My Baby's 18th Birthday

[Julie-Ann]

Yes this week my baby is turning 18 years old. So we need to celebrate. And what a perfect excuse for some party decorating.
So there are many celebrations happening - we will start with a special birthday breakfast. Then he is going to lunch with his Nanna. Then a quiet dinner for just the 3 of us. Followed by later in the week a dinner out at Frasers. Mr17 loves his food and this restaurant's food usually matches their spectacular view(the 1st pic).
We will also have 2 family functions. Both will be afternoon teas - champers and cake. One on Saturday and a repeat on Sunday.
So the big question is how to decorate for a boy's 18th birthday. Both afternoons there will be around 8 people. I think they will all just sit around the family room so I will keep the decorations to this room (2-5th pics show the room from the left swinging to the right).
I was thinking maybe a birthday banner, helium balloons and a collection of photos of Mr17 growing up. But I am open to any ideas.

[a.norton]

Ooh how exciting Can I start with a con, if you use photos he will be totally ashamed, my 18th wasn't all that long ago, and if my Mum did that to me I would hate her, well not really but you get my drift Although if you let him have most of the influence on the photos to display then he may be more inclined to do it. Also, it is a MUST that you do the whole embarrassing stories moment too, of course he'll be embarrassed but that's what makes for happy memories Good luck, such a joyous time

[thisisme]

I looove those growing photos posters. All the 21sts I've been to have always had them.

[Lanne]

Why dont you add the photos to the TV via a slideshow? Ask M17 if he is keen on that first tho?

I think a dignified adult theme is required! I will give this some thought and look forward to seeing the suggestions.

I would think, black, white and silver would be the way to go...

[rosierose]

Shucks I posted a reply but then it got wiped....hate it when that occurs

I agree with Lanne...black & white and the slideshow of photos is a must (no permission required)....

All the 18ths I ever went to including my own were about booze and loud music but I don't think Mr 17 is like that (lucky 4 u)....

Still music is a must......get his favs from his playlist on ipod .... maybe some cool finger food and even some mocktails.......if not ****tails...

The idea is to have him feel "grown up" so a sophisticated theme might be just right as opposed to balloons and party pies...

[Julie-Ann]

There will be no embarrassing photos I promise. But I will get his permission first to be sure.
The TV is a brilliant idea. It is the focal point in that room and it will save on buying picture frames.
We must all be on the same track as I was thinking silver, white and black and sophisticated. It will be champagne and cake type affair. Any meat pies are banned. He is a funny kid and only drinks water- not even soft drink or fruit juice. Maybe I can serve him sparkling water??? I do love the mocktails idea Rosie.
I will ask about food soon but we need to concentrate first on the important stuff - decorating.
I didn't like any of the birthday banners I saw - very colourful and bright and not very sophisticated.
Spotlight have balloons in my colours. And they had gorgeous plates and napkins in silver and black.
I am thinking a simple vase of flowers on the coffee table. White flowers but I am not sure if the florist can add anything silver that will look nice.
Any other ideas appreciated.

Thisisme what are growing photos posters?

[thisisme]

Sorry, bad description

I thought you were thinking of making up a poster with photos of the birthday boy and his friends/family over the years. Gosh even my second attempt isn't any better

[rosierose]

yes lets get to decor...

Oh def no coloured birthday banner but you could get those white numbers and letters from typo or spotlight or lincraft to spell out Happy Birthday or 18..his name

You could DIY one out of fabric...... Even maybe a local printers might do one in those colours..... I have also seen one done just on card stock with black printing (see pic)

[Julie-Ann]

That's a great idea Rosie. I am trying to think what would be the easiest and quickest way to do something like that? I have lots to do this week. Including now scanning many of his photos. Sadly the first 10 years of his life were not on digital. By the way he has reluctantly allowed us to do the photos on the TV. And DH has figured out how to do it. So I just have to get 50 photos on to a USB this week.

[Beverley]

Turning 18 is now officially the beginning of adulthood, you can drink, drive, vote etc so it is an important event to celebrate. What does Mr 17 want to do? Is he happy to just do the family celebrations or would he like to celebrate with his own friends?