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26 Ways to Throw the Best 50th Birthday Party Ever

From food to decorations, get inspired to throw the party of the (half) century.

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Birthdays for any age are a big deal. But milestone birthdays are a huge deal, especially the big 5-0! Celebrating a century's worth of trips around the sun calls for a truly spectacular 50th birthday celebration for all the fabulous 50 year olds in your life (including yourself!).

If you're looking for 50th birthday party ideas for a woman, whether it's your mom, aunt, neighbor, or coworker, consider her interests, both past and present. Throw a colorful '80s-themed soirée to remind her of her carefree childhood years or an afternoon garden party to celebrate her newfound love of roses. Surprise 50th birthday party ideas for Dad might include a cornhole tournament with his closest friends. Were his happiest memories growing up spent around the campfire? Make it an outdoor 50th birthday party with a family camping trip (just make everyone promise there will be no complaining allowed!).

When a theme doesn't seem to fit your favorite 50 year old just right, some other golden 50th birthday party ideas for adults include a wine and cheese tasting party, dinner at their favorite restaurant, or even cooking a delicious meal at home. Some 40th birthday ideas and 60th birthday ideas might work too, or at least spark an idea. But one thing is for sure, what they will love the most is the time spent with loved ones and the many best birthday wishes they will receive. Happy 50th!

1

Fondue 50th Birthday Party Idea

a breadboard filled with bread and fruit and melted cheese

Wine and cheese, but make it fondue. Artfully arrange bread, veggies, fruits, and meats of your liking on a breadboard, stock up on some wine, and you've got the makings for a warm and cozy 50th birthday celebration

Get the recipe for Cable-Knit Breadsticks.

2

Dinner at Home 50th Birthday Party Idea

cheerful male and female toasting drinks during birthday party in house
Klaus Vedfelt//Getty Images

Sometimes a delicious dinner at home with your very closest friends is the best way to celebrate a milestone birthday. And the best part—everyone can stay as long as you want. Cheers to that!

3

Happy 50th Birthday Banner

Happy 50th Birthday Banner
3

Happy 50th Birthday Banner

Now 17% Off
$10 at Amazon

Keep it simple yet festive with a glittery Happy 50th Birthday banner. Take a cue from the gold color and source matching cups and plates for a truly golden celebration.

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4

Tailgate-Themed 50th Birthday Party Idea

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Brian Woodcock

For the sports-lover turning 50, celebrate with a tailgate-themed party. Gather megaphones, vintage pennants, and pom-poms to bring the look together, and of course serve up the best tailgating foods. If it happens to be game day, even better!

5

Country-Themed 50th Birthday Party Idea

a cow in a party hat standing in front of a white barn with a colorful honeycomb garland
Brian Woodcock

A good ol' country barn party is charming, nostalgic, and totally trending these days. Just look how adorable this barn looks draped in a colorful garland of honeycomb balls and twinkle lights! Farm animals optional.

6

Custom Newspaper Birthday Gift Idea

Custom Newspaper Birthday Gift Idea
6

Custom Newspaper Birthday Gift Idea

This fun shop will customize a vintage-looking newspaper complete with stats from the year so, so, so long ago when that 50 year old was born.

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7

Night Out at Favorite Restaurant 50th Birthday Party Idea

smiling and laughing group of family and friends preparing to toast during celebration meal in restaurant
Thomas Barwick//Getty Images

Reserve a table at a favorite restaurant and fill it with family and friends. Make it a night to remember by ordering that dessert you always pass up!

8

Backyard Bash 50th Birthday Party Idea

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Brian Woodcock

Is your special someone feeling a little nostalgic about neighborhood barbecues or days spent at the ballpark back in the day? Set up the ultimate hot dog bar filled to the brim with fun and unique toppings that will please all your guests.

9

50th Birthday Card

50th Birthday Card
9

50th Birthday Card

Now 50% Off

The cool details and stats on this card will take any '70s baby back in time.

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10

Garden-Themed 50th Birthday Party Idea

50th birthday punch
Brian Woodcock

For the lady who loves to garden, throw her a party with floral touches galore, from the invitations to the centerpieces. You can even recommend guests come dressed in their garden-party best!

Get the recipe for Dogwood Punch.

11

Camping 50th Birthday Party Ideas

shot of a mature couple hiking through the mountains
shapecharge//Getty Images

A healthy dose of the great outdoors has been on his list for months, so plan a camping trip or a long hike to celebrate another year around the sun.

Related: Best Campsites in the U.S. Worth the Road Trip

12

Happy 50th Birthday Cake Topper

Happy 50th Birthday Cake Topper
12

Happy 50th Birthday Cake Topper

The perfect finishing touch to any birthday cake is a bold-and-gold glittery cake topper!

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13

Derby-Themed 50th Birthday Party Idea

50th birthday cookies
Brian Woodcock

We will bet on this theme for an early May birthday any day! These cookies will have guests delighted to gallop into the second half of their lives. Prize ribbons are a fun and high-impact way to decorate for a Derby-themed party.

Get the recipe for Caramel-Chocolate-Walnut Thumbprint Cookies.

14

A Berry Sweet 50th Birthday Party Idea

50th birthday ideas berry
Brian Woodcock

Berries, berries everywhere! A dessert party with berry treats and punch is a fresh idea for spring. Great for a summer celebration, too!

Get the recipe for Raspberry and Pistachio Semifreddo.

15

50th Birthday Sash

50th Birthday Sash
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50th Birthday Sash

Credit: amazon

There she is, 50 and fabulous! Let the birthday stand out in the crowd with a celebratory sash.

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16

Campfire 50th Birthday Party Idea

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Brian Woodcock

Channel the scouting of your past, and get prepared for a casual evening around the campfire. Bring out galvanized tubs filled beer, a firepit cooking up hot dogs, and a delicious array of graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate bars, and more for a s'mores experience guests will love (who needs cake, right?).

17

Halloween-Themed 50th Birthday Party

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Brian Woodcock

Turning 50 doesn't necessarily have to be a scary, but when the birthday falls around Halloween, celebrate in spooky style with costumes, candy, and cauldrons featuring boos (make that booze) aplenty.

18

50th Birthday Confetti

50th Birthday Confetti
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50th Birthday Confetti

When the clock strikes 12, make your mark on guests with a calculated drop of this fun, flirty, and 50 confetti.

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19

Classic 50th Birthday Cake

classic confetti birthday cake with chocolate buttercream
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Who doesn't love a confetti cake! This delicious chocolate-and-vanilla combination is sure to delight the birthday boy or girl.

Get the recipe for Confetti Birthday Cake.

20

Award Winning 50th Birthday Party Idea

50th birthday ideas
Brian Woodcock

#winningat50! Put your celebratory vintage trophy collection to good use by using them as vases on your buffet and dinner table.

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