I believe there are two types of people in the world: those who love their birthdays and celebrate it seemingly for an entire month, and those who do not. Whilst I fall into the latter and don’t usually create a big fuss, I think that the 21st birthday is definitely something worth celebrating. Yes it is just another year around the clock – but it is also so much more than that. It marks the passage into ‘adulthood’, and is an important time to reflect on all you have achieved. Additionally, it is the only important birthday that people (typically) celebrate during university, thus I think the big 21st in Edinburgh and how to celebrate it deserves some stage time.
A 21st in Edinburgh, needless to say, calls for a flat party. There are hundreds of different themes you could pick, but some of my personal favourites are toga/Ancient Greek themed, sports night, World Book Day and frat party. Understandably, the job of host is always quite stressful, so if you want to be a good friend, perhaps organise the party for the celebrator. A surprise party is always an option, but I recommend timing it well to avoid the midterm exhaustion or the pre-exam depression!
Seen as the symbol of newfound maturity, some turning 21 may veer away from the themed party towards the dinner party. Equally as fun, though more intimate (selective), the sourée can actually be more fulfilling. Unless you are a domestic legend and thrive under pressure, a potluck-type dinner is an easy way out of spending your entire day cooking and baking. Each friend brings one dish and one bottle – this way, you can focus more on your birthday than the risk of giving your guests food poisoning. A dinner party is not complete without entertainment, so do not forget the games.
Restaurants such as Chez Jules and Dishoom feel a little more special than the average Wagamas dinner. Cocktail bars like the Voodoo Rooms and The Burrow are also special, feel-good places to make you feel appreciated.
If a party or dinner is not enough attention for you on your 21st, perhaps dragging your friends on a birthday weekend trip would do the trick. Living in Scotland, scenic locations are readily available. A couple of days hiking with your friends in the Highlands or even day trips to St Andrews or Glasgow can be done affordably yet are still special. If there is more of a budget, hop on a flight from Edinburgh Airport to Paris or Rome and set the right tone for your 21st year.
Even if you are not a birthday person, the 21st is a big deal, so pick at least one fun thing to do and celebrate yourself, your achievements, and the people around you!
Image by Kortnee Greenfield on Unsplash.
