"Big Kid" Birthday Parties

Never too old for a party!!

For today's "Birthday Week" post, I thought I would talk about one of the most top of mind birthday related items - the birthday party!! As I've gotten eghm older eghm, I've found it more challenging to plan birthday celebrations for myself and others - not only are loved ones' schedules more complicated to coordinate, but planning a party, especially for yourself, is kinda tricky. Age appropriateness is key (please keep that drunk 23 year old's rail vodka off my shoes!) and variety is crucial to motivating people to attend (one can only endure so many "private space at back of bar" celebrations). But birthdays are the perfect excuse to gather all your friends and family in one place for some quality, happy time together, so here are some Merry Meri thoughts on planning the perfect "Big Kid" Birthday Party.

* What you want to do and what people will want to do with you.

It's your birthday party so you can ________ if you want to, but if you want people to come, you should think about what they'd enjoy as well. Do your friends love being at the beach? Maybe your celebration should be coordinating a group trip with a BBQ in the sand and a cooler full of cold beer! If little kiddos are in tow and nap times are an issue, maybe you set up a lovely picnic in the park for several hours and invite friends to come and go as their schedules permit. Think about your crowd and plan a party that they'll love as much as you will.

* Being classy does not mean you're lame!

When I was planning Dr. H's birthday, researching unique NYC restaurants with a private room and pre-set menu, there was a moment when I thought "Ohman we are so old and boring", but seriously!? Get over it. As you grow up your tastes evolve and if you enjoy delicious food in a classy joint with pitchers of awesome mixed cocktails, do that. Love brunch? Birthday Brunch it is! If staying in is more your speed, dial up a caterer or your favorite restaurant and have them deliver a feast for your friends. Borrow a large table, set it up in the living room or backyard with some fancy pants place settings and host the classiest dinner party your friends have ever attended. Embrace your "big kid birthday" taste.

* Consider covering some (or all) of the cost.

Now that we're adults (gasp!) asking everyone to pay their own way feels a little tacky. If you're able, pick up the tab at the end of the night or set a uniform price for everyone to contribute and pick up the balance of the check yourself. This allows you to "host" on whatever budget you can swing and let's friends feel like guests which is always appreciated.

* Don't be afraid to throw it back (to your childhood)

You know what grown ups don't do enough of? Playing!! Maybe it's time you re-visit your 7th birthday party locale at the mini golf course or bowling alley or plaster paint palace. I doubt your friends would object to a round of laser tag or some go carting and pizza..! Birthdays are an awesome excuse to do that random activity you haven't done in ages with the people you enjoy "playing with" most.

* You know I love a theme...

...but themes don't have to be cheesy or costume related, they can be anything! Bust out that ice cream maker you got for your wedding and host a make-your-own-ice-cream-sundae party. Make the theme "Whiskey Wishes" and have everyone bring a bottle to sample and share. What about a "Happy Brie-thday Party" where everyone brings their favorite cheese and you supply the wine!!? Host a game night (YES) and give out gift cards or booze as prizes. The possibilities are endless, just think fun/tasty/unique and then go for it!

What are your favorite "Big Kid" Birthday Party ideas!?

Where's my invitation to The Ball!?

As a New York City gal and lover of all things high brow and high fashion, the Met Costume Gala has always been my absolute holy grail, "wish upon a star" NYC event. Infinitely more glamorous than opening night at the opera or ballet, I would, without hesitation, give anything for a chance to attend the Met Ball (who needs a first born anyway!?). 

For those not determined to sell their soul in exchange for a night on the town, the Costume Institute Gala, popularly known as the Met Gala or Met Ball, is an annual fundraising gala to benefit the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. The event is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive social events in NYC and one of its biggest fundraising nights (a reported $9 million raised in 2013!). The affair has been held at the Met since 1971 and is considered to be the fashion industry's premier annual red carpet event.

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better... the party has a THEME!! (you all know how I luuurve a good theme party!) Unlike last year's "punk theme" (ick), this year ladies are requested to pay tribute to Charles James (a fashion designer known as America's first couturier, so ready your ball gowns girls!) and men are left to interpret "White Tie and Decorations" (Fred Astaire meets Office Space!?) I cannot tell you how many dresses I flip past in magazines or thumb wistfully in stores and think "if only I had somewhere to wear it..." and lordy that somewhere would be the Met Ball.

While I await an invitation to Monday's big soiree from Karl Lagerfeld or for Tom Brady to take me instead of Gisele, anyone willing to foot the $25,000 per ticket price (up a measly $10k from last year!) in the name of making Merry Meri dreams come true, do be in touch:)  

It's better with a theme...

P-A-R-T-Y.

I am a firm believer in the awesomeness of a theme party. Now I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes, but truly... if you select the right theme for your crowd and occasion, a theme can instantly up the enthusiasm of your guests and make your party extra memorable. And lucky for me, themes and stylized celebrations seem to be ALL the rage right now! Thanks to Pinterest and party planning bloggers like Jordan of OhHappyDay (her blog is a never ending source of inspiration) it's easier than ever to become the host or hostess with the mostest. Here for your enjoyment are some merry meri tips for rocking the theme trend at your next party.

* Pick something easy.

"Stripes & Dots" / "Pretty in Pink"
Let your decor serve as inspiration for guest dress.

When throwing a theme party, you've got to know your crowd. How much effort are they going to be willing to make? If it's Halloween, costumes are an easy sell, but come winter, maybe a Wig Party is the perfect compromise. Or what about Glasses & Mustaches and have a pile of accessories for guests to select from at the door?! I recently discovered The TomKat Studio for ideas and supplies - check it out!

* As host, you've got to set the mood.

"Party Animals"

Nobody is going to get into a theme unless you're into it yourself! Sport a party getup that's fit for bragging and have some spare accessories for guests that show up "slightly unprepared" (ex: of course there will be glow jewelry at my Brighter the Better party in case someone leaves their neon at home!) Figure out foods that match the theme and craft (or buy) a few unique decorations to really take it to the next level.

* Get creative (and be personal).

"Fun & Games"

One of my favorite theme parties I've hosted was my Happy Hockey Birthday. I LOVE the sport and seeing my friends decked out in jerseys (and even a faux helmet) totally made my night! Think about things you and your guests love and find inspiration in everything from Cheese & Chocolate to Backyard Fun & Games (20-somethings on a Slip 'n Slide is a sight to be seen!)

* Don't go crazy - parties are supposed to be fun!

"Take a Chill Pill Party"

Not every party has to be a RAGING party. Not every raging party has to be uber-styled and stressful for the host. Know your own limits and make sure you don't plan beyond them. Keep the music pumping (a good playlist is KEY!) and the drinks flowing and your party will be a hit no matter the theme.

Hump Day Distractions

Obviously humpback whales think Wednesday Rules.

Well hello there Wednesday, nice to see you again!! I'm feeling very merry this week and I'm grateful for the exchange of major ho hums for some of life's beachy/bachelorette-y/family filled/wedding-y/niece-playdate-y fabulosity. When things are good we must appreciate:) And speaking of good, I think these distractions will have you smiling while you hump the day. Get it.   

* Though I'm more of an English girl, this tuckered out Frenchie brought a big smile to my face.

* The perfect DIY for the MVP at my next theme party

* Grab your (wo)man and make it a date night

* All Dr. H tested, Dr. H approved (though he discovered he is not a spaghetti squash man)

* This season of Mad Men may be over, but here are some fabulous factoids to keep Sterling Cooper Draper Price on your mind (via CupofJo)

* Some cutesy, crafty printables for your next BBQ

* SOON