Turning 100 years old is a momentous occasion. Less than 2% of the US population turned 100 years old. Planning a birthday celebration for any centenarian requires sensitivity. They may very well be frail and have mobility problems. The location of the party must take this into account.
Step 1. Discuss the party with the birthday celebrant. NEVER HAVE A SURPRISE PARTY for someone this age. Together, create a list of invitations from friends and family.
Step 2. Learn as much as you can about the birthday celebrant. If she’s in a wheelchair or sick, have the party at her house. If you live in a nursing home, please coordinate with the administrator for this very special event. You need to know about all allergies and limitations. For example, if you can’t hear, don’t spend money on music.
Step 3. Plan the meal. There may be rules to follow if you live in a nursing home. If you can hold the party in a private home, consider hiring a caterer. An alternative is to ask friends to bring a plate. The hostess provides only the birthday cake and drinks.
Use the dining table with your best linens and china for a smaller group. Many centenarians are especially fond of their possessions and will have fond memories at the dining room table with its beautiful china and silver.
Buffets will be difficult for seniors. If there is a large group of guests, place the food on a buffet or dining table, but have helpers serve seated seniors, especially the birthday girl.
Step 4. Make sure you have non-alcoholic punch or soft drinks, as the celebrant or older guests may need to avoid mixing alcohol with medications.
Step 5. Bake your favorite birthday cake. Top with letter candles that say HAPPY BIRTHDAY or place three large candles for 1-0-0 on the cake. Western tradition allows 100 small candles on the cake, but you probably won’t be able to blow them all out and this will make you feel bad.
Step 6. Entertainment must be appropriate for seniors. The children’s choir is a favorite. A violinist or pianist could provide background music in addition to a set program.
Step 7. Consider hiring a photographer or videographer. All family members will appreciate copies of these keepsakes.
Step 8. Decorations make any place festive. Party Supplies: Banners, balloons, and yard signs can be purchased at your favorite party store or online.
Don’t forget the flowers for the centerpieces and the corsage or boutonniere for the gentleman.
Step 9. Get dressed. Work with the birthday celebrant on the dress for the day. Make sure you have a current haircut or hairstyle. Fix ladies makeup and choose an attractive outfit. Buy a tiara for the birthday girl. Party supply locations have fun places with the number 100 prominently displayed. A fun hat for a birthday boy sets the party mood. They want to look and feel good for this special day.
Step 10. Gifts. The Today Show and Willard Scott Happy Birthday can be obtained by sending a request with a photo to: Willard Scott Birthdays, TODAY show, NBC News, 4001 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016. NBC requests that this information be made available to you 6 weeks before the recipient’s birthday. They can’t mention everyone on the air, but it doesn’t hurt to apply.
Get a list from your city’s governor, US senators and representatives, and mayor of birthday celebrants. Write them with the details of the centenarians who are about to turn a year and ask them to send you a congratulatory letter. Most politicians have staff who attend to these matters.
Contact the local newspaper and the church to which the birthday boy or girl belongs. They will print it in the newspaper or church bulletin. Be sure to say that the birthday will be celebrated with a small, private family gathering. This way, you won’t get spoilers.
A favorite gift is a digital photo frame with family photos. Gather all the photos, add music and set it as a continuous slideshow. It’s a wonderful way to remind centenarians of their extended family. If you have access to photos from your past, include those as well.
Enjoy this special party! You will make this person very happy on his birthday.
Sample letter to the mayor requesting a letter of congratulations for the Centenary
Dating 6 weeks before birthday
Mayor John Doe
City Hall Suite 100
City, street, zip code
Dear Mr. Mayor
I am honored to throw a birthday party for one of your city’s newest centenarians. Ms. Jane Brown Smith has lived in her beautiful city practically all her life. She worked with her husband in his three businesses while raising their two children. She has been active in her church, church name, and civic organizations, Kiwanis Club, Rotary, and Boy Scouts. List any awards or recognitions you have received.
Ms. Smith turns 100 on April 17 and it would mean a lot to her to receive a letter of congratulations from you, Mr. Mayor. Send your letter close to your birthday to:
Ms. jane brown smith
ABC Street 123
City, street, zip code
Thank you in advance for making her 100th birthday special.
very truly yours
Ms. Smith-Jones, daughter