Grown ups deserve to celebrate their birthdays too. Birthdays
are after all a celebration of life and one more year on the planet. It makes
sense however, that grown ups would like a little something more substantial
than the typical cake and ice cream and childish fantasy theme for their
celebrations. This doesn't mean that grown ups have forgotten their fantasies
however and this leaves a lot of room for interpretation on the theme of
barbecues when it comes to a great birthday celebration.
You can go the Cowboy way when it comes to a birthday party barbecue and throw a
shindig that would make old "W" proud. Texas sized ribs, hamburgers, steaks, hot
dogs, and country music for all. Be sure to wear your cowboy boots and have
gingham table clothes for this event that should be a family friendly way to go.
Don't forget to bring all the "fixin's" or ask the guests to pitch in their best
dishes in true southern tradition. This is a great way to go for those with big
families that want nothing more than an excuse to celebrate their lives
together.
If the cowboy way doesn't exactly ring all your bells and whistles there is
always the notion of a Caribbean barbecue. This is a party that would make Jimmy
Buffett proud. Speaking of Buffett it's probably a good idea to bring some of
his music along to set the tone and there are plenty of other Caribbean or
island inspired musicians to get you through the evening. Caribbean Jerk is a
great rub or sauce for the chicken or fish you throw on the grill and you can
make do with other traditional Caribbean fare for your dining pleasure and that
of your guests.
You could also go the humorous route for your big day and go the redneck
barbecue birthday party route. You will want to use cheap paper plates, cheap
plastic furniture, a metal tub filled with ice and RC Cola (r), plastic forks
and knives (the Sunday best of course), and typical redneck food such as pigs in
blanket, gumbo, fried chicken, and potato salad. This can be a really fun party
if all the guests get into the festivities and dress and act the part. It is
definitely a barbecue that will be remembered, and talked about.
One of the favorite types of barbecues for a birthday bash however, is the Luau.
There is something about those Hawaiians that really know how to do a barbecue
the right way from the very beginning. Decorations should be island and tropical
in nature. Be sure to use coconut cups for drinks and have plenty of Spam on
hand (it's a delicacy there)! You will also want to be sure to have plenty of
leis for all your guests and grass skirts, hula music, and plenty of loud
Hawaiian shirts for the duration. In fact, a Hawaiian shirt contest (for the
loudest of course) is almost a pre requisite.
A barbecue is a great way to bring friends and family together to celebrate
birthdays. If you are a little lost as to what to do to celebrate your grown up
birthday or that of a loved one, try one of the ideas above or choose your own
unique spin on the theme of a barbecue.
