How to Celebrate a Birthday at Home

Co-authored by Ivy Summer

Last Updated: February 10, 2023

Celebrating a birthday at home is a fun, intimate alternative to going out. You can throw a party at home, whether you are celebrating your birthday or a loved one’s special day. Consider having a low-key birthday, like a relaxing day at home. However you celebrate, make sure you treat the birthday girl or boy on their special day!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Throwing a Party

1
Decide on the size of your party. You can throw a small party with a few close friends, or you can throw a party to remember by inviting everyone you know! Before you invite your guests, consider how large of a party you want to have, and pick an approximate number of total guests.
- If you are throwing a party for your own birthday, you can decide what size of party you’d like to have.
- If you are throwing a party for someone else, you can ask them for their opinion on how many people to invite. Or, throw them a surprise party!
- If it's a dinner party, it's extremely important to know how many guests you're having so you can better organize the cooking and the sitting arrangements.
2
Choose what kind of party you'd like to have. Consider host relatives or friends for dinner for an intimate gathering. You can host a dinner party, or you can have dinner before your party. Spending a birthday with your loved ones can make you feel cared for, supported, and celebrated.^{[1]
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- Other ideas include a slumber party, dance party, or pool party.
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3
Pick a theme for a cohesive, fun party element. You can match your theme to how formal you want your party to be. Be creative with your theme, and don’t forget to inform your guests!
- If you’re celebrating your niece turning 3, maybe go with a cartoon character.
- If you’re celebrating your 50th, consider a particular decade (20s, 70s, for example) or a classy soiree.
- If you're celebrating the birthday of a teenager or a young adult, throwing a party related to some popular property might be a good idea. A Harry Potter party is usually a great theme, and there are lots of DIY decorations that can be done for cheap, such as floating candles made out of toilet paper tubes, hot glue and fish line connected to the ceiling, for instance.
- You can match your decorations, food and drink, and music to match your theme. For example, if you’re celebrating Wesley’s 9th birthday with a pirate theme, maybe get a treasure box shaped cake, pirate tablecloth, and pirate outfits for the guests.
4
Make invitations and send them out a few weeks in advance. You can make invitations at home using a computer (digital or print-at-home), or you can get them professionally printed. Include information like the date, time, and theme of the party. Send these electronically via email or through the mail. You can decorate your invitations to your theme, if you'd like. Invite friends, family members, or acquaintances!
- You can also invite your guests by word of mouth. Tell your friends and family when to come over. This may work better if you are hosting a smaller, intimate gathering.
- Keep in mind the size of your party when sending invites. If you’re hosting a 20 person bash, don’t invite 100 people, in case all of them show up!
5
Plan food and drinks for your guests. Depending on your party type, you can have a few plates of finger food or a whole dinner feast. Base your menu off of the total number of guests you expect. You can plan snacks like chips and salsa, veggies and dip, crackers and cheese, for example. Also include alcoholic beverages for guests 21 and older.
- You can also tailor your menu to your party's theme. If you are having a summertime barbecue, feature hot dogs, burgers, coleslaw, and potato salad, for example.
- Don't forget the cake!
6
Clean and decorate your home before your guests arrive. Tidy up your entertainment areas, like the living room and kitchen. Wipe down your counters, vacuum the carpets, and put away clutter. Then, have fun decorating! Hang streamers, blow up balloons, or set up for your theme.^{[2]
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- Organize your chairs or sitting arrangements to induce conversations amongst your guests. Make sure they have comfortable spaces to sit and talk, as that is usually the best part of every party.
7
Include entertainment, like games or crafts. Young or old, games are fun ways to spend time with your close companions. Making a craft together, like a DIY or art project, is another fun party activity.^{[3]
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- Pick age-appropriate games. If you’re throwing a children’s birthday party, maybe try charades instead of Monopoly.
- Consider card games, puzzles, and board games.
- Some fun craft ideas include repurposing clothing, DIY picture frames, or jewelry making.
8
Play music to fit your party. You can play upbeat, fun music to get the party started! Uptempo music will get people excited and dancing. Or, base your music off of your theme, such as 70s music if you’re having a 70s party. For a chill night, play some relaxing music, like classical or ambient. Try disco, techno, or 90s Top Hits!

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Having a Relaxing Day

1
Put aside all responsibilities for the day. Hide your to-do list, disregard your chores, and take a break from your responsibilities. Consider taking the day off of work, if you can. It's your birthday, and maybe the greatest present will be a bit of quiet and piece of mind.^{[4]
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2
Disconnect from your electronics for your special day. Turn off your work phone and put away your laptop. Take a break from media in general (including social media). Make peace and relaxation your focus for the day, especially if your work life is very busy.^{[5]
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3
Take a bubble bath for a relaxing spa day at home. Grab some bubble bath, fill your tub with warm water, and soak away your troubles. Include things like a facial mask, manicure and pedicure, and a massage for a real spa day at home!^{[6]
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- If celebrating someone else’s birthday, you can create a gift basket with at-home spa products, like lotion, bubble bath, massage oil, and nail polish, for example.
- For children, you can get bright colored bubble baths or bath crayons or markers to make bath time more fun.
4
Have a movie marathon or binge watch a favorite show. Kick back and relax on your sofa or chair, and pop in your favorite movie. Watch 1 movie or have a marathon. You can also try a new TV show on Hulu or Netflix.^{[7]
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- Hanging out and watching a flick will give you some time to unwind and let go, which may be the ideal present for your birthday.
- You can watch movies with your family, friends, or by yourself, depending on how you want to celebrate.
5
Pick up a book and enjoy some quiet alone time. When was the last time you could flip through a novel without worrying about your to-do list? On your birthday, take some quiet time for yourself. Spend some time reading a book, newspaper, or magazine.
6
Stay in your pajamas all day. What's more relaxing than your fuzzy pajama bottoms and slippers? Make it a point to stay comfy and relaxed, and you can do this by deciding not to get dressed if you'd like!
7
Spend time on your favorite hobbies, like arts and crafts. You can celebrate by setting aside time for things you enjoy. Being creative and working on a hobby can help you wind down and relax, as well as treat yourself to something you enjoy.
- Work on a painting or drawing, find a DIY craft tutorial, or start a new sewing project, for example.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Hosting Informal Gatherings

1
Throw a picnic in your backyard. Invite over your family or close friends, and celebrate your birthday with a barbecue. You can grill up hot dogs, burgers, or steaks, and serve side dishes and dessert. Play some backyard games, like cornhole.
2
Have a game night with a few close loved ones. Gather around your dining room table and break out your family favorite games! Spend time together playing games as a fun way to celebrate your birthday. Make sure your games are age-appropriate for all players.
- You can go with games like Scrabble, Jenga, and Cards Against Humanity, for some ideas.
- Another idea includes hosting a casino night and play Poker.
3
Host a movie night at your house. Grab some blankets and pillows, make some popcorn, and gather in your living room for a movie night. Select your favorite, a new release, or a go-to family flick.
4
Throw a sleepover with a few close friends. Call up your gal pals for a Girl's Night or invite over your dudes for a Guy's Night. Instead of hosting a formal party, gather a few close friends to celebrate at home.
- You can do manicures and pedicures at home, watch romantic comedies, and flip through some magazines.
- Or, you can watch sports, order pizza, and drink a few beers.
5
Have a karaoke night at your place. Karaoke is a way to bring together a few guests and have some fun. Turn on your karaoke machine and get singing!