Nov 12

Nov 12 How To Be a Good Host: Birthdays

It’s your Birthday so you can do what you want right? Absolutely NOT! Yes, it’s your day, you should get what you want and have an amazing day, week, or month. BUT that doesn’t excuse rude or disrespectful behavior just because it’s your day. The way you behave before, after, and during the festivities is just as important as how your guests behave! Why, because you want people to WANT to celebrate with you. You want people to WANT to share special moments and life events with you. It doesn’t have to be lonely at the top! It could be full of love, champagne, and good times.

1. Don’t be indecisive

If you don’t know what you want to do for your birthday don’t expect people to plan something for you. There is nothing worse than asking the birthday person what they want to do, and they have no plans or ideas, then they get upset when the day approaches and it’s lackluster. You can’t blame your friends for not planning something for you. If you want something planned you need to make that known your loved ones are looking to you to take the lead on YOUR birthday.

2. Gauge everyone’s budget

When making birthday plans be conscious of your friend’s current state of life and budget. Yes, it is your birthday so inevitably do what you want, but if you are doing something over the top or outside of your crew’s normal budget, you can’t expect them to attend. You can hope, but, be understanding when they decline the invite. It happens, and whoever shows up is who is meant to be there at that time. You shouldn’t want it any other way!

3. If something is planned for you, Be grateful

There is nothing more distasteful than someone going out of their way to do something nice for you (in any facet of life) and you being ungrateful or unappreciative. It doesn’t matter if it’s not what you would have done, or necessarily what you like. It’s the thought that counts. Kind gestures are far and few these days. When you come across one, don’t be an ass about it.

4. Check your expectations

High expectations are the quickest way to disappointment. Trust me I know. My standard for birthdays is: people showing up for me, great energy, a fun experience, photos to capture the memories, and just a day where I feel special and loved! That should be the expectation/ standard in my opinion. If you get those things you had a great birthday!

5. Don’t be a Debby Downer or a brat

Attitude and energy are sooooo important. You are the Birthday person, you set the tone. People showed up for you, spent money for you, and made themselves available for you. Unless something tragic has happened or the day was a complete disaster, you should be free, fun, and live it up. Everyone else will follow suit and be happy that you are happy!

6. Sometimes, their presence is a gift

Personally, I would prefer no gift over any old gift. I’m not a collector of things so I don’t need extra stuff lying around just because. I prefer well thought out gifts. Something I’ve mentioned, or something that might aid in my dreams and aspirations. Anything that can update my home, bar cart or kitchen is a yes for me! I wouldn’t expect gifts from people if they must pay to be at your event or party. If they do that’s wonderful, but I wouldn’t set the expectation. Now if you are covering the cost of the event for everyone then expecting a gift is valid.

PS. Balloons, Cupcakes/Cake, Alcohol, Champagne, and handwritten cards are gifts.

XOXO,

KVT