30x how to organize an awesome big three-o dinner
Oh my, there it was all of a sudden: the big three-o. I decided to throw a party that I would never want to forget. And guess what? I succeeded! Together with my dearest guests, I enjoyed to the max. And if you're about to hit thirty as well, I suggest throwing exactly such a big three-o dinner. And how to do that best and especially: how not to? Below I share my 30 do's and don'ts with you. Chin chin!
1. When in doubt: do it. Because of course, you might doubt whether your birthday should be celebrated so grand and exuberantly. YES is the answer. A little party never killed anybody. And a milestone like the big 3-0 is one that you definitely shouldn't let pass by.
2. Were you one of those who hit thirty during Covid? Then your next birthday is the perfect moment to catch up on your big party ASAP with a 30 (+1) celebration.
3. Choose your location, and try to think outside the box. Is a fancy location above your budget but your house too small? Look around your house, at a park nearby or a piece of deserted beach. That's how I set up a table for 35 guests in the street in front of my door, in consultation with my neighbors.
4. Choose your theme and create a small mood board for yourself with colors, materials, and other fun DIY projects.
5. Go all out with the invitations. Craft something cool yourself (by hand or digitally) or look extra sweet at someone around you. Nothing is as nice as receiving a beautiful invite, right?
6. Pin realistically. You probably see the most beautiful images on Pinterest. Great for inspiration, of course, but don't forget that there might be an army of designers behind it with a hefty budget. So don't copy-paste and get lost in the DIY department, because there's so much more fun to be had.
7. Skip the overpriced party store around the corner and shop in time for the coolest items at AliExpress.
8. Do you want to attempt a balloon arch? Invest in an electric balloon pump. Seriously, your lungs will thank you.
9. And you can just buy such a pump at Action, just like a helium tank. Super easy to use and many times cheaper!
10. Come up with a dress code. It doesn't have to be complicated at all, but believe me: it looks amazing in photos when everyone is in the same shades. I mean: we’re not waiting for a clashing friend in a Hawaiian shirt to overshadow your birthday outfit, right?
11. Stay true to yourself, but try to dress just a little differently than usual. Go for glitter, sequins, beads, rhinestones, or feathers (tip: ASOS has so much beautiful stuff) and steal the show like never before. And if you don't like that: your biker boots or sneakers can also work instead of high heels.
12. Schedule an appointment at the hairdresser and let them style your hair instead of cutting or coloring it for a change. Bet the compliments will come flying your way?
13. Create a lighting plan. Sounds a bit over the top, but hanging a string of lights can sometimes be an unexpected challenge. And don't forget to stock up on torches, lanterns, and candles. It looks the coziest when the sun sets.
14. Score a few drink dispensers and fill them with cocktails, top them off with some leaves, ice, or fruit and voilà: you have the prettiest drinks.
15. DIY a bar with a few pallets and boards, set your fridge outside, or fill a wheelbarrow with ice and bottles of beer.
16. And about that bar: go for a self-service bar. This way, you don't have to run around with drinks and everyone is taken care of for the evening.
17. Create a table layout; it's nice for everyone and looks extra fancy upon arrival.
18. Place name cards on the tables. This way, your guests not only feel extra special, but the all-over view is also very Instagrammable.
19. Look for a caterer. There was a mobile pizza maker at my birthday who made the tastiest pizzas and pastas for the guests and created an extra cozy atmosphere. Ask for help, because believe me: setting up and tearing down is a serious project where a few extra hands are definitely not unnecessary.
20. Hire table styling. This way, you can really take your table to the next level and have a lot less stress than if you have to gather everything yourself from all over the place. Check:.
21. Set Tables for a moment. Here you can really rent the most beautiful themes that will dress your table – from handmade dishes and colored glasses to vases and candlesticks – in the most beautiful way. I chose the theme 'terra rosa', so beautiful. Whether you rent such an amazing box or create a nice corner yourself, a photobooth is of course extra fun at a party like this.
22. Get started in advance with a few nice playlists and especially don't wait until the very last moment to start with music, downloading Spotify, or connecting your Bluetooth speaker.
23. Don't reveal everything in advance. This way, the surprise for your guests is even greater when they see a huge decorated table, a funny location, or a pizza oven in your garden.
24. And don't forget to score flowers at the market. Nothing is as nice as a few freshly filled vases for decoration.
25. Ask (you know who) if photos and videos can be taken. You're way too busy and having fun, which means you probably only realize the day after that you forgot to capture some moments. And believe me: that would be a bummer, because a party like this isn't something you throw every year and belongs to the most beautiful memories.
26. Cheers to your dearest guests. It doesn't have to be long or complicated, just a moment of (in Kraantje Pappie voice): long live life and lots of love in the air.
27. Always keep an eye on the weather. Is a changeable day on the agenda? Then make sure you have a plan B. Drape some sheets in the air or rent beautiful umbrellas that are ready to save your garden party.
28. Is it cooling down in the evening? Have some blankets ready.
29. And last but certainly not least: don't forget to inform your rumbling neighbors. This way, they can prepare for the party of the century.
30. A post shared by 𝐋𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐣𝐥 (@lilianbrijl).
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