Five special celebrations

Fresh ideas for throwing landmark parties and family gatherings.

18th birthday party – farewell to childhood
Every guest is encouraged to do silly things adults shouldn’t really do.
• Turn these things into games.
• eg: eating ice cream and jelly with your hands, having a water balloon fight.

Friends reunion – my perfect day
Whether it’s old school friends or mates you just haven’t hooked up with in a while, try this to get everyone talking.
• Ask everyone to come dressed in something that reminds them of one of their happiest moments since you all last met.
• Over drinks you can catch up on each other’s stories.

Engagement party – wishing wall
Create a ‘wishing wall’ in your hallway or on a garden fence if you’re partying alfresco.
• Leave out Post-it Notes and pencils or little squares of pretty paper that can be written on and pinned up.
• Invite guests to make one wish for the newly engaged couple.
•After the party collect the comments together and create a special scrapbook.

Anniversary party – family portraits
Whether it’s a first anniversary or a 60th, these occasions usually involve family and friends who are rarely gathered in one place, so photos of the day make a great anniversary present.
• Book a photographer to come along and capture the day.
• You don’t need to go to the expense of an official ‘wedding’ photographer – book someone who can come along for an hour or so and do professional but ‘reportage’ snaps.

Baby’s first birthday – new parent awards
First birthdays are more of a ‘We’ve made it!’ celebration than a conventional child’s party.
• Invite everyone to come up with something they think mummy and daddy deserve to celebrate at the end of the first year as parents.
• Make them fun medals, rosettes or badges.
• Add your own ‘award, eg: ‘Fastest nappy changer’, ‘Still making sense after 10 nights without sleep’, and ‘Looking great covered in baby food’.

Savvy tip
Check out more ideas for spending Quality time with friends.

Pass it on – top tips for keeping your party costs down
Check out these ways to Throw a great party on a tight budget.