Maybe theme it to their birth decade – the 60s.

Also; plan a party according to budget.

I’m going to one at the weekend – a surprise one but we think the lady is getting suspicious because a few people asked her what she would like for her birthday. Her young daughter told her she might come and take her to her place for tea that night. I know her daughter has ordered the cake tonight. Her birthday is actually the following weekend but they will be at a sports event they are volunteering at, not thinking of the date.

I always ask people what they want to do for milestone birthday celebrations.

For my mum’s 60th we went on a harbour cruise. It was a lovely day, Maybe you could do the same for a 50th.

following, my mum is 60 this year and doesn’t want to do anything! maybe a bbq at the park?

Nice. So may options. Normally with any occasions, start with numbers . If it is at your place , numbers and space is a consideration. A lot of people nowadays even hire a hall and catering to make life a bit easier . If it is only a small to medium numbers maybe even go out to a favourite restaurant . The problem is if there is children , needs to be family friendly . Also the birthday person maybe fussy so best to talk to him/her about suggestions too . Good luck

Ooohhhh, loved reading through these comments. My 50th isn’t far away and I’m thinking of having some sort of celebration for it. I’m leaning towards a barbecue, but could use one of these ideas instead

Just attended one recently at a club, it was good!

For my mum’s 50th we had a 50’s theme, we went to a Hungry Jacks (as at the time they had the 50’s look and in SA they had jukeboxes), everyone dressed in 50’s clothes, we had party games for the adults like hula hoops and yoyo’s (all the craze in the 50’s) played 50’s music and had burgers and shakes. The cake was made to look like a record. Mum loved it!

It really depends on the person. I and quite a few of my friends turned 50 this year. I did nothing but go out for dinner. Another is having many small celebrations with different groups and family. 1 friend had a dress to impress at a venue, was very fancy. I had a themed party. Dress up Wizard of Oz themed. I went the whole hog with the theme from decorations to food and drinks and everyone dressed up it was FABULOUS! My hubby just went for Black and Gold theme which was also fun and easy to do but more low key which is his style.
You have to make it their style but there is always lots you can do to make it fun.

happy birthday, not sure if I have said this on this post, sorry if I am repeating myself. A bunch of us are going to Spain, Portugal and Rome for a few weeks – Yippee!!!!

If it not a surprise birthday party, why not ask the birthday boy/girl what they would prefer? It would take the guess work out of it. If they don’t mind, go with what works for you. A ‘younger’ 50 yo may want a party, whereas an ‘older’ 50 yo may want a BBQ.

I agree with having some kind of a theme to the whole birthday its sounds more interesting and fun for everyone.

I am eager to read the comments – I am fifty in two years and about half a dozen of us are going to Spain, Portugal and Rome – for around 4-6 weeks. I am starting to save now!!!

I guess what you choose to do depends on a few factors: what sort of person your family member is (formal, casual, easy going), what they like (sports, humour, foodie, wine snob, music etc), how many people you think you would like to invite, what your budget is and if applicable, what your guests budget is as well (if you choose an expensive activity or venue).

A BBQ at home or at a local park would be fun, casual and flexible (which might be important if there are family members with young ones and/ or if they can’t get a baby sitter). A party at home or at a local hall/ restaurant/ bar would also be fun but would increase the cost. A special activity like hot air ballooning, a wine tour or a weekend away would be amazing and memorable but would limit the number of people.

For my grandparents 50th, we hosted a BBQ/spit party.
Had half of the town over and due to having a big lot of land, we even had a bonfire
It didn’t cost much at all, as we only supplied the meat, the guest brought salads and drinks around.

If weather clear barbecue is great idea. hot salads if it is cold weather too and potatoes in foil on plate too do. Paper or plastic plates too less washing up this is older Mum’s view. Have a good one whatever you do..

What does your family member enjoy more a bbq or a party.Also what will the weather be, you dont want a bbq if its in Winter unless you have good covered areas. You could theme it from the year they were born wear that style of clothing play the hits from that era. If they have a singer or bad they love theme it around that. Or go as something that begins with their Initial like B go as a banana. You could also gather a few family members for a “committee meeting and brainstorm ideas”. I Hope it all goes well and they have a wonderful birthday.

wow thankyou everyone. you have been giving me brilliant ideas to choose from! so very helpful all you moms!