IT ONLY COMES around once a year, but boy – when it does, it’s the best.

No we’re not talking about Christmas. We’re talking about your birthday. We’ve all got one (unless you’re Queen Elizabeth, who has two), and each and every one is worth celebrating.

1. Strike a pose

Instead of a cake (or perhaps in addition to a cake, to be honest), you can set out matches in a raised line declaring your age, then light one and watch the domino effect as they all set alight. There’s turning 30 up in smoke, eh?

Oh! Party Oh! Party

2. Cowabunga

If you’re throwing a bash for kids, think outside the box when it comes to the balloons. Are they into Ninja Turtles? Well, then, it’s a no brainer. (Bonus: this also goes for big kids, ie adults who still love Leonardo…)

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3. Your name here

If you’re having people to sit down, place-names can be a little fussy. If you still want a seating plan (so that Aunt Bridie doesn’t tear strips off Uncle Pat, for example), then you can try these cute butterfly fork placeholders. Less formal, but gets the point across.

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4. Game recognise game

Hark back to your childhood, and organise some party games. People may groan when you suggest this, but trust us: games are always fun. If you’re looking to move beyond the usual tired old games of charades – and try something that will get everyone talking – try the Likes and Dislikes game. Everyone writes down their likes and dislikes (the more out-there, the better) and everyone tries to match them with a person.

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5. X marks the spot

If your party is outdoors (which is more like for those of us born in the summer, admittedly), then the decorating doesn’t have to stop with some streamers and balloons.You can even decorate the ground if you so please. That’s right. Why the hell not? Instructions here.

babble babble

6. Let them eat…

However, if you ARE a cake person, someone special’s birthday is a great time to get really creative. Forget the usual Victoria sponge. It’s time to go big. Like this giant Snickers bar cake big.

Got your own failsafe tips for throwing deadly parties? Share them in the comments section.

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