Turning 100 is a momentous occasion. Less than 2% of the US population turned 100 years old. Planning a birthday celebration for any centennial requires sensitivity. It is very possible that they are frail and have mobility problems. The location of the party should take this into account.

Step 1. Discuss the party with the birthday celebrant. NEVER HAVE A SURPRISE PARTY for someone this age. Together, create an invitation list of friends and family.

Step 2. Learn all you can about the birthday celebrant. If she is in a wheelchair or sick, have the party at her house. If you live in a nursing home, please make arrangements with the manager for this very special event. You need to know about all allergies and limitations. For example, if you can’t hear, don’t spend money on music.

Step 3. Plan the meal. There may be rules to follow if you live in a nursing home. If you can hold the party in a private home, consider hiring a caterer. An alternative is to ask friends to bring a plate. The hostess provides only the birthday cake and drinks.

Use the dining table with its best linens and china for a smaller group. Many centenarians are especially fond of their possessions and will have fond memories at the dining room table with its beautiful china and silver.

Buffets will be difficult for older people. If there is a large group of guests, place the food on a buffet or dining table, but have helpers serve the seated elders, especially the birthday girl.

Step 4. Be sure to have a non-alcoholic punch or soft drink, as the celebrant or older guests may need to avoid mixing alcohol with medication.

Step 5. Bake your favorite birthday cake. Top it with HAPPY BIRTHDAY letter candles or place three large 1-0-0 candles on the cake. Western tradition allows 100 small candles on the cake, but she probably can’t blow them all out and this will make her feel bad.

Step 6. Entertainment must be appropriate for older people. The children’s choir is one of the favourites. A violinist or pianist could provide background music in addition to a set programme.

Step 7. Consider hiring a photographer or videographer. All family members will appreciate copies of these keepsakes.

Step 8. Decorations make any place festive. Party Supplies: Banners, balloons, and yard signs can be purchased at your favorite party store or online.

Do not forget the flowers for the centerpieces and the corsage or boutonniere for the gentleman.

Step 9. Get dressed. Work with the birthday celebrant on the dress for the day. Make sure you have a current haircut or hairstyle. Fix ladies makeup and choose an attractive outfit. Purchase a tiara for the birthday girl. Party supply places have fun places with the number 100 prominently displayed. A fun hat for a birthday boy sets the party mood. They want to look and feel good for this special day.

Step 10. Gifts. Happy Birthday from the Today Show and Willard Scott can be obtained by sending a request with a photo to: Willard Scott Birthdays, TODAY show, NBC News, 4001 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016. NBC requests that this information be in their hands 6 weeks before the recipient’s birthday. They can’t mention everyone on the air, but it doesn’t hurt to submit a request.

Get a list of the Governor, US Senators and Representatives, and the Mayor of your city of birthday celebrants. Write to them with the data of the centenarians who are about to have a birthday and ask them to send them a congratulatory letter. Most politicians have staff that attend to these matters.

Contact the local newspaper and the church to which the birthday boy or girl belongs. They will print it in the newspaper or church bulletin. Be sure to say that the birthday will be celebrated with a small, private family gathering. This way, you won’t get killjoys.

A favorite gift is a digital photo frame with family photos. Gather all the photos, add music, and set it up as a continuous slideshow. It’s a wonderful way to remember centenarians of their extended family. If you have access to photos from your past, please include those as well.

Enjoy this very special party! You will make this person very happy on his birthday.

Sample letter to the mayor requesting a congratulatory letter for the Centenary

Dating 6 weeks before birthday

Mayor John Doe

Town Hall Suite 100

City, street, zip code

Dear Mr. Mayor

It is an honor for me to prepare a birthday party for one of the newest centenarians in your city. Lady. Jane Brown Smith has lived in her beautiful city for practically her entire life. She worked with her husband in all three of her businesses while she raised her two children. She has been active in her church, name of the church and civic organizations, Kiwanis Club, Rotary and Boy Scouts. List any awards or recognitions she has received.

Lady. Smith turns 100 on April 17 and it would mean a lot to her to receive a congratulatory letter from you, Mr. Mayor. Send her letter around her birthday to:

Lady. jane brown smith

123 ABC Street

City, street, zip code

Thank you in advance for making his 100th birthday special.

very truly yours

Lady. Smith-Jones, daughter