Turning 21 marks the time when we can legally drink in the US, so choose decorations related to alcohol, from funky swizzle sticks to novelty glassware. Get tacky shot glasses (or ask guests to bring their own) and line up on your bar as a decoration perfect for this birthday rite of passage.
For a unique twist, buy shot glasses made out of chocolate, or make your own in small blocks of ice for the ultimate cold drink.
For variations on this idea, go simple with a
martini party theme, or do it up big with a
tiki party. Bonus points for creating a retro-cool tiki bar where you can whip up all sorts of potent potables.
Whether you throw a costume party or not, the birthday person should be decked out for maximum attention and, if you choose, maximum embarrassment.
Before the party, buy helium birthday balloons so you can tie them to the birthday person’s wrist. The birthday person is instantly center of attention, and you don’t run the risk of losing them in a crowd.
To get the whole party involved, throw a toga party. All you need are white sheets and green wreaths to wear in your hair and a big group of people to chant “Toga! Toga! Toga!”
If you go with the toga party theme, a fashion show and costume contest are in order. Award prizes for most elaborate, skimpiest and most authentic togas.
Organize a tipsy Olympics with alcohol-fueled games like dizzy bats or a series of drinking games.
Going out? Pub crawls introduce the birthday person to some great new hangouts and help them get used to flashing their ID.
Sophisticated and fun party food – ideally, spiked with alcohol – is just right for this important milestone. And no, we’re not talking about gelatin shots.
For a non-alcoholic twist on this theme, serve soup in shot glasses and dips or nuts in martini glasses.
Featured Birthday Party Recipes from Epicurious.com
Long Island Iced Tea
• 1 part tequila
• 1 part rum
• 1 part gin
• 1 part vodka
• 1 part triple sec
• 1 part sour mix
• cola, amount depends on number of servings
• lemon wedges, for garnish
Mix together alcohol and sour mix in a pitcher. Pour into glasses. Add a splash of cola to each, and garnish with lemon wedge.
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Non-Alcoholic – Root beer and Shirley Temples.
| 1. | Birthday / The Sugarcubes
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| 2. | In Da Club / 50 Cent
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| 3. | Happy Birthday / Stevie Wonder
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| 4. | Limbo Rock / Chubby Checker
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| 5. | I’m Too Sexy / Right Said Fred
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| 6. | Rock Lobster / The B-52’s
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| 7. | One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer / George Thorogood
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| 8. | Rock This Town / Stray Cats
|
| 9. | Tequila / The Champs
|
| 10. | Tubthumping / Chumbawamba |
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