Big Birthday

I'm so glad I don't do birthdays, big or otherwise. It's just another day. I would hate having to organise a get together and would be mortified if someone did a surprise one for me.

We actually went to a local restaurant that we go to every week, they put together a fixed price menu for us with buffet starters on the tables, a choice of six main courses and the same for desserts. We started with prosecco (Italian restaurant) and chose our two favourite wines to drink with the meal. As we are "regulars" they gave us a great discount on everything and the service was wonderful, we had one room of the restaurant to ourselves.

I'd also opt for the meal out, that's what we did for our Golden Wedding earlier this year. We live in a flat and were able to invite more people to a restaurant.
When I was younger I used to have huge parties for which I cooked loads of hot food, and really enjoyed doing it - now I think that I'd just find it exhausting to be on my feet for days preparing everything.
I'm less keen on having caterers in, still a lot of clearing up to do afterwards.

Last year when I turned 80, I booked a beautiful historical venue and local caterers whom I knew and had used previously We sat down 40 for lunch and later were able to enjoy the gardens on a glorious day in late summer.

We booked an hotel for mine, 2 nights and a meal on the second night, just my children and their families.
It wasn’t too far away and our very good friends, who live nearby, joined is for the meal.
It was a great evening and enough for me.

For DH's 70th we hired a large local house for the weekend. Some friends and family were able to stay, other more local guests came for the evening. We hired a local caterer, sons and 10 year old GS (he's never forgotten) acted as wine waiters and I think everyone had a great time.
I've ignored all my big birthdays and we went away for DHs 80th.

As big and a fun as possible.

My big birthday and my golden wedding were both locked down or restricted. We had booked a lovely holiday in 2019 and lost it through the Thomas Cook collapse; when we got our money back it was too late to book a birthday treat.

We did get a break booked, but the way we were treated a Portuguese costs was nothing short of criminal, stuffed into a crowded corridor for hours hardly able to breathe in the heat and no respite for the babies until I got cross enough to scream at the officials that these babies would be ill or even die from lack of oxygen.

DH now will not fly at all.

So take the chance while you can to go for it big time.

Yes it makes a difference having it at home if your birthday is in warmer months and you can get outside.
Following replies, I've already looked into places with private rooms. Thanks for helpful ideas.

For DH's 80th last year we had a caterers in. Luckily it was a lovely day and our 50 or so guests went into the garden as well as in the house.

Sadly my birthday is January and we usually take the family out for lunch which I think is not as much fun.

We are having the same problem. Family have offered to host a party for our 80th but would involve travelling and sadly our health is not up to it. I would not consider an event at home, far too much work and stress. We have finally settled on meals out separately with family and friends. We had a big party for our 70th with neighbours and friends but decided against it this time. Enjoy your birthday whatever you decide youngerthanspringtime

That’s what I did last year for my big birthday. Sixteen family members for lunch in a private room. I paid for the meals, someone else paid the bar bill, which was not excessive.

On a separate day I met up with friends for a pub lunch.

I had considered having it at home with catering but decided it is far too much work.

Thanks all, reading replies, so far I'm leaning towards a meal out, or as mentioned several meals with different groups.
B9exchange, the private room in a restaurant is a good idea especially for a family meal I think

Depends on how many you want to be there and what you want to pay really.
If there’s a nice restaurant nearby that you like and would feel comfortable in I’d say do that, especially if there’s a bar area you could meet and mingle in first.
The trouble with doing it at home is you would probably still be jumping up and down and ensuring everyone has what they want whereas in a restaurant you can just relax and enjoy your party.

I have a big birthday this year and my friends are so eclectic = Christian & Pagan, that I could never mix the two. I am going with my partner to a swanky hotel for a few days where we are going to enjoy all the fabulous facilities and will then have a small dinner with family when we get back.

I have a big birthday next year. I plan a meal out at different times with several groups of friends.

I would opt for the meal out, let everyone wait on you for a change. Find a restaurant with a private room and reserve that. We have issued invitations lately saying we will buy the drinks, but we can't afford to pay for everyone's food, so please order for yourself, and everyone has accepted that happily and enjoyed themselves. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Youngerthanspringtime I’m in a similar position and wondering what to do so I’ll be interested to hear other people’s opinions. Any experience of having caterers and holding the “do” at home will be especially useful.