Guide sections
Guide sections
The guide is divided into four topics, depending on the task in front of you: how to prepare a party, what to give and how, what to say in a greeting, and how to keep children happy and safe. Each topic has cards with materials and a tip on where to begin.
A celebration is built from small things: an invitation sent on time, a well-planned menu and a few warm words in your own voice.
Selection criteria: the question is one an ordinary person faces when preparing a celebration for themselves, family, a child or a colleague; the answer can be checked against the law, official agency guidance or well-known customs; the advice does not require paid services and does not promote specific companies, venues or shops.
Planning
Format, guests, budget and to-do list: how to prepare a party without a last-minute rush.
- How to host a birthday party at home
A two-week plan: from the guest list to what to do an hour before guests arrive.
- A budget in shares, not sums
How to split money between food, decorations and a reserve without naming specific figures.
- Food safety at the table
Why perishable dishes should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours.
Gifts and etiquette
What to give, how to give it and where the law limits gifts.
- Answers about gifts
Gifts for a teacher or doctor, money in an envelope, an odd number of flowers.
- Etiquette in the reference section
Article 575 of the Russian Civil Code, “never give” superstitions and how to treat them.
- Celebrating at work
A reading list on congratulating a colleague without putting anyone in an awkward position.
Greetings
How to write a greeting in your own words and where the best-known birthday song came from.
- Answers about greetings and traditions
How to start a greeting, what to say instead of stock wishes, when to mark a name day.
- The history of “Happy Birthday”
From the Hill sisters' “Good Morning to All” to the public domain in the United States.
- A relative's milestone birthday
A reading list for anyone preparing a toast, a card or a speech for a family celebration.
Children and safety
Balloons, candles, allergies and food: what to check before a children's party.
- A first children's party
A reading path for parents hosting a group of children for the first time.
- Safety: balloons and candles
Balloon warnings for children under 8 and rules for birthday cake candles.
- Guide archive
All materials by date and topic.
Related sections
- Practical articles
How to host a birthday party at home in two weeks, plus a catalogue of upcoming articles.
- Questions and answers
Short answers about parties, gifts, greetings and traditions.
- Reading lists
Reading paths: a first children's party, a relative's milestone birthday, a celebration at work.
Sources
- Civil Code of the Russian Federation (Art. 575)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: balloon warnings
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
- Court ruling in Marya v. Warner/Chappell (2015)
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.