https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 03 May 2026 00:51:55 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2819718 Tue, 01 May 2018 23:36:39 +0000 DesertDreams88 2819718@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime:<br /> At the food-truck bday party I attended, they had the truck in their yard, with outside seating (camping chairs and patio chairs), string lightbulbs, and a small firepit. I don't think there were lots of outdoor tables, but I don't remember that being an issue. The house was large. Drinks were set up in the kitchen area, I think... I don't drink and it's been a couple years so I don't remember clearly. Definitely DIY, mix-it-yourself. For furniture, I think they took away furniture that wouldn't be "helpful, so as to add more space, and it was mostly varied types of seating. There was background music but it was mostly talking and mingling and photo ops. There may have been more "partying" later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2819584 Tue, 01 May 2018 11:32:41 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2819584@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: for the hubby. He would probably rather not have a party altogether, but anytime we host something he has the BEST time.</p> <p>@SweetiePie: all good ideas. Our backyard has a slope , so I’m running through ideas on how to accommodate the party just inside of our house. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2819576 Tue, 01 May 2018 10:52:29 +0000 Silva 2819576@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I missed if this is for you or your husband. If its for your husband I'd go more casual, sounds like he'd enjoy it. What about a brewery or bar where you can just have heavy apps put out, give people drink tickets, and play music? A backyard thing would fun, too, but I totally understand not wanting to have it at your house (its a lot!)</p> <p>if this is for you then you do the fanciest, most ritzy dinner party you can afford. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2819550 Tue, 01 May 2018 09:28:51 +0000 SweetiePie 2819550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Another good food truck option with the Mac n cheese would be lobster rolls. One of my close friends had a backyard wedding and had 3 food trucks park out front. She printed cards with the food options so you could just circle what you wanted and hand it to the truck vs all the guests standing at the truck and looking at a menu and ordering.<br /> They had gourmet grilled cheese truck, lobster rolls, and one other thing...I want to say tacos? But I can’t remember for sure.<br /> At the end instead of wedding cake they had the Waffles &amp; Dinges truck come (its known in nyc) and I believe they did have a small cake made from the stacked waffles.<br /> Anyway I know this was a wedding but just shows how you can incorporate the food trucks!<br /> They had a dance floor and tent set up in back yard too. If weather is nice that could be an option.<br /> ETA: also an option if it’s at your home - I assume you have a playroom or something? Maybe you could hire sitters or daycare teachers or something to come for a couple of hours so parents have option of dropping off for kids activities. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2819525 Tue, 01 May 2018 04:24:19 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2819525@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Some of you like @Foodnerd81: @irene: brought up that this may be too fancy. You’re right. This is totally my dream bday dinner celebration and similar to our fancier date nights. Our family and friends are definitely more casual and fun. Since my husband prefers to wears jeans literally where ever he can reasonably get away with it I should probably host a party that he would be most comfortable with. Most guests would be OOT and some with kids may have to travel with kids hence the bowling party idea. I figured something fancy would lure them, but maybe just a festive party would too.</p> <p> @DesertDreams88: I came across a food truck that specializes in mac &amp; cheese (hubbys favorite). We would have to park it in our driveway. Tell me more about the house party. Where were the drinks set up? DIY, bar tender? Did you all rearrange furniture? Were any tables to eat at set up outside right by the food truck? Did you have music? I rewatched the Blackish episode when the dad has a 40th bday at his house. Umm, of course, they didn’t have to worry about the kitchen table chandelier to make room for a dance floor. It’s TV. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2819504 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 19:52:37 +0000 irene 2819504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A 4-course meal with 2 desserts for a 40 year old birthday party! I don't even remember what did I do on my 40 year old birthday. Probably something lame with my little family at a chain restaurant :silly: </p> <p>At first glance I thought this was a party for an older person as 4-course meal seems very formal. But I guess it highly depend on the personality of the birthday person. What is s/he like? Honestly this sounds like something you'll get a lot of ideas from binge-watching Real Housewives of NYC :wink: Not joking at all! They throw really great parties. Maybe you can have all the guests wear the birthday person's favorite color? </p> <p>RE: 2 desserts: if the party consists of a ton of 40-year-old women who cares about what they eat, I'd say 1 dessert is fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2819019 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 17:02:31 +0000 DesertDreams88 2819019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't dance in the daytime, but I'm not much of a dancer. </p> <p>Two desserts=yum. I'd eat the cheesecake there, not as a favor.</p> <p>Menu dictated by guest of honor, allergies only considered if being in the room is too much. Between a 4 course menu, there will definitely be enough to eat even if one course has allergens.</p> <p>For me, yes, I'd prefer a family friendly venue so childcare wouldn't discourage some people.</p> <p>Just in case you decide to go a different route.... a friend had a couple of food trucks for her 30th bday, at a nice house of another friend. Good weather, mingling outside. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2819018 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 16:57:04 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2819018@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok, so I went back to look at the my preferred venue menu and they already serve a dessert duo. :silly: I can always save the cheesecake for celebrating at home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2819016 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 16:39:59 +0000 Silva 2819016@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd feel weird about something that fancy during the day. I can't drink during the day or else I get sleepy, and I don't dance without a drink or two. Probably wouldn't eat two desserts.<br /> I'd like either an evening, adults only thing (casual or formal). I"m thinking ahead to my husband's 40th and am considering a bowling alley. But his birthday is in the summer, so I may try to find a venue with outdoor options, maybe a brewery. </p> <p>I have a food issue- I have celiac disease. If something is a plated, catered meal I indicate when I RSVP that i have the disease and assume there will be something beyond a side salad that i can eat. if it was casual at a bowling alley I'd assume i couldn't eat any of it and bring something to tide me over. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2819001 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 14:38:21 +0000 SweetiePie 2819001@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>One venue that has a great menu and bar is based on consumption, but can’t accommodate the DJ. If the party was moved to the daytime it might. Would you dance in the daytime?<br /> - Only if I was drunk, like maybe at a daytime wedding, but I don't think I would go to a daytime bday party expecting to get very drunk or dance. </p> <p>All of the standard 4 course menus already include a dessert course, but they don’t make the birthday cheesecake I want. Would you eat two desserts? Sliced cheesecake may not travel well as a take home edible favor.<br /> - I would ask them if they could forego the included dessert and instead for the same cost cut something I brought in. I saw that you mentioned a cheesecake. Since a lot of places might have a cutting/plating fee for your own dessert, that's what Id ask them to apply the unused dessert cost towards. Otherwise, yes, I would eat two desserts :silly: ETA: Or I would do what Mrs.Champagne suggested and ask them to apply the dessert cost to another app OR upgrade the app or something. </p> <p>If you are a VIP party guest with an allergy would you expect the host to serve only food that you and by default everyone else can eat? Shellfish &amp; Nut allergy. The guest of honor happens to love crustaceans.<br /> - No, I would just ensure that there's one option for the VIP guest (since usually there's a vegetarian option at an event like that anyway). If they aren't the guest of honor, I don't care how VIP they are. They'll be able to eat SOMETHING, don't' need to deprive everyone else. </p> <p>Would you rather go bowling (upscale/ trendy, laser tag, arcade, yummy bar food, decent drinks) and everyone’s kids (5 yr olds to teens) could attend?<br /> - For daytime, I'd do the bowling thing. Still no kids.<br /> For night time, I would do the seated dinner with maybe music the restaurant can play from an iphone playlist or spotify or whatever. Maybe you could still dance? But even if not I think music would still be necessary.</p> <p>What else to consider?<br /> -Maybe a slide show set to music? Either as a feature presentation or set up to the side that people can go over and watch as they'd like.</p> <p>-A signature drink with a fun name after the guest of honor. Could even be pre-made and passed on trays. But even just a cool sign made at the bar so people know its there would be cool.</p> <p>-Maybe sort of like a wedding you could have a fun guest book or frame or something that people can sign OR write down a funny/favorite memory. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818988 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 13:57:17 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2818988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn’t dance or eat two desserts. </p> <p>At our wedding we substituted the dessert out for another appetizer so maybe that’s an option! I’d say no Kids is good unless a lot of people won’t be able to find a sitter. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818985 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 13:53:50 +0000 Foodnerd81 2818985@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have never been to a bday party that fancy! I can’t imagine there would be much time for dancing around 4 courses though? I’d be less likely to dance during the day. </p> <p>You could also see if they can do an extra app or salad instead of the dessert course? But I think fruit and a thin slice of that cheesecake sounds good too. Those cheesecake factories cakes are super rich so nice thin slice is the way to go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818906 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 10:19:26 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2818906@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was planning to get one CF Vanilla Bean cheesecake and slice thin since it’s a rich dessert. Two desserts! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818905 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 10:14:18 +0000 Madison43 2818905@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I love when there are multiple smaller size dessert options so I can try a bunch without seeming like a total glutton. Also, I usually skip wedding cake bc it’s served when I’m dancing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818886 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 09:42:19 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2818886@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: You could also look into just bringing a smaller cake from home and not necessarily something huge. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818885 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 09:41:47 +0000 MrsBucky 2818885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I love a good dessert but I also know that most wedding cakes and catered desserts are pretty meh. I always give it a try since sometimes it surprises you, but 9/10 times it’s just not worth it to me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818855 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 08:54:53 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2818855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, I’m happily surprised by the responses. :grin: I’m going to ask the great menu place if I can bring in my own dessert. @MrsBucky: yep the dirty forty! One venue’s dessert option was fruit three ways and a cheesecake didn’t seem that indulgent. I was shocked how many people skipped the cake at the wedding we just attended a few weeks ago. Dessert is always a highlight IMO, but not for many anymore it seems. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818842 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 08:36:46 +0000 Mamaof2 2818842@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>People dance during the day - think about weddings!</p> <p>I would do no kids</p> <p>Agree with @MrsBucky: that the caterer should be able to easily make accommodations for allergies while the guest of honor enjoys his favorites! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818841 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 08:36:39 +0000 nana87 2818841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, what a party! I don't think you need 2 desserts, and I wouldn't expect dancing at a birthday party, in the day or night. </p> <p>I don't think you have to tailor the menu to one person's allergies either, especially if guest of honor has a favorite. As long as their are allergen-free options available and the person with the allergy knows what to avoid! I say that as a vegetarian who has always served meat at events :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818837 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 08:31:43 +0000 Jennibenni 2818837@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Fancy party!! Sounds like fun! I would never dance during the day, I would taste two desserts but not finish them. You’d probably have a lot thrown away. Def no kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818830 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 08:22:11 +0000 looch 2818830@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would just be so glad that I was invited, that I'd be happy with whatever was decided!</p> <p>As far as food is concerned, my motto is "There's a meal before this and a meal after this, no one is going to go hungry." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818828 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 08:20:10 +0000 MrsBucky 2818828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@crazydoglady: haha! I’m finding myself wayyyy more sensitive to sugar this time around, so it’s easier to say no because I feel SO AWFUL afterwards. It’s so clear and dramatic I really try to limit myself to just a little bit so I don’t feel wretched afterwards. Otherwise I’d be right there with you! I also think the late 30s / early 40s demographic is more conscious of that type of thing so I’d imagine most wouldnt, but maybe that’s just my circle! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818826 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 08:11:21 +0000 crazydoglady 2818826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBucky: ditto! Except I would totally eat (most of anyway) two desserts. 😂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818817 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 07:53:11 +0000 MrsBucky 2818817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m assuming this is a 40th birthday? Just my two cents- I’d be unlikely to dance during the day, I would not eat two desserts, and I’d prefer an event to attend without my kids to have a fun night out with my DH. I don’t have a dietary restriction but as a general rule I’d expect any event space or caterer to be able to accommodate a one off exception for substitutions based on legitimate restrictions, but not preferences. In other words the main menu should be based on the honerees preferences (within the realm of standardly acceptable food for most) with options to address alternative needs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/expectations-for-an-adult-birthday-party#post-2818815 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 07:46:43 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2818815@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m pre, pre-planning an adult birthday party. </p> <p>Dream would be 30-40 dinner guests, 4 course plated service, open bar, DJ + dancing, birthday cake candle blow out.</p> <p>One venue that has a great menu and bar is based on consumption, but can’t accommodate the DJ. If the party was moved to the daytime it might. Would you dance in the daytime? </p> <p>All of the standard 4 course menus already include a dessert course, but they don’t make the birthday cheesecake I want. Would you eat two desserts? Sliced cheesecake may not travel well as a take home edible favor. </p> <p>If you are a VIP party guest with an allergy would you expect the host to serve only food that you and by default everyone else can eat? Shellfish &amp; Nut allergy. The guest of honor happens to love crustaceans.</p> <p>Would you rather go bowling (upscale/ trendy, laser tag, arcade, yummy bar food, decent drinks) and everyone’s kids (5 yr olds to teens) could attend? </p> <p>What else to consider? </p>