Adult birthday dinner countdown checklist

4 weeks out

• Decide home or restaurant; book the restaurant now if it's a group over 6
• Ask the guest of honor for any must-invites (unless it's a surprise)
• Send the invite; say clearly whether guests pay their own way

2 weeks out

• Order the cake or plan the dessert
• Order decorations, candles and a card everyone can sign
• If there's a group gift, collect money now

1 week out

• Confirm the headcount with the restaurant or finalize the menu
• Plan a toast or ask one friend to give it

Day of

• Arrive early to decorate the table
• Tell the server when to bring the cake, or hide it somewhere cool
• Have someone in charge of photos

After

• Send the photos to the guest of honor