• A 50th birthday is a reason to celebrate.50 - f??nfzig image by manu from Fotolia.com
  
  A person's 50th birthday is a cause for celebration; reaching the half-century mark is no small feat. If you know someone who is turning the big 5-0, honor the milestone event by throwing a birthday party. Whether you plan a sophisticated soiree or a comical affair, the celebrant will be touched by the sentiment and will remember his special day with fondness.
  
  

Sophisticated Soiree

• Throw a sophisticated soiree for someone who appreciates the finer things in life. To decorate for this party, cover the tables with silver and gold satin tablecloths. Place candelabras in the center of the tables and surround them with crystal vases filled with colorful bouquets of flowers. Set the table with fine china, crystal stemware, and sterling silver flatware. Insert pictures of the celebrant into gold and silver frames and place them around the room. Give the room a soft glow and added interest by hanging strings of twinkling lights from the ceiling.
  
  

Flashback Party

• The celebrant and her guests will enjoy taking a trip back in time with a flashback party. Choose her favorite decade and turn it into a theme for the party. If you are going with the 1950s, throw a sock hop. Ask guests to wear poodle skirts and leather jackets, decorate the room with old records and black and white balloons, play doo-wop music, and serve malted milk shakes. For a 1960s party, organize a love fest decorated with lava lamps, tie-dye textiles, beads, and peace signs. Ask guests to don bell bottom pants and flared vests and play music by famous classic rockers such as The Doors or The Rolling Stones. If you are revisiting the 1970s, a disco dance party is appropriate, complete with leisure suits, disco balls, flashing lights, and disco music.
  
  

Sleepover Party

• Ask guys and gals to pack sleeping bags and pajamas for a sleepover party that will commemorate the days of their youth. Decorate with balloons and streamers and place piles of pillows on the floor. Play movies that were favorites during the celebrant's childhood. Play board games, such as LIFE and Monopoly, or play Truth or Dare. Serve kid favorites like pizza, popcorn, chips, and pretzels.