10 Awesome 50th Birthday Party Ideas

The fiftieth birthday – there’s nothing quite like it. Sure, there’s 40 and 60 – but 50 also signifies a half-century. That calls for a party! Some folks might feel sad and “old” when they turn 50 – but life only gets better when you hit that age! By the time you’re 50, you’ve had time to decide what matters and what doesn’t – and then you can spend more time doing what fits in the first category. It’s easier to say yes or no to things. You no longer care so much about what people think and you know yourself better than ever before. 

There are so many more great things about turning 50. So let’s celebrate it! In this blog, we’ll share our favorite 50th birthday party ideas.

1. Old School Diner

For a literal translation, have a 50’s decade diner-themed party. Think Grease: checkerboard floors, gingham tablecloths and napkins, and 50’s tunes. Invite attendees to dress in poodle skirts, blouses, jeans, and white tees. Polka dots are a plus! Serve up burgers, fries, and milkshakes and you’ll be partying in style. 

2. Halloween Inspired

Poke fun at the idea of turning 50 being “scary.” Dress up in your favorite ghoulish outfits and decorate with fake spider webs, candles, and skeletons. Serve up cauldrons of witch’s brew and spooky snacks, like ghost pizza bagels and mummy brie. Play games like pin the bone on the skeleton and carve pumpkins!

3. Early Bird Brunch 

The older we get, the more we want to be in bed by 8pm. So get the party started early! Invite your friends and family to your favorite brunch spot, or have the party at home. Serve fun breakfast foods like French toast dunkers, egg bites, tater tots, and strawberry breakfast bruschetta. Don’t forget the bottomless mimosas!

4. Childhood Reminiscence 

Throw it back to your childhood with this theme! If you’re turning 50 in 2021, you’d have to be born in the early 1970s. So break out the Pong or rent out an arcade with pinball machines. Maybe as a kid, you played chess, checkers, or jacks. Whatever your game of choice was, put together a few game stations for friends and family to enjoy. Serve up your favorite childhood snacks and drinks – for us, that’s chocolate milk and Pop Rocks – and encourage your guests to dress as in their best 70s garb.

5. 50 Cheers for 50 Years

This theme is for people who want something a bit more simple and classic. The focus here is on having plenty of toasts (it doesn’t have to actually be 50) for the birthday person. Pop champagne, decorate with photos from the past, and encourage guests to dress up in their finest black-tie wear. 

6. Silver Fox

The term silver fox is traditionally reserved for men, but we think anyone can be a silver fox! If you haven’t heard of it, if someone is called a silver fox it means they have greying hair and are attractive. With this theme, decorate in all silver and tell guests to wear their hottest outfits. Serve up Silver Fox cocktails and have a ball.

7. Golden Years

On the flipside of a silver fox theme is the golden years. 50 is the entryway into the golden years, so it’s time to celebrate it! Break out gold confetti, balloons, streamers, and table runners. Encourage guests to keep their outfits classy, pop the bubbly, and serve gold-dusted chocolates.

8. 50th Birthday Scavenger Hunt

If you’re planning a surprise 50th birthday party for a loved one, a scavenger hunt is a thoughtful, sentimental way to get them amped up. Lead them through clues that bring them around town to special places – perhaps their wedding venue, childhood home, favorite restaurant, schools they attended, or their first job. Of course, the locations you plan with largely have to do with how long they’ve lived in the same city. Whatever your stops are, have the last and final stop be a birthday party to celebrate the guest of honor. Don’t forget to let them know to dress up! 

9. Nothing to Wine About

Do you love wine? Who doesn’t! A wine-themed birthday party is perfect for 50. If you choose to have the party at home, buy vintage wines and set up charcuterie boards with plenty of cheese and fruit. Alternatively, host the party at a winery or have a wine tasting. Regardless of location, you won’t need to whine about turning 50!

10. 50th Backyard BBQ Bash

For those of you who prefer a more low-key, casual birthday, look no further. Host a BBQ bash right in the comfort of your own backyard. Go all out by setting up picnic tables with gingham table runners and red solo cups. You can’t forget the best sides, like mac and cheese, macaroni salad, potato salad, and corn on the cob. Serve spiked lemonade and play games like horseshoe and cornhole. Encourage your guests to dress casual and comfortable – no one wants to eat barbeque in a suit! Our unisex Chapter 50 tee is the perfect look for the guest of honor!

Turning 50 is a privilege, not a punishment. Your quality of life is only increasing – so celebrate it! If you’re looking for more ideas, check out this article that gave us some great inspiration. Whatever theme you go with, your party is sure to be one for the books!

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