Too often, a person’s 21st birthday celebration will focus solely on the opportunity to score plenty of legal drinks. While revelry is always encouraged, there are ways to make the occasion more memorable. With these party ideas, you can help make this a celebration that none of you will ever forget.
Celebration on the Sea
Access to free cocktails is just one of the many perks of an ocean cruise. The newly legal celebrant is sure to appreciate the change of scenery and festive atmosphere, not to mention the broad range of activities available. Make sure there’s at least one concert, dance party, or karaoke competition scheduled for the time you’ll spend on board. Budget-conscious planners would do well to remember that a cruise needn’t be a multi-day event. There are plenty of day sails and dinner cruises available if you know where to look. While the atmosphere might be a bit more sedate, it will also be more intimate, allowing you to keep the focus on the guest of honor.
Spa Day
Who doesn’t love being pampered on their special day? Check with a local spa to learn about any group discounts or birthday specials. Some smaller outfits might even allow you to rent out the entire facility for the day. Once you’re all relaxed and rejuvenated, you can hit the town for dinner and cocktails. If money is no object, you might even want to extend the celebration over several days. Research nearby hotels and resorts that offer spa services and plan a weekend trip. Spa days’ are no longer regulated to women only but have expanded to all of those who seek it.
Casino Nights
While the minimum legal drinking age is still 18 in some US states, you have to be 21 to place bets in the hallowed halls of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. What better way to celebrate this milestone than with a casino-themed party? Research the most popular casino games to set up an event everybody will love. Texas Hold ’em, for example, is a fast-paced game that’s fairly easy to learn. For an eye-catching centerpiece, consider renting a roulette wheel. The constant motion will keep guests engaged and entertained throughout the evening. To keep the vibe flowing, invent a few cocktails with names inspired by Vegas or gambling in general. Print out the names and ingredients of your creations on paper that’s printed to resemble playing cards and distribute the menus to incoming guests.
Brewery Tour
We realize that not everyone can be swayed by the prospect of a deluxe pedicure or a list of fruity tropical beverages. Sometimes, all the potential guests really want is to knock back a few cold beers. We say if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em by organizing a tour of your local breweries. With the craft beer scene gaining significant popularity in the last few years, they should be easy enough to find. If not, take it down a notch with a scavenger hunt through some of the best neighborhood watering holes. One word to the wise, make sure to appoint a designated driver before heading out for the festivities. Too often, this step is overlooked, resulting in the “least drunk” person obtaining the keys for the driveâan egregious and potentially fatal error.
Once that 21st birthday appears on the horizon, get out your party planning toolkit and get to work. No matter what theme you choose, you have the power to make this event the envy of the celebrant’s inner circle, and an experience to treasure for years to come.
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