A Guide to 50th Birthday Ideas for Parties

            The halfway to the century mark point; a true milestone achieved in age that deserves a certain recognition with some of the best 50th birthday ideas to commemorate the occasion.  When planning an affair to celebrate the 50th year of someone’s life, knowing how the person will react to the theme is important.  After all, the event should be meant to create a situation that makes that person feel valued by his or her family and friends, so it should be tailored keeping that thought in mind. 

            Turning 50 can mean different things to different people.  It is often not embraced by the individual, for the obvious reason that it means that the majority of their life is now behind them and the path forward seems shorter and shorter.  How people handle this realization often depends on their personality and their outlook on life. 

 

50th Birthday:  Fun Themes

            Humor can often turn an undesirable situation into one that seems less foreboding.  After all, it is better to laugh than to cry, and emotions can truly be ignited with a 50th birthday.  Ideas on parties that cater to the more comedic side and absurdities of life can often lessen a depressive mood that occurs in some people who are entering the age of quinquagenarianism. 

            Costume party.         A fun theme can celebrate events from the year of birth for the 50 year old.   The person/people who are planning the party would do the research, providing invited guests with a list of possible characters, real or fictional, that played a part in forming the history of that year.  The list should include political figures, entertainment celebrities, cartoon characters and important people featured in the news at that time.  Colors that were prominent for decorating in that year, musical numbers that debuted in that year, popular toys and pictures from that time period (cars, homes, appliances) can be used to support the theme.  Antique shops and stores featuring period pieces will be invaluable for these items. 

            Party of the macabre.  An often used theme for a fun 50th party is that of the macabre.  The gruesome hooded figure of the Grim Reaper, cemetery headstones, droll background music, black streamers and balloons can set a depressive yet fun atmosphere for guests who are all encouraged to dress in black.  Keeping the lighting dim while guests take turns reciting “eulogies”, which are actually memories of situations they have been in with the birthday person. 

            This is Your Life.  Tailored from an old hit television show, this type of party truly celebrates the life of the guest of honor.  Requiring a host that can investigate the life of the individual and then locate people from their past, this is one of the most memorable and meaningful 50th birthday ideas for the birthday honoree.  Create a visual timeline on a banner that is displayed on the walls; birth, first day of school, graduation, college days, marriage, buying/building first house, first baby, etc.  Reliving moments, seeing and hearing from people that played a part in those years can help the new 50 year old realize how full their life has truly been, as well as give guests a glimpse of the person through the eyes and memories of others that perhaps they had not known. 

 

50th Birthday:  Classic Themes

            Some people do not respond well to fun themes, feeling instead that perhaps they have achieved a more distinguished age deserving of a more classic theme. 

            Special interest theme.       Building a party around a particular interest of the guest of honor can show that the guests respect and appreciate the person for who they truly are.  Whether their passion is gardening, traveling, volunteering, sports or food, a party theme can be orchestrated to showcase it.  Holding the event in a horticultural garden and serving foods decorated in floral themes can celebrate the gardener; offering a world buffet featuring different ethnic foods along with pictures and facts of the location can delight the traveler; reserving a sports bar and serving numerous appetizers would be perfect for the sports fan.  The possibilities are endless, depending on the specific interest of the individual.