5 Birthday Party Ideas For At Home Celebrations

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected so many things this year, including many events like birthday celebrations. While hosting events at home (and online) has become the new normal, there are plenty of exciting birthday party ideas at home for adults—that are more than just another zoom happy hour!  

It’s been tough to decide whether to host in-person or virtual events. When it comes to virtual events, Darci Kendall, Founder of Hodde Bros Beverage Co. shares, “regardless of the type of celebration, online events should follow a similar format as in-person gatherings. You wouldn't host a party without decorations, music, food, or drinks. 

“So, don't just open up a Zoom room and expect it to be fun. Guide your guests through the experience - provide a theme, entertainment, and an agenda. This new environment comes with new rules of engagement. Once you learn them, you'll be able to throw a successful online event!” says Kendall.

You don’t have to be a pro to throw an at-home birthday party (whether in-person or virtual)! However, we’ve collected some tips from pros in the events industry to help you plan a fun and exciting at-home birthday party this year.

Here are 5 at-home birthday party ideas for adults. 

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Host a Dinner Party

This might seem like a no-brainer. However, with dinner parties these days, it’s more than just a casual dinner. Right now, it’s the little details that are going to stand out to the birthday gal or guy and the guests. 

“Have an intimate dinner party, but make it feel elevated and special! Even with just a few guests, having special details like fun and colorful glassware or a unique bottle of specialty wine will make your guests feel like you've put extra effort in just for their experience!” says AJ Williams of AJ Events

Who says a dinner party can’t include board games or a scavenger hunt? You can even turn this year’s dinner party into a murder mystery party! These added details will make your at-home party even more memorable and exciting.

Pro Tip: You can even bring in a solo entertainer like an acoustic guitarist, impersonator, magician or harpist—depending on your dinner party theme.

Photo: URAIWONS/Shutterstock

Have Your Own Concert

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been missing live music! And, what could be a better birthday party idea at home than a private show! Do you love 80s hits or classic rock? Maybe you love country music or enjoy top 40s hits. 

With almost 6,000 vendors offering virtual services on The Bash, you can easily enjoy your own personal concert. Book a musician or band that fits your party vibes, grab your favorite cocktails or mocktails, stream their performance, and invite a small group of friends and family to enjoy the show.

Pro Tip: If you can host a live band or musician from the comforts of your home or backyard, you can find musicians providing contactless and in-person services too.

Photo: Elena Veselova/Shutterstock

Take a Cocktail Class 

“If your Zoom happy hour is falling flat, shake it up by taking a cocktail class instead.  Having a professional mixologist lead your event adds structure while leaving plenty of room for (less-awkward) interaction and socializing. Plus, online classes provide a shared experience that everyone can discuss and enjoy. No more blankly staring at your family, friends, or coworkers while you sip on that margarita,” says Darci Kendall, Founder,Hodde Bros Beverage Co.

Kendall shares, “we've found our most successful events have an IRL component to accompany the virtual experience. Hodde Bros offers our clients add-on kits for our cocktail classes that include ingredients, tools, and a few fun extras. These tangible elements help transcend the online platform and bring the event to life.”

You can send your virtual party guests mini mixology kits based on the drink of choice for the night. This can double as the entertainment and a favor as well!

Pro Tip: Make sure to go through these technical checks before hosting this event. Review with the mixologist or bartender first to ensure the class goes off without a hitch!

Photo: Shaiith/Shutterstock

Plan A Micro Party 

A micro party is exactly what it sounds like—a small party! Choose your favorite party theme and scale down the party ideas and guest list. You’ll still include traditional necessities like party favors, party games, and of course, birthday cake. 

“Invite your closest family and friends for a socially-distanced, mask-wearing celebration. You could have a backyard luncheon or dinner party and plan fun activities like tie dying t-shirts and masks. You can even add a super fun balloon installation and lawn signs to jazz up the outside decor with colors that go with the theme of the party,” says Dena Cohen, Founder of The Planning Society

Cohen shares, “to safely celebrate, plan to have a mix of individual tables decorated with candles and small floral arrangements so that guests can socially distance while eating. Place hand sanitizers, individual servings of food (served at room temperature) and beverages at each place setting.”

“You can include beautifully presented mini boxes of farmer’s market crudité, a fruit box, and/or meat and cheese boxes. Ask your guests ahead of time what type of box they would prefer if that is an option. A nice touch would also be personalized masks, hand sanitizers, or mini bottles of wine/champagne as favors.”

With a micro party (and any type of small event during COVID-19), “safety and communication are definitely the top priorities. Letting your guests know what the host is doing to ensure their safety will bring peace of mind to everyone,” Cohen suggests.

Pro Tip: If you can continue hosting outdoor parties, you’ll want to check out these 11 outdoor birthday party ideas for adults.

Photo: anatoliy_gleb/Shutterstock

Throw a Backyard Campout

Who says a slumber party is just for kids? This year, invite a few of your best friends, and plan an adults only campout. The nostalgia and excitement for a sleepover party is exactly what is needed for this type of party. Have guests bring their own tents (for safe social distancing), set up a DIY s’mores station, and serve spiked hot chocolate. 

Having an at-home birthday party still has one main goal—to celebrate the special day of the birthday boy or girl (no matter how old!). Whether this year’s celebration is virtual or in-person, these birthday party ideas at home will be a welcome addition to your next celebration.

Now more than ever, it's important to continue social distancing and following the CDC, WHO and your local government's guidelines regarding group gatherings and events. 

Find more tips for hosting an at-home birthday party from The Bash.