Sure, the ultimate 50th birthday gift might be the latest model Harley-Davidson motorcycle, but even without that extravagance, a Harley-themed birthday party can provide lots of fun for the birthday guy. Wearing a Harley T-shirt and spending a Harley-themed evening celebrating with his friends can be the perfect way to celebrate the half-century mark. Does this Spark an idea?
Decor
Black and orange crepe paper streamers might conjure up Halloween, but since those are also the Harley colors, they're perfect for setting the scene. You can loop them around the room and dangle some handmade Harley logos from the ceiling on black strings. Behind the buffet table place the largest Harley poster you can find. Motorcycle rally paper plates, cups and table coverings are available from sources such as the Party Supplies Hut, which also offers a personalized motorcycle banner.
Refreshments
For the centerpiece on the buffet table, feature a sheet cake decorated with a motorcycle, such as those shown at Coolest Birthday Cakes. If you're not handy with icing, you can have a professional cake decorator create a motorcycle design. Another idea is to buy a bunch of miniature plastic motorcycles and perch them on top of orange-frosted chocolate cupcakes. If you're serving a meal, you might want to copy some of the menu items served in the restaurant "Motor" at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. Featured items include barbecue ribs along with sausage and cheese.
Entertainment
Motorcycle movies might be just the thing for some party entertainment. A couple of documentaries show the history of Harleys; you could play these throughout the party and people could watch bits and pieces. For a full-length movie feature, International Movie Data Base lists a wide range of movie possibilities you might either rent or buy, including such titles as "The Motorcycle Diaries," "Outlaw Motorcycles," "I Bought a Motorcycle Vampire," and "Motorcycles: Born to Be Wild."
Photos
Rent some motorcycle gear from a costume shop and let everyone take turns trying on motorcycle jackets, helmets and boots and having their photos taken in small groups. Alternately you might provide Harley T-shirts as favors and take one large photo of everyone; send an enlarged copy to guests along with thank-you notes.
Road Trip
If you're anywhere near York, Pennsylvania; Kansas City, Missouri; or Tomahawk or Menomonee Falls in Wisconsin and you're up for a road trip, you might consider a visit to one of Harley-Davidson's facilities for a tour. You could eat dinner at a local restaurant and bring in a motorcycle-themed birthday cake.
Tags: along with, buffet table
