Tips and ideas for special birthday party in the garden

[Oceangrey]

Mine!

There will be a mix of adults and kids from babies to about 12. Maybe 60-70 people.

I have a fairly large garden and there's space indoors too, although I'd rather we were outside, with indoors a backup in case of rain.

Afternoon and early evening in August.

It's a big birthday so what will make it special and entertain both the adults and the kids? Can I have your best tips please?

Entertainment, food and drink, decorations? The garden isn't absolutely enormous so it's not going to be marquee, stage and band type stuff. But maybe bouncy castle, facepainting, games?

Consider hiring a caterer and staff to serve drinks and canapés
Supply more alcohol than you think you need

You need some form of shelter, either from the sun or from drizzle.

We had DH's 50th in our garden and had some seats in the shade which come around 3pm near the house plus two marquees for people to sit under.

We did a BBQ, you can hire people who will bring everything so you don't have to worry, a friend had a hog roast.

Drinks were in water buckets, plenty of soft drinks, water as well.

We did these compostable plates and cups. Depending on the food, you will need decent knives.

Give it a (loose) theme, like cowboys/cowgirls or fairies or just glitter. Have bubbles, face paints or face stickers (you'll find the adults join in after a couple drinks).

Bubbles, fairy lights, hula hoops and if you can stretch space wise, a bouncy castle.

ETA basically keep the kids happy, and everyone will enjoy.

Treasure hunt for the kids. Pick a theme - superheroes or vehicles or something. Get 15 items that fit the theme (plastic toys or printouts of pictures). Hide them around the house & garden in places that are visible but unexpected- in a plant pot, under the table etc. . Print out lists with the names or pictures of all items. The kids have to find the items and check them off. Some can be easy, some hard. Big kids have to help little ones.

it works well as a game because everyone can do it at their own pace and all ages can join in.

1. invite your neighbours or give them notice
2. arrange a portaloo of one very close to garden
3. Be clear where you don’t want people to go
4. Monitor access into your property
5. Think help/staff for that number

Yeah I think some people to help would be good, once I have a better idea of numbers.

Loos, they can use they ones in the house. There's a downstairs and upstairs.

Good advice on keeping the kids happy!

Many vegetarians so probably not a hog roast, but yes something of that nature. Maybe a couple of deliveries from local places that we arrange in advance.

I like those large, outdoor bare bulb strings of lights. Can you hire seating so people aren't sat on fold out fishing chairs.

If you're allowing people in the house, buy those cheap long, mats that go in the washing machine (to spare your carpets).

Yes to fairy lights or festoon lights or whatever they are called

Glitter tattoos!! Very simple & Loved by kids & grown ups at my40th!!

also pre-done music play lists& decent speaker not too loud but audible as really adds atmosphere!!

I got 3 song suggestions off everyone coming so was a bit of something for everyone!!