Retirement Party Ideas

Are you looking for retirement party ideas for a relative, friend or co-worker? Retirement marks a major milestone in life and should be recognized in a memorable way. Begin planning early so you can make sure the party is truly an unforgettable event.

Once you have your guest list in place, your location secured and the date set for the party, the next step is coming up with a theme. Most retirement parties are a dinner accompanied by a "roast." If you want something unique, plan the party around a particular theme. Think of what interests and hobbies the retiree has and build your party around those. Remember the party is a way of the thanking the guest of honor for all his or her hard work and devotion to the job.

Maybe the retiree has a favorite vacation spot or is planning a trip after retirement to an exotic location. A destination themed party can be a fun way to celebrate retirement. You could plan a Hawaiian luau and serve tropical drinks with fun umbrellas and island themed food such as pineapple, pork, grilled chicken skewers, fresh fish and Hawaiian sweet bread. Be sure to decorate with lots of tropical flowers, fake palm trees, grass skirts, tiki torches, coconuts and leis.

The retiree may love traveling to Mexico. Create a Mexican fiesta. Display a brightly colored piñata, play Mexican or Spanish style music and toast the guest of honor with a margarita. Food can be arranged on a buffet and include the usual Mexican fare of chips and salsa, tacos, nachos and fajitas. Decorate with bright colors such as orange, red, pink and yellow. Accent the room with sombreros and chili peppers for a festive touch.

Another retirement party idea is to create a commemorative look at the retiree's accomplishments. Put together a video about the retiree. Have friends, family and co-workers give a tribute to the retiree on the video. Gather photos from the place of employment from the past to the present. Decorations can be a mix of photos and items from the various decades and years that the retiree worked at his or her job.

Why not use the retiree's favorite hobby or sport as a theme. Are they a golfer or boater? Do they love to play cards? Create a party around their favorite hobby.

For the golfer, tables could be decorated with golf teas and flags. Centerpieces could be vases filled with golf balls. A gift certificate to a golf shop or for a round of golf would be the perfect gift to compliment the theme.

A nautical themed party is necessary for any boater. Decorate with sand, seashells and lighthouses. Display a photo of the guest of honor on their boat as a focal point.

A card player themed party could be something as simple as setting up card tables and using decks of cards for place cards. Scatter poker chips and dice around the tables to complete the look. Why not have the guests play cards? Keep food and drinks casual and enjoy the party.

Once you settle on a theme, coordinate your party invitations along with it. There are endless opportunities available online. Try these party supply stores for retirement party invitations:

• Mygatsby.com sells custom printed invitations with a variety of themes including nautical, golf, palm trees and martinis.
• Partyinvitations.com offers unique and beautiful announcements and invitations.
• Colorsbydesign.com has a wide range of themes for retirement parties from classic cars to sailing.

When thinking of retirement party ideas, don't forget the small details. A few special touches can make the party complete. Why not provide the guests with disposable camera to capture special moments from the party. Afterwards, put together a scrapbook for the retiree.

Last but not least, don't forget the cake! Be sure to get a cake that incorporates the party's theme. For a spin-off of the vacation theme, get the cake decorated with seashells or colorful flowers. Any golfer would love a cake decorated with golf tees and while a boater would enjoy a cake decorated like a sailboat. Whatever you decide, the cake can tie your whole theme together.

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