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Birthday Party Themes - Retro Birthday

You’re never too old for a big celebration! Not sure where to begin? Here are some great ideas to make birthday party planning easy.

A retro-themed party is the perfect way to create a blast from the past. Send out personalized invitations so guests know how to dress to match the era. Check out iTunes for music that will get everyone dancing—whether it’s the Jitterbug or the Hustle! Decorate with old photos of the birthday honoree—guests can contribute these, too—or use the fave pix to make a crazy scrapbook of memories right at the party. You can even create your own photo booth with a digital camera. Use imaginative era-specific accessories to go with your theme, then send guests a photo card as a party favor. Don’t forget those thank-you cards, either!

An elegant-themed party is another way to go, so do it up right with a coordinated look. Choose a color scheme, then accent your napkins and plates with decorative stickers and appliques from a craft store. Use stencils to add a custom border to a paper tablecloth. Flowers make the perfect centerpiece, so select some blossoms in your color choice and decorate the vase using the stencils as well as matching ribbons. When it comes to the dessert, use your imagination—you may want to try cupcakes or cake pops vs. a more traditional cake. Finish off the celebration with a toast that lists as many qualities of the guest of honor as there are birthday years. All your partygoers will have fun helping with this one, and it will create a wonderful birthday memory to treasure.

Refreshing iced tea on a hot summer's day
Long sunny days, warm starry nights…Who doesn’t love summer? Summertime = fun time—and one of the best ways to have fun is with a party – so get those summer party invitations ready!

There are so many choices when it comes to summer parties and they’re such a breeze to plan. All you need is the right setting and the perfect summer recipes. A beach or pool party is a great way to cool off on a hot day, especially when you serve tall glasses of gourmet iced teas. Thinking of having a relaxing get-together? A woodsy site is another wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors. Bring along a portable grill, throw on some perfectly seasoned burgers, and you’re off to a great time!

If you’d like to keep the festivities at home, why not throw a tropical soiree and light up the night with strings of colored lights and tiki torches. For athletic sorts, a backyard sports extravaganza is a winner when you set up games like horseshoes, badminton, and croquet. And whether you’re cooling off those competitive spirits, or just looking for a refreshing treat for any summertime party, serve quick and easy desserts like frozen fruit slush. If you’re concerned about decorations, the best idea is to take a hint from Mother Nature and use bright, floral colors and lush, vibrant greens. Those summer-inspired hues will work great no matter what type of get-together you’re having.

Even though the air is causal, be sure to remember your manners! Thank you notes are always in season, so if you’re a guest, send a personalized thank you card with a note saying “thanks for inviting me!” Your host will be thrilled—and you’ll be guaranteed a future invite. Likewise, if you are the one throwing the party and receive any gifts or treats, be sure to send out your thank-yous, too. It’s the perfect way to wrap up every wonderful, fun-filled celebration of summer!