Inside James Hird’s 50th birthday party celebrations

Former Bombers player and coach James Hird has celebrated his 50th birthday at a party with friends and family that served up 700 meatballs.

Former Essendon player and coach James Hird has celebrated his 50th birthday surrounded by family and friends on Saturday.

Hird’s wife Tania posted pictures on social media of the special gathering at what looked like the family home in Toorak.

James Hird's birthday cake.

The accessories designer wrote a touching tribute to the recently departed GWS part-time assistant coach with whom she shares four children.

“An incredible week of preparation for the first day of the Melbourne Gift Fair, first week back at school and of course a 50th of family proportions!” she wrote on her Tania Hird Designs account.

James Hird celebrated surrounded by family and friends.

“So proud of our family from my sister and brother in law who flew down for the affair and “wouldn’t miss it” no matter how hard to orchestrate, to Will, who helped me make 700 meatballs (James favourite comfort dish), home made garlic bread, peppermint slice and a birthday cake to rival the best during the week prior as I had to attend the gift fair for part of the day and needed to have everything made, set, wrapped and balloons picked up in advance.

The food on offer included 700 meatballs, James Hird’s favourite food.

Tania Hird posted pictures of the gathering on social media.

“To Tom and Al for helping me with pre pre set up, the music, bar etc and Steph who organised the best morning for their dad with Asahi bowls and golf following our breakfast coffee while I was not in attendance.

Balloons at the party.

“A close knit get together James labelled “awesome” and a special celebration for someone very special to each and everyone in the room. Truly special and memorable and sooo grateful to this family! You know you are loved JH.”

Tania ended the post with the hashtags family is everything, family love and you can do anything.

James Hird's wife Tania (right) posted a tribute to her husband.

Hird made an unsuccessful attempt to return to senior coaching with the Bombers last year, following his messy departure from the club in 2015.