delegate some of the work to other people. For example, ask a friend or family member to help with the cooking or shopping, or hire a caterer if you want to take the stress out of the equation entirely.

9. Plan some fun activities

No party is complete without some fun activities, and that’s especially true for a milestone birthday party. So, in addition to the usual suspects (e.g., cake, music, dancing), you might want to consider adding some special touches to your event.

For example, you could hire a photo booth or set up a DIY photo station for guests to snap some fun photos. Or, if you’re planning a more laid-back gathering, you could arrange for some fun games or activities like karaoke or trivia.

10. Have a backup plan

Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. This could mean having a second location lined up in case your first choice gets leaked or having a contingency plan for inclement weather.

11. Make sure everyone has a good time

Last but not least, don’t forget to have fun! This is your party, after all, so make sure you enjoy every minute of it. After all the planning and preparation, it’s finally time to enjoy the fruits of your labour. So, relax, mingle with your guests, and have a good time!

Final Thoughts

Planning a secret 50th birthday party can be a lot of fun. Just remember to choose the right venue, send out cryptic invitations, limit the number of people who know about the party, and plan some fun activities. And don’t forget the food and drink! With these tips in mind, you’re sure to throw an unforgettable birthday bash.

Cher

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