If you’re planning an adult birthday party, follow these simple instructions to make sure it’s a success.

Plan a theme:

You may choose a theme that’s based on a specific location, such as Las Vegas, Broadway, or Hawaii. Or, you can choose from a number of other ideas, such as an underwater adventure, Over the Hill celebration, and a decade celebration. (Choose a decade that all guests will be able to dress for, and include music that fits your choice.)

Decorate for your theme:

Beginning with the invitations, let your guests know what to expect at the party, and how they should dress. For instance, let them know if they should wear attire appropriate for a night at the theater or a day at the beach. Also include if family members, including kids are invited or if this is a party just for adults. Next, greet them at the door with decorations, such as a Welcome to Las Vegas sign or a tombstone inscribed with Over the Hill. This is your opportunity to introduce them to the party, and it could be an excellent setting for photos, so most of your time and effort should be spent here. Then include table decorations that fit your theme. (These may even serve as door prizes.)

Food:

The food and beverages should also fit the theme of your party. Include fruits in your Hawaii beverages, and have New York style carts set up with options for your Broadway party. If you’re doing an underwater theme, consider many colorful options, with fish, shrimp, and many greens. To finish off the food options, consider having a dessert table highlighted with a birthday theme cake for the guest of honor. For a particularly unique cake, include an edible picture of the birthday celebrant.

Finish with favors:

Take your theme all the way to the end of the party and allow your guests to take home a little thank you gift. You can make and decorate cookies in just about any shape, from a Hollywood star to a pair of dice. Individual cookie cutters are readily available online or in specialty baking stores. Practical theme-based favors are also appreciated like key chains, coasters, bottle stoppers, candles and more. You can find Be sure that you select items that appeal to both men and women. Finally, many party hosts use decorated cello gift bags to hold favors. This allows you to give any favor you think guests would like and still bring the theme into the gift.