100th Birthday Party Ideas to Celebrate a Century in Style
Reaching 100 years is a rare and remarkable milestone that deserves a celebration as extraordinary as the guest of honour. Whether you’re planning a grand gathering or a heartfelt family affair, a 100th birthday is the perfect opportunity to reflect on a life well-lived, honour cherished memories, and create new ones with generations of loved ones. In this blog, you’ll find thoughtful, fun, and meaningful ideas to help you plan a celebration worthy of a century.
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Themes for a 100th birthday
I find it’s always good to pick a theme for the party, it make the planning a lot easier. Here are some ideas of great themes that I think would be suitable for a 100th birthday celebration.
Vintage 1920s Party
Celebrate the decade they were born, and you are in luck because the 1920’s was a great decade for parties, with jazz, flapper dresses, and Art Deco decor.
You could get some personalised party stationery like these to make it special.
Through the Decades
This can be a fun one to put together, where you decorate with photos and props from each decade of their life.
This downloadable invite can be customised.
"100 Years Loved" Garden Party or Afternoon Tea Party
If you have access to a nice garden, a sophisticated garden party, or perhaps an afternoon tea party somewhere special.
Memory Lane
Use their photos and memories to create a timeline – a bit like the decades party but more personal.
This game would be ideal to play at such a party.
Royalty for a Day
Make them Royal for a day with crowns, a throne-style chair, and regal touches
Decorations for a 100th birthday party
First decorate them with a badge of course! This is one I made, which you can find on Etsy.
Balloons of course are always a must on birthdays! I liked these star shaped ones that I found here on Ebay.
A birthday banner is always nice to, either make one, or buy one like this.
A memory jar where guests add written notes or wishes is such a lovely gift – here is a jar that you can get with personalised print.
A table centrepiece such as these personalised 100th birthday luminary decorations.
100th birthday Food & Drink
You are not allowed to have a party without a birthday cake – and you can turn any cake ito a 100th birthday cake with a cake topper – like this glittery one here.
They would have been a child in the 1930’s so some sweets and treats from that era should bring back some fond memories – this box is just the thing, and it make a great gift too.
These afternoon teas in a box are quite handy – their great for gifting, or going on a picnic – maybe it’s just the two of you having a tea party in their room.
Entertainment for a one hundreth birthday
Play some music from an era that they enjoyed – they probably want to hear music from when they were in their teens or twenties – like this 1940’s nostagic collection.
A live band would be even better if you can manage it.
A slideshow of memories with family commentary would be great – so get a big screen ready – this is great fun for you to make as well.
A trivia quiz is a fun thing to do – there are loads to download – like this one. Or you could make up your own using information about the birthday boy or girl.
Speeches and stories from family would be lovely. You could also include a guest book, which people can write in, some of these stories could be read out too.
Gifts & Keepsakes for 100th birthday
I’ve got a whole blog about gift ideas for a 100 year old – you can check that out here – 100th BIRTHDAY GIFTS
A 100th birthday is more than just a party — it’s a celebration of a lifetime filled with memories, milestones, and meaningful connections. Whether you go all out or keep it intimate, what truly matters is the love and joy shared with family and friends. With the right touches of nostalgia, thoughtfulness, and fun, your centenarian’s special day will be one to remember for generations to come.