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A 60th birthday party should convey to the celebrant that he or she is still loved, respected and appreciated. It should also be a reminder of the golden days of youth, focused on the lessons, triumphs and friends made throughout the years.

It requires a lot of thought when you're planning for the "big 60" party for your loved one. Before deciding on a "theme" for such party, take into account the tastes and preferences of the birthday celebrant. They usually have lots of activities that occupy their time. Consider his or her favorite hobbies, music, sports and food.

A. INVITATIONS. Invite all close friends of the birthday celebrant and family members. This will make it more meaningful for him or her. Invitation theme may be focused on his favorite hobbies: watching football and soccer, playing golf, tennis, gardening, sports car, planes, quilting, scrapbook making and other interests. If he or she has a sense of humor, you might choose the "over the hill" theme. Have fun with it.

B. DECORATIONS. Decorate according to the theme chosen. Add colorful balloons if the celebrant is a child at heart. You could find old photos of the celebrant in the 40s, 50s, and 60s and so on. Make posters using these pictures and add labels or sayings. A kind of historical timeline of events that happened years past. This could lead to happy reminiscing. You can also display trophies, accomplishments and memorabilia of the old days. A nostalgic theme for the celebrant, family and his close friends.

C. BAND. Hire a band if it's within the budget. Play music that was trendy during that decade chosen as a theme. If you can't afford a band, gather old songs (Elvis Presley or James Dean) that you know the celebrant likes and play it during the party.

D. ACTIVITY. The activities should be fun and enjoyable. You may opt to have a karaoke if he or her friends love to sing and dedicate it to the birthday celebrant. It may sound goofy but it's all in the spirit of fun and merriment. Another way is to have your guests give testimonials and relate funny stories while they were growing up. They could have this written down and kept as mementos in a scrapbook. Include fun, question and answers games. Ask guests for any suggestions too, they may have a good grasp of what the celebrant likes.

E. FOOD. Rent a room at celebrant's favorite restaurant and surprise him. Order his favorite food in advance and he will truly appreciate it. If you're staying at home, have simple dishes that are easy to make. Add his favorite wine or drink. Include finger foods or appetizers such as chicken nuggets, breaded pork in small portions, cheese sticks, shrimp cocktail, small bagel sandwiches, veggies with dips, chips and salsa. Or have food and drinks reminiscent of the birthday person's youth such as cool aid, punch, hotdog bits in a barbecue stick.

F. GIFTS. You can give a personalized gift such as a poem that reminds him or her of past achievements or render him a song he likes. Other gift ideas include: photo albums with or without pictures, glass or wooden photo frame, 6oth coffee mug or favorite decorative pieces to add to his or her collection. You can also present him with a health club membership or golf club membership if he loves playing golf.

The key to a great 60th birthday party is to create a theme that celebrates the life of the birthday celebrant. One that is thought out carefully, may it be simple or grand. As long as it will make the celebrant happy and the day be meaningful to him or her.

Learn more about this author, Sherry Singson.
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