Plan the big-number birthday, from the theme to the cake

Party themes, balloon setups, cakes and dinner menus for a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th and beyond, up to a 100th, plus gifts, outfits and photo ideas for the guest of honor.

Michael E. Cheney

Each plan chosen and edited by Michael E. Cheney

Other numbers worth a party

Table arranged for a wine tasting with glasses, cheeses, and meats.

21st Birthday

Bar nights, karaoke, low-key parties, cakes, desserts and photo shoots with color smoke.

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Woman in a white dress holding a small lit birthday cake against a city night view.

40th Birthday

Retro and casino themes, decor setups, cakes that work at home, games and trip ideas.

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People socializing at an outdoor evening party under a large illuminated tipi tent.

60th Birthday

Cakes, decorations, surprise plans, dinner parties and ideas for men and women turning 60.

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Blonde woman arranging flowers on an outdoor garden table set with blue china, strawberry meringue cake, and pastries.

70th Birthday

Garden parties, buffet dinners, number cakes, decorations and gatherings planned around Mom or Dad.

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Ask quietly whether they want a crowd or a small dinner.

Some people dread a surprise party with 60 guests. A quiet word with a spouse or best friend tells you which kind of night they would enjoy.

Michael E. Cheney

Who puts these plans together

Whatever float time a balloon listing promises, I count on half, since warm rooms and sunny windows cut it short. Every party plan here bears my pen name, Michael E. Cheney; I have no standing as a professional event planner. With small children around, pick up popped latex balloon pieces promptly, since they're a choking hazard. I rework any plan whose timing or numbers are off, and [email protected] is how to point one out.