50th Party Ideas

50th party napkin

A 50th part is now often a sophisticated event, so no more of those “Over the Hill” expressions. The main concept to keep in mind when planning this event is that when you are 50, you are fabulous. Suit your party to the guest of honor’s dreams and interests to make them feel special and honored. For many this may be a black tie event, surprise party, luau, you name it! 


50th party napkin

A 50th part is now often a sophisticated event, so no more of those “Over the Hill” expressions. The main concept to keep in mind when planning this event is that when you are 50, you are fabulous. Suit your party to the guest of honor’s dreams and interests to make them feel special and honored. For many this may be a black tie event, surprise party, luau, you name it! 



50th Party Decorations

  • This milestone birthday is a deserved accomplishment and should be celebrated with shimmer and sparkles with attention to the guest of honors interests. 
  • You could make the party theme related to the year the guest of honor was born.
  • Use these color theme of gold, silver, and black
  • Have a sign that says how long they have been alive: 5 decades, 50 years, 600 months, 4,200 weeks, 18,250 days, and 438,000 hours.
  • Photo collage - Have flattering pictures of the guest of honor when they were young and recent photos as well. Then, place or tape these images into a large number 50. 
  • Newspaper - Write a simple newspaper with the headline saying “Back in ___ a legend was born”. Have a featured image of the guest of honor and write a small article about the life of the person and some key events from the year they were born. 
  • Have bouquets of flowers and the number 50 in them
  • Balloon arch with the party theme colors 
  • 4 bottles of champagne with each painted with one number from the year the guest of honor was born



50th Party Activity and Game Ideas

Submitted by Susan (USA)

I just had a surprise party for my 50th birthday party. It was so special! The theme was “50 years ago” (when I was born). I was born in the 50’s, so my husband rented an old fifties dinner and had it all set and decorated with my friends waiting for my arrival. Before we left home he gave me a present and said it was one of many to come.

When I opened it, I was a little surprised. My gift was a costume from the 50s. I knew something was going on, but I decided to go and get changed. When we arrived at the dinner I was so excited. It was a perfect surprise party (because I was surprised, but knew at the last minute something was going on).

We had a blast and everyone was dressed in costume. We spent the night listening to the old music, dancing, and eating great food (real ‘old fashion’ burgers, fries, ice-cream soda, and apple pie for dessert). Thank you so much to my husband and friends for this surprise. Good luck to all of you turning 50!

  • Memory piece - Put together a simple photo album or scrapbook of tasteful life memories and achievements of the loved one for guests and the guest of honor to look through.
  • Memory guest book - Have a book for when the guests arrive to say their best wishes, a fond memory, or joke.
  • Favorite restaurant - Make a reservation for your party at the guest of honor’s favorite restaurant or stop by their favorite place to eat.
  • Higher or lower - Choose a bunch of everyday items and find the selling price of the item in the year the person was born (e.x. bread, milk, eggs, sugar, etc.). Give each guest a piece of paper and pen/pencil and number the page depending on the amount of items chosen. Then, say the item outloud and a price (either slightly higher or lower than the price at the time). The guests then write their guess of higher or lower. After all the items have been said, announce what they cost in that year and have a prize for the person who got the most correct. 



50th Party Food Ideas

Match the food to the theme for the evening. Maybe even have a signature cocktail for those of legal age. 

  • Go to a favorite restaurant or get your event catered
  • Steak, salad, and potatoes 
  • Fettuccine linguine with broccoli and chicken 
  • Chocolate covered strawberries
  • Charcuterie board
  • Blooming quesadillas or fajitas 
  • Cupcakes with small chocolate #50s on top
  • Assorted chocolates with raspberries and blueberries
  • Pink lemonade with a mini umbrella topper


charcuterie board

Match the food to the theme for the evening. Maybe even have a signature cocktail for those of legal age. 

  • Go to a favorite restaurant or get your event catered
  • Steak, salad, and potatoes 
  • Fettuccine linguine with broccoli and chicken 
  • Chocolate covered strawberries
  • Charcuterie board
  • Blooming quesadillas or fajitas 
  • Cupcakes with small chocolate #50s on top
  • Assorted chocolates with raspberries and blueberries
  • Pink lemonade with a mini umbrella topper
charcuterie board

50th Party Favors

  • Flowers and chocolate
  • A bottle of wine with a personalized 50th party label
  • Developed photos from the evening
  • 40 vs 50 - Have two glass jars, one filled with chocolate kisses and one filled with lollipops. Label them, “kiss 40 goodbye” and “sorry, 50 sucks”. Have the guests take one of each when they leave to enjoy on their way home.