Everyone knows how to throw a birthday party, right? We've got the lowdown on need-to-know birthday party basics!

Before you plan your big Birthday Bash, take a moment to consider:

• Who will be invited to the party. Choose a theme, decorations, food and drink based on whether it's going to be just the girls, or if Grandma's coming, too.
• Choose a birthday party theme that your special person finds enjoyable. Get creative. Does he love golf? Schedule tee times for him and his closest friends. Does she love to read? Have a "book club" party to discuss her favorite novel. Whatever you choose, remember to honor the Birthday Boy or Girl!

The Element of Surprise

Everyone says they don't like them, but but does your birthday person secretly want a surprise birthday party? You don't have to have a supertime catered ordeal with loads of guests, either. Surprise your birthday one with a secretive dinner planned at their favorite restuarant, or take them (blindfolded) to a beloved spot in town. Or, surprise them with little presents throughout their special day. Hide small gifts in their office, lunch, car, and around home to keep them guessing all day what birthday surprise lurks around the corner.

Restaurant Parties

If you don't have the time or the inclination to clean your house and prepare food, why not have your birthday celebration at a restaurant? Many have special birthday offers, whether it be a song sung by the waitstaff or a special dessert adorned with candles. And, you can still make it a private affiar: set placecards at each setting for a more personal touch, and bring favors for everyone attending to thank them for coming.

Progressive Parties

Make your birthday celebration last the whole night through by holding a "progressive" dinner or party, where guests go from home to home for different meal courses, or different kinds of cocktails, or activities. For a Las Vegas-style celebration, have different gambling games at each house (poker, then blackjack, craps, and so on), or designate each home one country in a world of parties - a Mexican fiesta, a Parisian cafe party, or a Chinese New Year party. Come up with a theme for your progressive party, and cart your special birthday person to different places for a varied, unique kind of birthday fun. (Remember, however, to appoint designated drivers to drive from house to house to avoid turning a great birthday into a tragedy.)