If you’re reading this, you’re probably one of those who loves to plan parties. Whether it’s a casual gathering with friends or a more formal affair with several guests, having a party is always a fun way to spend your night. While there are many 21st birthday party ideas out there, they all seem to have one thing in common – they’re all a bit over the top. That’s why we’ve put together some of our favorite small 21st birthday party ideas. From crafting a DIY balloon pong setup to throwing a rustic dinner with family and friends, you’ll find many activities to keep your guests entertained for hours. Check out these small 21st birthday party ideas to help you plan the perfect party.
Small Ceviche
If you are serving a meat-free, dairy-free, fish-free, or vegetarian menu, you can easily incorporate ceviche into your celebration. Ceviche is a popular South American dish consisting of raw fish lightly seasoned with various ingredients. To make ceviche, you will need Lime or orange juice, Olive or canola oil, Tortilla chips, Onion (sliced), and Shallots (sliced). Even if you are not a meat-eater, antipasto is a great place to start for your menu. Start with this easy recipe for ceviche. If you are serving meat, fish, or shellfish, you can simply swap out the vegetables for the proteins.
DIY Jungle Bar
If you are looking for a way to brighten up your backyard or take your indoor party to the next level, a jungle bar is a perfect idea. A jungle bar is essentially a bar made out of plants. Setup includes stainless steel or aluminum pot plants. If you are looking for a more hands-off approach to party planning, this is a perfect idea. You can purchase pots and pots at any home improvement store. They come in different sizes, but the idea is the same – make a shallow pit in the ground in your backyard. Fill the pit with any kind of plant you like. Next, decorate the pit with plastic bags, beer bottles, and mason jars. You can even take it one step further and use a vegetable steamer to keep the veggies above the water.
Cider Donuts
If you are hosting a small cider donut party, you have come to the right place. If you are looking for a small party idea that is super festive and sweet, a donut is a perfect choice. A donut is a delightfully moist treat made from a batter of flour, sugar, butter, cider, or water. You will need Cider or water, Plain old donuts, butter (melted), and Sugar Eggs to make the donuts. For more details on making these amazing donuts, read this post.
Campfire Cooking
If you are looking for a fun, unique way to cook dinner for your guests, try out campfire cooking. Campfire cooking is a “set and forgets” approach to meal preparation. You need to get some wood for the fireplace, something heavy on the fire to keep it from going out to start cooking. If you are uncomfortable with doing all the work yourself, a group can help out. A group can consist of 2 people, a couple, or even a bunch of kids. To make the most of group cooking, have one or two kids take on the role of campfire solo champions. Have the rest of the group stand back and let these kids handle the fire. This will allow them the freedom to focus on what they are doing instead of having to take care of everyone. Campfire cooking can be messy, so be prepared for that. It should also be noted that cooking on a campfire is not ideal for your kitchen because of the lack of counter space. However, you can make the most of it by converting a second or third-floor balcony or a front porch into a campfire pit.
Hot Air Balloon Race
If you have a small backyard and are looking for a unique way to celebrate a birthday, check out hot air balloon racing. Hot air balloon races are conducted on calm, clear days without crowds or activity. Participants are usually taken out in a hot air balloon equipped with a flight deck, bathroom, and a kitchen. To race, you will need: a risers (aka straps) tank top or bathing suit and a piece of cloth to tie around your waist-inflated rugby ball. If you are looking for a more low-key approach to the event, a water balloon race would be more suitable. To compete in a water balloon race, you will need: water balloons, leaves, or plastic bags to use as parachutes; even if you are not a parachutist, any activity that involves a lot of jumping and/or falling is more suited to a small birthday party. If you are looking for a more active way to celebrate your child’s birthday, check out this water balloon race.
Cider Punch
Try out cider punch if you are looking for a small but fun way to celebrate your child’s birthday. Cider punch is simply cider mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. To make the punch, you will need Cider, Cinnamon Nutmeg Ginger Bread (for the topping). To serve, pour the punch into punch cups and garnish with bread. If you are celebrating a different type of birthday, feel free to change up the punch recipe. You can try swapping out the sugar for honey, adding milk or cream, or using your child’s favorite food. Just make sure to keep it basic.
Small Crossover Party
Try out a small but fun way to celebrate your child’s birthday if you are looking for a small crossover party. These are gatherings where you invite non-celebrity friends and family members to celebrate together. To host a small crossover party, you need invitation cards and ice Cider popcorn. If you are hosting a small crossover party for kids, you can also serve candy and snacks like nuggets and tacos and play party games. Remember to keep it simple so the guests can focus on being together instead of getting involved inside events.
DIY Balloon Pong
Balloon pong setup how fun is this? If you’re looking for a 21st birthday party idea that’s a little more low-key, you can head to your home kitchen and try making your popsicles with balloon inflation. Start by purchasing a package of latex balloons and one dozen balloons. Cut the bottom open, so you have some room to tie your balloons, and then fill each balloon with a small number of translucent dippers. To make the popsicles, you can either use store-bought popsicles or create your own by following these steps: – In a small saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, and then cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. – Once the mixture cools, stir in lemon juice and zest. – Remove from the heat and stir in orange juice, lemonade concentrate, and ice. – Transfer the popsicles to an airtight container, and store them in the freezer.
Family Game Night
Pack a huge game night with family and friends. Here’s a great 21st birthday party idea that will involve a ton of fun games and family time. You can also check out these party games for kids to keep everyone’s attention. Make sure to download the app Minecraft to ensure you have the latest and greatest update with the game’s biggest updates. For the older kids, try out some board games like Spades or Canasta, or mix up your kid’s favorite sport – like basketball or squash – and have them play against each other.
Cated Food with Set Up and Go
When gathering for a small party, it’s easy to forget about the serving plates and silverware. You can keep things simple and bring pre-packaged foods like nachos or potato salad, or go the extra mile and make your snacks and salads. This will cut down on the clean-up while also saving you time. To make the most of this party planning idea, check out these 21st birthday party food trucks.
DIY Baking Party
If you’re looking for a more low-key 21st birthday party idea, you can check out our list of the best birthday party food ideas. For a more Instagrammable photo op, try baking some cupcakes or baking cookies onsite. To make the most of this party idea, consider hiring a professional baker or having your own catered party set up and go.
Simple and Elegant Dinner Party
If you want to keep it simple and elegant, you can use your party to host a cozy dinner party. This will allow you to use whatever you have lying around and help save money since you won’t have to rent a restaurant. To make the most of this party idea, consider bringing your bouquet and serving your guests at home. You can also purchase a bouquet and deliver them to the staff of your party.
Costumed Dances
If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate your special day with your closest friends, these costumed dances are for you. You can either head to a local dance studio or find a friend willing to dance with you in their underwear. To make the most of this party idea, consider buying a few couples costumes and having your own themed couple’s dance party.
All-Star Party with Live Rock Music
If you’re looking for a unique 21st birthday party idea, look no further. This is a must-do for any rock music lover. Pack a picnic and meet up with some of your favorite bands. You can also check out these 21st birthday party gifts to keep everyone on their feet. Consider throwing a pool party with just a few close friends for a more low-key approach.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an excuse to throw a small party, these small 21st birthday party ideas will help you out. From food to games to crafts and activities, these party ideas will keep your guests engaged and happy.
What do you think?