My first birthday party was at Kentucky Fried Chicken, and being the fast-food-deprived kid, I loved it.
Since then, I’ve been a fan of birthday parties — it’s a time of celebration, but it’s also a time of feasting!
If you’re invited to a birthday party, or you’re hosting one, here’s a list of questions to get people talking (beyond the basic “happy birthday!” or “thanks for coming/inviting”):
If you’re the guest
Small talk
- Busy day/evening preparing for the party?
- Who else did you invite to the party?
- Can I help with anything?
- One year older, one year wiser? (only if they are not sensitive about getting older)
These are great especially if the birthday boy/girl is running around trying to entertain everyone.
Deeper questions
- Any birthday wishes/reflections?
- What/who are you grateful for on your birthday?
- What have you learned since your last birthday?
- What do you hope to accomplish by your next birthday?
- If you were granted three birthday wishes, what would they be?
If there’s a quieter moment, these questions will lead to meaningful conversations.
If you’re the host
Small talk
- When’s your birthday?
- When was the last birthday party you attended?
- Would you like some <specific food/drink>?
- What do you eat or drink on your birthday?
- Do you ever celebrate celebrity birthdays? Why or why not?
Deeper questions
- How do you celebrate your birthdays?
- What does your birthday mean to you?
- What was your favorite birthday gift?
- What was your most memorable birthday celebration?
- What’s your birthday wish for me?
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- 18 conversation starters for meaningful family gatherings
- How to start a conversation with anyone
- 25 useful phrases to keep a conversation going (and avoid awkward silence)
- 12 simple phrases to end a conversation politely