It’s 2014 and for many of us collegiettes that means we are finally approaching the long anticipated day… the day we turn 21. After this day we can go out to dinner with our friends or family and finally *legally* ORDER AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE! No longer will our servers look at us expectantly as our parents order a Bud Light or glass of wine and we can only sigh and say “I’ll have a sweet tea”. We can finally get the wrist band. We can finally go to wine tastings. We can finally experience that new brewery in town. THE DAY IS HERE… but what’s the best way to celebrate?
1. The Sign. The famous 21st birthday sign. Your best friends will gather up and create for you a personalized, one-of-a-kind sign with 21 tasks you have to complete by the end of the night. There’s the typical getting 21 dollar bills from people, kiss 21 people, get 21 guys phone numbers (you see the trend) and some extra fun ones like watch the sunrise, kiss the bartender on the cheek, take a body shot, do a dance on the bar… you get the picture. Get creative with these. Your main girls are in charge of this and will make a sign that fits you perfectly! (Just make all tasks are safe and legal.)
(Collegiette Taylor Orlando’s 21st birthday sign!)
(Collegiette Aubrey Drake on her 21st!)
2. The Book. Now this trend isn’t something I see too often, but it is a great alternative or addition to the sign! You’ll get a scrap book, put 21 pages in it and get a group of girls to commit to buying a shot or a drink for the birthday gal, and she has to sign the page in it after the drink is bought. If you want to spruce up this is 21st Birthday Book, take a picture of the birthday girl and the girl buying her a drink, then write a sweet message on their page. Plus, unlike the sign this can’t be damaged (at least hopefully not too much) by the festivities, and you’ll be able to look back on it years later and laugh. Not to mention, it’s a good way to keep some of those photos that probably shouldn’t go on Facebook….
The best way to make sure the whole night gets captured is to buy a few disposable cameras and have them passed around. Everyone can get a picture with the birthday girl, pictures of her taking shots, candids… everyone, snap away! These can be printed and added to her 21st Birthday Book later.
3. A Liquor Bouquet. This is another really cute trend for 21st birthday bashes. Buy a bunch of mini bottles, attach them to sticks, and then insert the sticks into a basket that has foam in it to help it all stay up. You can even add some cute fake flowers, pictures, and some of her favorite candy to add a little extra pizazz to the bouquet. Another thing about this idea is that it’s suitable for both genders; just personalize it for whoever is celebrating the big two-one.
4. The Cake. The fun part about making a birthday cake is being able to customize it to fit the occasion. I’ve seen Barbie dolls dressed up to be celebrating her 21st birthday (these always get a good laugh too), and a couple of mini bottles stuck in around the candles. Another fun thing to do is use the cake as a prank. Bake two layers for the cake and in the first layer cut the middle out so there is room for a beer bottle or mini bottle. Place the bottle between the two sections of the first layer, and then cover it with the second layer of cake. When the birthday girl cuts into the cake she’ll get surprised with what’s inside!
5. Dinner. What’s the Birthday Girl’s favorite restaurant? Surprise her with a dinner surrounded by her closest friends, where she can enjoy her favorite meal and maybe find her favorite beverage too. Popular choices for birthday dinners among Appalachian girls: Dos or Los (there is an ongoing debate as to which is better, and yes you can only choose one), Mellow Mushroom, Makoto’s, and Cobo.
If you’re not into all the hype of celebrating your 21st, there is no problem with going to a local brewery or winery and having a nice dinner while ordering your first legal drink. Here in The High Country we have options such as the Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Lost Province Brewing Company and the Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, all with first-rate selections of food and drink. Our local bars such as TApp Room, Klondike, Char and Murphy’s are also great choices for celebrating your 21st!
One last thought… the day after.
If you’re helping the birthday girl celebrate, you should help her recover. Make a “Day After 21” survival basket. Fill it with some ibuprofen, eye drops, a gift certificate to her favorite “morning after” brunch spot, some tissues, and a whole lot of Gatorade.
From getting the whole place to sing you happy birthday, having a quiet wine and dine, this list and more… how have you celebrated your 21st birthday (or hope to celebrate it)? Comment below! Cheers ‘Neers!
*Disclaimer: I still have a month until I turn 21… so I hope my friends read this.*
Images:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/101049585362015420/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/22025485651727529/
http://mysliceofsunday.blogspot.com/2013/06/21st-birthday-cake.html