Birthday 365a reference guide to birthdays and home celebrations

An independent reference guide to birthdays and home celebrations. We sell nothing and do not organise parties; check prices and terms of venues and services with them directly.

Practical articles

Practical articles

The first article in this section explains how to host a birthday party at home in two weeks. The result: you know in advance who is coming and what will be on the table, you stay within budget, you do not forget about children's safety, and on the day itself you are busy with your guests rather than last-minute shopping.

Two weeks is a convenient window: long enough to prepare everything calmly, and short enough that your plans are not forgotten.

— Editor's note

Before you start

  • A date and time that suit the birthday person
  • A rough number of guests and a place where everyone will fit
  • The total you are prepared to spend, for yourself, without comparing it with other people's parties
  • A to-do list in your notes app or on paper where you will tick things off

  1. Decide on the format

    A sit-down dinner, afternoon tea, a children's party with games or a get-together without a meal: the format determines the menu, the length and the number of guests.

    If your home is short on space, instead of dinner for twelve you could host afternoon tea and invite guests in two “waves”.

  2. Make a guest list and send invitations

    Invite guests about two weeks ahead and ask them to reply by a set day. Give the start time and a rough finish time, especially if you are inviting families with children.

    “We'd love to see you on Saturday from 3 to 6. Could you let me know by Wednesday whether you can make it and if the kids are coming?”

  3. Split the budget into shares

    Divide the total into parts: food and drinks, decorations, entertainment, a reserve. The largest share usually goes on food; the reserve covers whatever you remember at the last minute.

    If more guests are coming than planned, cut the decorations share, not the food: guests will forget the decorations, but not a hungry evening.

  4. Plan the menu with allergies in mind

    Ask guests about dietary restrictions. If children are coming, check with their parents in advance whether the child has a food allergy. Check allergen labelling on food packaging.

    If one of the children is allergic to nuts, label the dishes on the table or leave nuts out of the shared food.

  5. Prepare your home and think about safety

    Clear space for coats and shoes, check dishes and chairs. For a children's party, think about balloons and candles: children under 8 can choke on uninflated or broken balloons.

    Put one adult in charge of picking up pieces of popped balloons straight away and making sure candles are blown out only with adults present.

  6. Shop in two rounds

    A week ahead, buy things that keep: drinks, tableware, candles, decorations. Buy perishable food a day or two before the party.

    Group your shopping list by store section, so you are less likely to come home without the bread.

  7. Assign roles for the day

    Decide who greets guests, who looks after the table, and who is in charge of children and photos. The host deserves to be a guest too.

    Ask someone close to you to take charge of the kettle and dishes so you don't spend the whole evening in the kitchen.

  8. Keep an eye on the food and finish calmly

    Do not leave perishable dishes at room temperature for more than two hours: put them in the fridge and bring them out again if needed. At the end, thank your guests and don't rush to clean up in front of them.

    Put out salads and cold cuts in small portions and keep the rest in the fridge until the next round.

Common mistakes

  • Inviting guests a couple of days ahead, when many already have plans
  • Not asking parents about children's allergies before planning the menu
  • Spending the whole budget before the party and leaving no reserve
  • Leaving children near lit candles without adults
  • Keeping salads and cold cuts on the table all evening
  • Trying to do everything yourself instead of sharing roles

Alternatives

  • A party away from home means less cleaning up, but check the venue's terms, prices and rules with it directly
  • A small afternoon tea instead of a full meal is easier to prepare and easier on the budget
  • A potluck, where each guest brings one dish, works well for gatherings of close friends

Final checklist

  • Format and guest list decided, invitations sent
  • Budget split into shares, with a reserve
  • Guests' and children's allergies known in advance
  • Menu planned, food bought in two rounds
  • Balloons, candles and space for children thought through
  • Roles for the day assigned
  • Perishable dishes stay on the table no longer than two hours

Catalogue of articles for English-speaking readers

This section will publish standalone articles for English-speaking readers. They are written with English-language readers' customs and expectations in mind and are not translations of materials from other language versions of the site.

Topics the editors are planning

  • How to write a heartfelt birthday card message: structure and sample lines
  • A birthday party for preschoolers: games, timing and safety
  • Planning a surprise party without giving the game away
  • A parent's milestone birthday: organising a family celebration

Editorial rules

  • Articles in this catalogue are written separately for each language version and are not translations.
  • Some articles link to third-party websites, including gaming services; we do not control their content, prices or terms.
  • We do not publish unverifiable ratings of venues or services, prices or reviews.
  • Questions and answers

    Short answers about parties, gifts, greetings and traditions.

  • Reference

    Dates and traditions, etiquette, safety and curious facts, briefly and with sources.

  • Reading lists

    Reading paths: a first children's party, a relative's milestone birthday, a celebration at work.

Sources

  • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: balloon warnings
  • USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
  • Allergen labelling on food packaging

Information is current as of the date it was prepared. Venues, services and sellers change their rules, so check prices, booking and refund terms with them directly, and check legal rules against the current version of the law.