How To Celebrate a Birthday from Home

So, you’ve just seen the dreaded two-red lines appear on the lateral flow. No panic, your birthday celebrations may be cancelled, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your isolation just that bit more luxurious. From champagne brunches to DIY afternoon tea, here are some ideas for ways to mark your special day from home.

How To Celebrate a Birthday from Home

Champagne Breakfast In Bed

Fancy a taste of the suite life? If you’ve got an SW1X postcode, The Berkeley will whizz breakfast in bed over by bike – think fresh pastries, smoked salmon bagels, pressed juices and granola, bundled in with a daily newspaper and packaged in brown paper with personalised tags. Say yes to the mimosas. the-berkeley.co.uk

At-Home Spa Day

Craving a bit of TLC? Spas might be closed – but there are ways to recreate the experience at home. Check out our handy guide, filled with tips from the experts on everything from equipment-free facial massages to DIY pedicures. Get a head start by ordering one of these beauty box subscriptions for the occasion.

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Arts & Crafts

Get crafty with your household. There’s a whole host of fun adult craft kits available nowadays, such as TOTL – Tom Foolery’s jewellery-making kit, pottery kits from Sculpd, and a make-your-own macramé hanger kit from Wool And The Gang.

Décor

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You’ll be saving money on going out this year – so why not invest in the décor instead? Bubble Gum Balloons is famed for its Instagram-worthy displays, while Ginger Ray has all kinds of themed party decorations.

Fine-Dining Restaurant Delivery

You may not be able to go out for a fancy meal, but with so many high-end restaurants now offering delivery it’s possible to recreate the dining out experience at home. London’s stellar takeaway offering now includes Nobu Old Park Lane, Hakkasan, Napoli Gang and Bluebird Chelsea. Set the table with your finest tableware, light some candles and feast away fuss-free. Alternatively, make your own with one of the many restaurant DIY kits now available.

DIY Afternoon Tea

Steven Joyce

Afternoon tea is always a popular birthday activity, so why not create your own version at home? Your living room may not be as fancy as The Ritz – but knowing you’ve made everything from scratch will make it taste that little bit sweeter. We’ve put together a guide here, featuring information on proper tea drinking alongside a selection of recipes, from sandwiches to scones to sweet treats. Alternatively, save yourself the hassle with an afternoon tea delivery – top-end places like The Shard and Fortnum & Mason also offer hampers.

Virtual party

Looking to host a virtual event? There are numerous companies who can help. Check out The Digital Murder Mystery Co. for download-ready parties, immersive evenings and bespoke soirées – all of which are specifically designed for entertaining online. There are a wide range of pre-crafted murder mystery themes to choose from: travel to exotic 1960s Acapulco and party with the Mexican elite, join an American circus or dance the night away at a glamorous Gatsby-esque party. Alternatively, organisers can bring bespoke ideas to life.

There’s also digital events planning company Virtually Together, which was created to help people stay connected during periods of isolation. Organisers will plan a range of virtual activities for you: suggestions on their books include everything from sushi making to a murder mystery party to life drawing.

You could also throw virtual dinner party with the help of our handy guide, which includes tips on everything from video calling apps to food to creating atmosphere. Chef Ollie Dabbous offers cooking ideas, including where to source ingredients and how to devise a menu, alongside tips on serving bubbly from Pommery Champagne. Interior designer Shayne Brady, meanwhile, provides inspiration on creating a good set-up, dining space and atmosphere.

Cocktails

Last but certainly not least: the drinks. If you’re up for giving your bartending skills a go, lockdown has led to an influx of great DIY cocktail kits, such as this Jazz Age-inspired box from Belle Livingstone Spirits and Passoa’s Pornstar Martini kit. If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, order in from one of the many alcohol delivery services, such as cocktail box brand NIO Cocktails or The Drinks Drop, which bills itself as ‘the Deliveroo for cocktails’.

Movie Night

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Why not sync up with a friend watching a film. Go for the cult classics: the Harry Potter series, Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral are some go tos. Why not check out what’s coming out Netflix in 2022 for more.

Featured image: Coco Tafoya, Unsplash

At-Home Date Night Ideas / Which Restaurants Deliver?