Pick Your Character History Party

My husband, Erik, was having a special birthday but he didn’t want a big surprise bash. A dinner would do (he’s not one to create a spotlight around him).

As a history major in college, he is continually curious about anything and everything history. From stopping at road side signs, to reading every word at museums or landmarks, he’s drawn to knowledge of the past and it lights him up.

So when I was thinking of what to do for him, I considered how much he would love it if everyone came to his special dinner as a character from history. But I decided to make it more of a game.

Here’s how we did it:

HAVE EVERYONE PICK A CHARACTER & A WALK UP SONG

I had everyone pick a character and a walk up song that went along with their character – but they couldn’t tell anyone!! I created a playlist of their songs before the party.

Here were some of them:

• Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
• Come Fly with Me – Frank Sinatra
• I Am Woman – Helen Reddy
• The Story of Tonight – Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Here Comes the Money – WWE, Jim Johnston
• Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice
• Airplanes – B.O.B.
• Timber – Pitbull

HAVE EVERYONE DO A WALK UP AS THE OFFICIAL ENTRY TO THE PARTY

We started the party with individuals walking up the front steps one at a time while their song was playing.

AT DINNER HAVE EVERYONE SHARE THEIR 5 FACTS

Have each character speak in first person. ie. “I was the first person to explore Antarctica.” While everyone shares, have the rest of the table write down on a piece of paper who everyone is while they listen. At the end, have everyone reveal their character and whoever gets the most right wins.

My Dad was Confucius and he dropped “wisdom quotes” with everyone all throughout dinner. It was awesome.

GIVE TOASTS

You can have everyone say how an aspect of their character reflects the birthday person, or just give toasts!

HERE WAS OUR INVITATION

Let me know if you end up doing this or tag me on Instagram! I’d love to see what you come up with for your party.

COSTUME IDEAS

This hat – so vintage Hamilton or other Revolutionary figure

This jacket – become a Colonial stud in a flash

This Victorian skirt – can be used for many historical women’s outfits. Easy elastic waist fits many.

This black women’s blouse – also can be used for pretty much any historic woman.

This vintage aviator hat and goggles – become a vintage pilot!

Sensai costume – become a Sensai master like you’ve always wanted to be!

Be Betsy Ross or Florence Nightengale – service is life!

Try Rosie the Riveter for a fun twist

Or you can’t go wrong with Cleopatra

Or maybe Aristotle is more your style

Whatever you choose you can’t go wrong!

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