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50 Best 50th Birthday Party Ideas to Celebrate Their Special Day
It's a milestone moment!
You're 50 and fabulous—so why not throw a birthday bash to match? If you don't already have plans for your big milestone birthday (or someone else's, in which case you'll want to send them birthday wishes), we're here to help you think of a fun way to ring in the new decade with these best 50th birthday party ideas. From the overall theme down to the smallest detail, this guide has what you need to plan the party of your dreams.
Whether you love the great outdoors or prefer the comfort of your own home, enjoy fancy finger foods or party dips, we've got you covered with dozens of great party themes. If you're having a summer party, there are plenty of warm-weather ideas here, like a beach bash, a camping trip, or a backyard barbecue. As for fall party ideas, you could plan a group hike, go horseback riding, or host a craft beer party. By the way, if you don't love large gatherings, you'll find that all of these ideas can be just as enjoyable with small groups and a few thoughtful 50th birthday gifts. What's more, while you can absolutely copy one of these ideas to a T, you can also use them as starting points to dream up your ideal 50th birthday party celebration. (Maybe you'll want to include Ree Drummond's chocolate birthday cake! It's her son Todd's favorite.)
However you decide to commemorate the milestone occasion, just remember this: Turning 50 is a blessing. So, what are you waiting for? Go celebrate!
Host a '70s-Themed Flower Power Party
Celebrate your 5oth birthday with a retro, flower-power themed party that would have been very on-trend when you were born in the early '70s. This daisy tablescape is the perfect inspiration!
See more on Aww Sam.
Throw a Southwestern Soirée
Make this colorful cactus cake the focal point of a Southwestern soirée. It's actually made up of 23 cupcakes so your guests can pull it apart—there's no need for cutting!
See more at Studio DIY!
Book a Spa Retreat with Your Best Friends
Spend your 50th birthday relaxing on a spa retreat with your closest friends or family members. You can stay close to home or visit a destination on your bucket list.
Throw a Nautical Birthday Bash
Calling all beach lovers! Make a splash with a beach (or beach-themed) bash featuring this stunning sandcastle cake (the "sand" is actually crushed vanilla wafers!).
Get the recipe from A Beautiful Mess.
Go Horseback Riding
Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or just love a good outdoor adventure, a horseback ride with your friends would be such a special way to mark your big day.
"Cheers to 50 Years" Wine Glasses
Cheers to 50 years! Toast to turning the big five-oh with these sparkly personalized wine glasses.
Red Velvet Birthday Cookies
Who needs a birthday cake when you can have these swoon-worthy red velvet cookies? The cream cheese filling will keep your guests coming back for more.
Get Ree's Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies recipe.
Skydiving Party
Have you always wanted to try skydiving? Take the plunge to ring in your 50th birthday in true thrill-seeking style.
Go Tent Camping
Get back to nature by planning a birthday camping trip with your closest friends. You can have a cookout, toast s'mores, and spend the night sharing stories and laughs under the stars.
Go Glamping with Friends
If camping sounds appealing to you but you're not thrilled about the idea of spending the night in a sleeping bag, consider going glamping instead. Many offerings come with beds, electricity, and access to indoor plumbing.
Throw a Disco Extravaganza
Boogie the night away with your BFFs at a disco party complete with a lit-up disco ball and all of your favorite '70s dance hits.
See more on Aww Sam.
Throw an Outdoor Dinner Party
A dinner party under the stars (or string lights) is the perfect way to celebrate your special day with your closest friends and family. It's equal parts festive and laid-back.
Host a Beauty-Themed Bash
Craving a little pampering for your 5oth? Invite your friends to a mani-pedi party at your place. This adorable nail polish cake will make the perfect centerpiece.
Get the recipe from Studio DIY!.
Throw an Appetizer Buffet
If you don't want to host a full-blown dinner party, stick to drinks and small bites like homemade jalapeño poppers and these roasted grape crostini with honey goat cheese. Your guests won't miss the main course one bit!
Get recipes from A Beautiful Mess.
Host a '90s Night
Celebrate your '90s glory days with a nostalgia-fueled birthday bash. Party time, excellent!
Have a 'Pretty in Pink' Party
Throw it back even further to your teen years in the '80s with a Pretty in Pink party. This classic flick will have you and your guests feeling nostalgic in no time. Plus, there are plenty of fun ways to incorporate pink foods.
Get the recipe from Studio DIY!.
Cozy Up Around a Backyard Bonfire
Turning 50 means you likely have a lot of stories to tell. Why not cozy up around a backyard bonfire and share them with loved ones while toasting to the next 50 years?
See more ideas on A Beautiful Mess.
Go for a Group Hike
Another outdoorsy option is to throw on your favorite hiking boots and head out on a hike with your friends and family. Whether you want to walk a mile or trek 14, there's no denying the satisfaction that comes from summiting.
Create the Ultimate Baked Potato Bar
Baked potatoes are back and better than ever. So much so, that there are actually restaurants whose entire menus are devoted to the one-time side dish. A baked potato bar is a superb birthday party idea for spud lovers everywhere.
Find potato recipes here.
Enjoy a Vintage-Themed Get-Together
Truly, how cute is this Jell-O cake? The recipe is from a 1978 magazine, so it's totally possible you enjoyed this exact treat, or one like it, as a child. All of its retro glory is enough to make us want to throw our very own vintage-themed 50th birthday party!
Get the recipe from Aww Sam.
Rebecca Ravee Norris is a full-time freelance writer with a decade's worth of lifestyle media experience. Based out of the Washington metropolitan area, she writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. She is a graduate of George Mason University. There, she earned her B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. When she's not working, she can be found with her beloved Jack-Chi, Cash, adventuring with family and friends, working through reps at the gym, dreaming up her next home decor project, testing a new recipe, getting lost in the pages of a book, or catching up on her favorite shows.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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