Arguably the stand out ‘coming of age’ birthday, celebrating your 21st in style is something every 20 year old looks forward to doing. Now the friendship group are all legal and budgets are a little more generous, it’s no longer acceptable or necessary to book out the local cricket club, put on a sub-standard spread and hope no one is sick on your nana.
What’s required is a top class venue, great ents along with plenty of good food and drink. A well thought out party will give you memories for years to come. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Party Boat
If your town or city is on the banks of a river or by the sea, chances are there is a local party boat to hire. You hire the vessel for you evening, fill it with drinks and food and set sail on your evening. Once the boat docks again you can either carry on the party on-board or step foot back on dry land and head onto more bars and clubs.
Most party boats can provide the food, drink and music, making this a no-fuss option that’s sure to be a hit with your friends.
Stylish Marquee
Despite their luxurious feel, you might be surprised at how much marquee hire actually costs. A google search for a local marquee company (“Marquee Hire Warwickshire” for example) could well give you the inspiration to host your very own marquee party.
You could host the party in your own garden, space permitting, or hire out garden space in a country home or park. The best part is the hire company do all the hard work; catering, erecting the marque and cleaning it all away after the party is done.
Trendy Bar or Club
A step up from your local working man’s, booking space in a trendy club or bar in the nearest city is a great way to get friends and family together without assuming responsibility for any of the prep or clear up operations. Many places will even allow you to reserve an area free. If you’re feeling generous, place some money behind the bar and put on some food to tempt people into coming out to celebrate with you.
Make sure you choose a venue that caters to your guests needs or consider hosting two smaller parties; one for family and one for friends. As hip as your parents may be, they might not appreciate you taking your 14 year old sister out on the town.
Swanky Hotel
If you are feeling particularly extravagant, hiring a function room in a swanky hotel might well be the venue for you. Hire a class DJ, put on drinks and dinner and hire ents to make sure your guests have a fabulous time. Popular entertainment ideas include magicians, croupiers or a live band.
There are a number of benefits to hosting your 21st at a hotel. It gives older or younger guests the chance to be part of your evening without having to frequent a less than family friendly bar, whilst allowing your friends to stay on a take the party late in to the night. If you are feeling particularly out there you could even book a number of rooms for friends and family to stay in after the party’s finished so no designated drivers miss out on the fun.
Fancy Restaurant
Finally, if something a little more understated is your scene, think about an intimate meal in a fancy restaurant with your closest family and friends. Good wine, great food and the best company will make for a 21st you won’t forget. Consider covering part of the food bill or putting some money towards drinks to treat those that get the nod.
Such an evening gives you all a chance to really catch up with your close friends, particularly if you’ve not seen old friends as often as you should have since leaving school. The beauty of a dinner and drinks is that there is always the opportunity for the evening to escalate into a full blown night out if you all get a bit carried away.
