Whatever your age, celebrating a milestone birthday is an important occasion for most people. However, as people get older, celebrating becomes less about wild nights on the town partying and more about an intimate and comfortable celebration with good food and great wine. Dinner parties tend to replace nights at a club, and this may be the plan for your upcoming birthday celebrations.

Dinner parties most commonly take place at a home, but if you hate the idea of cooking and dread the after-dinner cleaning, then hosting your birthday dinner at a restaurant might be a more appealing option. Here are four things that you can do to ensure that both you and your guests have a relaxed and happy time at your birthday dinner celebration.

1. Book early

It's best to make your restaurant booking as early as you possibly can. This is important when you're booking for a large number of guests to ensure that your chosen venue has enough space to comfortably accommodate you and your guests. Many restaurants have a special area or separate room for large bookings or parties, so booking early will guarantee that you get the space that you want.

2. Plan your menu

For a large number of guests, creating a special or reduced menu for your guests to choose from can make the occasion easier and less stressful. Instead of your guests ordering off the main menu, put together a smaller set menu with the restaurant that will simplify the ordering for guests and enable the food to be prepared faster and served promptly.

3. Remember the drinks

If you're planning on paying for your guests' drinks as well as their meals, you'll need to figure out your best options. Offering a selection of pre-purchased wines and beers is a great way to keep your costs under control without an unpleasant surprise at the end of the night. Let your guests know what's included and if they would like spirits or liqueurs,ask that they purchase them separately at the bar.

4. Stick with what you know

Although a certain new venue or a certain style of cuisine may be all the rage, you're better off sticking to a restaurant and cuisine that you know will provide great food and excellent service. An awful meal served by rude or incompetent staff can spoil what should be a happy and relaxed birthday celebration.

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