When it comes to throwing a party, 50 is the new 21

FIFTIETH birthday bashes have overtaken 21st celebrations in popularity, as 50 is now considered the “peak” age to throw a party, sales figures for cards and party paraphernalia show.

Sales of 50th birthday cards have for the first time eclipsed the number of 21st birthday cards sold, according to Clintons, the UK’S biggest cards retailer.

The half-century celebrations now account for 16 per cent of all card sales, compared to 14.1 per cent for 21st birthdays. According to the retailer, age 50 is also its top milestone age for party balloons, with year-on-year sales rising by 57 per cent.

Party planners also said they had seen an increase in 50th bashes, which were more extravagant than parties celebrating younger milestones.

The average number of guests at a 50th bash is typically more than double the number attending a younger person’s do, they said.

At around 100 guests, the list for a 50th birthday is likely to include adult children, former colleagues and several sets of friends.