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Your loved one is now over the hill and it calls for a grand celebration.
Reviewed by JoAnn Moore, Master Wedding Planner JoAnn MooreMaster Wedding Planner Specialty: Green WeddingsExperience: 25 years JoAnn is a Master Wedding Planner, a Certified Professional Wedding Consultant, a Certified Green Wedding Planner, and a Certified Sandals Specialist. She has also authored a book titled “Laughing All the Way to the Altar.” Her weddings have been featured in Bride’s Magazine, Premier Bride Magazine, The Knot Wedding Magazine, and The Reign Magazine. Read full bio of JoAnn Moore
Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA shikha thakurMBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood. Read full bio of Shikha Thakur
Edited by Akshay Nair, MA akshay nairMA Specialty: Love, Marriage, RelationshipsExperience: 4.5 years Akshay is an associate editor and former journalist with more than four years of experience. A post graduate in Mass Communication and Journalism, he has strong professional and academic background in the field of content writing and editing. Read full bio of Akshay Nair
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In This Article
Fun 40th Birthday Party Themes
A theme party makes any celebration organized, exciting, systematic, and professional. Examine our list of 40th birthday party theme ideas.
- Comedy nights: A great theme can be stand-up comedy, funny speeches about the birthday girl/boy, or recalling funny memories. While making jokes about the birthday person, take care not to hurt their feelings. Reminiscing about some strange and foolish deeds during childhood causes a wave of laughter at the party. This joyful celebration energizes the birthday boy/girl for their upcoming
- Appreciation time: This is an excellent time to reflect on the journey of the person celebrating their 40th birthday and an appropriate time to commend the birthday boy or girl for fighting life’s battles with grit and perseverance. These memories are precious to people in their 40s. Invite classmates, coworkers, cousins, and anyone else who has been in the thick and thin with the birthday boy or girl. These are the people who have witnessed the journey of the birthday celebrity from zero to hero. Invitees may speak about the jolly good and helping nature, professionalism, intellect, loving and protective nature of the birthday person. This theme will be remembered for many years to come.
- Dancing to the rhythm: Dancing to the favorite beats of the birthday person can be a lot of fun. This is a great idea for a dance party to enjoy to your heart’s content. So let your hair down and dance until you sweat to make everyone feel energized and lively. Favorite songs and music lift the spirits and inspire new memories.
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- Food and drinks: “Good food makes a good mood.” You can organize buffets, barbecues, picnic setups, food stalls, and live counters. You can arrange the choicest of food from continental to intercontinental. Cocktails and mocktails are an integral part of food-focused parties.
- Dress code and color code themes: Everything about this party should make the birthday boy/girl feel special. You can select a superstar theme, Halloween theme, a vampire or zombie theme, a 1980s theme, a Hollywood theme, or some funny theme for a costume party. Choosing light colors for the dress code adds a professional touch to the party, while funky bright colors are appropriate for casual celebrations. You can choose blue, black, or gray color codes for men’s birthday parties, while pink, white, or yellow colors are appropriate for women’s birthday parties.
- Restaurant hopping: Exploring new restaurants can be fun! Eat a starter at a famous restaurant and dessert at another. Have your favorite tea and relax at the old pizza joint. Don’t settle for one when you can have it all.
- Recreating 20s moments: Make a list of things you did in your twenties that you remember fondly. To relive your youth, try recreating them at a birthday party. Inviting childhood friends and recalling memories can take one on a trip down memory lane. This can make you feel unique and spry.
- Never have I ever: Trying new things can be exciting and provide a real adrenaline rush for the birthday person. List the things they’ve never done before but have always wanted to try. Then challenge them to do the tasks.
- Yacht party: This sounds like something adults would do! Throw a lavish yacht party and enjoy the perks of getting older. Living your dreams is the most extraordinary feeling you can have as you mature and grow towards success.
- Trivia games: 1980s party games such as guessing the celebrities born in 1980 or “who am I” are entertaining games that keep everyone entertained while they ponder over the questions posed.
- Pizza party: Pizza is an all-time favorite dish. Bake-your-own-pizza parties are a recent craze. Hold pizza-making contests and make-it-from-scratch pizza challenges. Arrange pizza crusts, unbaked dough, various assorted toppings, and cheese. Maintain a wine and veer counter to complement the hand-made pizzas.
- Binge-watching a series: Set up a projector or rent a home theater, and arrange for some snacks to munch on or popcorn tubs to dig into as you binge-watch the birthday boy/favorite girl’s series.
Did you know?
If you are a movie-lover, Forrest Gump, This is 40, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Girls Trip are among the top picks you may like watching on your 40th birthday.
- Retro 80’s bash: A Retro ’80s Bash will transport you to the 1980s. You can decorate the party space using retro posters, neon colors, and iconic ’80s symbols like Rubik’s Cubes and cassette tapes. Encourage guests to wear ’80s attire, such as leg warmers and scrunchies. Make a playlist of vintage hits and let everyone dance to the songs that defined the decade. You can also serve snacks and drinks from the 1980s, such as Pop Rocks and Tab cola.
- Surprise birthday video: Create a birthday video to wish the birthday boy/girl heartfelt messages. Compile the short personalized videos into a single video and play it at the birthday party. Allow the emotional rush to sink into everyone’s heart as they adore and cherish the messages for the rest of their lives.
- Photobooth: Set up a photo booth at the party. Arrange birthday props and take amusing pictures in the photo booth. Allow your best memories to be captured in lenses!
- Eco-friendly party: Is the birthday girl/boy a nature lover? You can organize an eco-friendly birthday party by planting plants, sowing seeds, and collecting garbage and plastic from a nearby trekking point or hill.
- Go tripping: Plan a 40s special trip with your closest friends and family. Explore the unknown, live in the moment, wake up to sunsets, and drink in the twilight. Grill your barbeque and dance by the bonfire. Take a road trip or choose a landscape rail trial.
- To-do list: Make a to-do list before your 50s. Include activities that you’ve always wanted to try. Take advice from close friends and family, and then do at least one thing on your 40th birthdayto feel motivated.
- Casino night: Bring the thrill of the casino to your celebration. You can set up blackjack tables, roulette wheels, and poker tables. You may also provide guests with play money or poker chips for a fun gaming experience. To complete the casino experience, serve beverages and appetizers. Encourage everyone to dress in their best casino attire, such as suits and evening gowns.
- Cruising: On your 40th birthday, go cruising with your favorite group of people. Relax on the deck and enjoy the salty breeze. Take in some vitamin sea and soak up some sun. Rejuvenate on the 40th birthday with a relaxing but exhilarating outdoor activity.
Image: IStock
- Garden party: You can organize an outside garden party surrounded by nature’s beauty. You may decorate the party space with fairy lights, beautiful flowers, and gorgeous table settings. It’s a peaceful and elegant way to celebrate in the midst of a beautiful garden setting.
- Carnival extravaganza: Make a backyard carnival complete with games such as a trampoline, ring toss, a dunk tank, and a popcorn machine. You may use bright bunting and circus-themed accessories to decorate the party area. To double the fun, you may also offer classic carnival treats, including caramel apples, cotton candy, and hot dogs.
- Arcade party: A vintage arcade-themed party will transport you back in time, savoring the nostalgia of classic arcades. Arrange iconic arcade machines such as Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, and Pinball. You may decorate the space with neon lights and arcade graphics from the 1980s. Setting up a high-score tournament and serving arcade-themed food such as pretzels and popcorn may also elevate the excitement.
- Mardi gras madness: Let us infuse the occasion with the vibrant energy of New Orleans by using a Mardi Gras theme. Consider the setting to be decked with strings of beads, colorful masks, and the gentle sounds of jazz music. The menu will feature Cajun and Creole flavors, including gumbo, jambalaya, and delicious beignets.
- Pirate adventure: With eye patches, pirate caps, and treasure chest decorations, you may set sail on a Pirate adventure. Make a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt for guests to participate in. You may also provide pirate-themed food like shellfish and rum punch for an adventurous good time.
- Mystery masquerade: This interesting theme combines mystery and masquerade. Decorate with candlelight, masked figures, and intriguing accents. You can organize a murder mystery game for guests to solve.
- Around-the-clock party: An around-the-clock party is a great way to celebrate 24 hours of enjoyment. You can dedicate each hour to a different decade or theme. You may decorate appropriately and provide music, activities, and food that match each time period, creating a one-of-a-kind journey through the day.
- Hawaiian Luau: A Hawaiian Luau can add a touch of Hawaii to your occasion. Set the mood with tiki torches, leis, and tropical flowers. You can play some laid-back Hawaiian music and, if the mood strikes, hold a hula dance contest. It’s an easy way to give your celebration some island flair.
40th Birthday Party Ideas For Men
Attendees at a 40th birthday party are mature men.
The celebrations should allow them to reveal their inner boy. Here are some 40th birthday party ideas for men.
- Boozing: Birthday parties for men aren’t complete without alcohol. You can set up a minibar with a wide variety of drinks. Tasty appetizers to accompany the hard drinks and various cocktails will elevate such parties for men. The food should, of course, be the birthday’s boy choice. After a night of drinking, people can become emotional and pour their hearts out.
- Go fishing:Fishing is a man’s all-time favorite pastime. Ensure you have all the necessary equipment, such as hooks, weights, and floats. You’ll need to be patient while waiting to catch a fish.
- Game night: Show your gambling skills and have a great time that you will remember for the rest of your life. Deep thinkers may engage in a chess match, and some may demonstrate their dartboard prowess.
- Karaoke: Get the speakers and microphones ready and show off your singing talent as you sing along to the karaoke. Music is known as the healer, so sing along and enjoy the birthday celebration.
Quick tip
Based on the theme of your party, select songs, keep the tracks of your songs handy, practice them beforehand, and impress your guests with your singing skills.
- Racing: Men and their adrenaline rushes are inextricably linked. Racing games can be enjoyable for adventure enthusiasts. Organize a bike race, car race, or cycling marathon. Boys may experience some 20s moments such as competing and racing.
- Workout challenges: This is yet another excellent idea for feeling energized in your 40s. Challenge one another to do 20 pushups, ten burpees, or 20 crunches. In addition, this fitness-focused celebration can include challenging skipping or yoga asanas.
- Golf getaway: You can pick a nice golf resort and book tee times on amazing courses. You may consider giving personalized golf gifts like golf balls and towels can make it extra special. Organizing a friendly gold competition can add to the fun.
- Sports fanatic paradise: This idea is a great way to honor the birthday person’s favorite sports team. You can decorate with team jerseys, colors, and sporting goods. Setting up games like tiny basketball hoops and football tossing can also add to the excitement. Consider serving hot wings, nachos, and sliders as game-day snacks.
- Brewery tour: You can celebrate your 40th birthday with a craft beer brewery tour. Plan a guided tour of local craft breweries where guests can sample a selection of handcrafted beers. Have someone knowledgeable about beer explain the brewing process, offering a chance for beer enthusiasts to learn together. It’s a fun way to enjoy a good time with friends and family.
- Outdoor BBQ cook-off: You may organize a backyard barbecue tournament with teams or individuals preparing their best barbecue recipes. You can also provide ingredients, grills, and a judging panel. Visitors can try delicacies and cast ballots for their favorites.
- Motorcycle road trip: If the birthday boy is a motorcycle lover, organize an exciting motorcycle road trip. Take a scenic route and ensure safety by providing a support vehicle and appropriate gear. You may take stops at popular biker-friendly locations, sample local food, and bond over the excitement of the trip.
- Hikes: Hiking is a popular activity among travelers. Gather all the necessary equipment, ensure safety precautions, put on your sports shoes, and go for a hike. Age is just a number; you are as young as your heart tells you to be.
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- Rope course: Participating in a ropes course may be a refreshing activity for adults, helping them feel energetic and youthful. This outdoor activity requires people to overcome both physical and mental challenges as they work their way through obstacles hanging above the ground.
- Lasertag party: A laser tag party might be the perfect birthday celebration for someone who enjoys a little friendly competition. It offers a fun experience whether you have indoor or outdoor options, depending on the available area and equipment. In laser tag, players wear vests equipped with sensors to monitor tags emitted by laser beams. The team with the most tags at the end of the game wins.
- Go-kart racing: A go-kart race is an excellent way to spend your special day with friends. It offers fun and bonding without being too physically demanding. Go-kart tracks often provide a variety of packages, making them affordable for everyone. It’s an opportunity to have some fast-paced fun and make lasting memories with your closest friends.
- Live concert: A live concert can be an awesome idea for a fun 40th birthday celebration. It can offer the opportunity to watch your favorite musician perform live and give you a relaxing and good time.
- Beach party: Another idea is to rent a beachfront home for a coastal celebration. You may set up picnic tables and lawn chairs for everyone to relax on. Don’t forget to order a personalized and delicious birthday cake. You can organize beach-side games like cornhole, bocce ball, and beach volleyball to keep the good times rolling.
- Pool party: You can throw a pool party for a fun birthday celebration. You can organize various fun parties for your guests like water volleyball, pool basketball, and a friendly float race to keep the celebration fun and lively. You can also double the fun by adding a large inflatable slide for the guests.
40th Birthday Party Ideas For Women
Women are a combination of elegance and boldness. Flowers, food, music, jewelry, cosmetics, and fashionable clothing make up the inner core of a women’s party. Gayatri Kini, a blogger, shares her experience of celebrating her 40th birthday with her near and dear ones. She says, “When I turned 40, my husband, children, and friends threw me a great 40th birthday party. It was a great day filled with love, laughter, music, good food, and most importantly, my loved ones. I felt very special to be appreciated in that way and reminded of my entry into the big league as a newly minted 40-year-old (i)!” Here is a list of 40th birthday ideas for women.
- Cooking class: Schedule a cooking class for your ladies’ group. Take some baking courses, and you’ll be able to bake your birthday cake. Attempt to arrange all the necessary ingredients, as well as separate working desks for each.
- Wine tasting and grape stomping: Wine is a woman’s best friend! So, how about going to a good winery or brewing company to taste some fine wines? Arrange grape stomping because it is an excellent fun activity to create eternal memories.
- Girls’ night out: Get dressed as divas for the night out, or relax at home in pajamas. Give each other’s makeup and share your secrets! Make sure the party location is safe because you may get drunk on a girls’ night out.
- Spa sessions: Girls and spas are inseparable. Relaxing and rejuvenating hair and body spas and foot massages and facials are perfect for enjoying birthday celebrations for women. You can also choose a sauna bath as a perfect birthday activity, get all the toxins out of the body, relax, and feel the calmness of life.
- Skiing: Skiing provides a magical and memorable birthday celebration, regardless of whether she is an expert skier or a first-timer on the slopes. Whether you choose to go skiing with a group of close friends or rent a cozy ski chalet for the day, it’s an experience that guarantees wonderful moments in the midst of the winter season.
- Yoga sessions: Rejuvenating yoga sessions can be arranged to strengthen the core of the body. You can hire a good yoga teacher. You need to ensure that there are enough places for activities.
- Tea party: A tea party is an excellent choice to celebrate birthdays. Share all the gossip while drinking your favorite tea. While chatting with your girl, indulge in your favorite hot drink. You can choose a tea cafe or arrange it in the backyard, lawn, or balcony.
- Hollywood soiree: Roll out the red carpet for a glamorous Hollywood soiree. Invite guests to dress up like their favorite celebrities and set the atmosphere with exquisite Hollywood decor. Make an A-list photo booth with a gold backdrop and accessories.
- Boho garden party: You can have a Boho garden party for a creative and laid-back celebration. Think about incorporating ethereal bohemian accents like lanterns, tapestries, and flower crowns into your decor. Create a comfortable lounge area with floor cushions and rugs. Invite guests to dress in boho chic clothes. You could also provide kombucha, herbal teas, and organic snacks. Setting up a station for making dreamcatchers or flower arrangements is also good.
- Paint and sip night: You may throw an artsy paint-and-sip night as a creative celebration. Think about setting up an art studio or choosing a location with an art theme. Provide paint, canvases, and brushes to your guests. A skilled artist can lead visitors through a painting session while they sip wine or beverages. It’s a fun and expressive way for friends to celebrate while channeling their inner artists.
- Bonfire celebration: Gather your friends and family for a memorable bonfire birthday party beneath the stars. You can set up a secure fire pit in a scenic outdoor setting, such as a lakeside, beach, or garden. Provide blankets and marshmallow roasting sticks for comfy seating. Enjoy a buffet of classic campfire delights, such as s’mores and hot dogs, while sipping warm beverages or your favorite cocktail.
- Book lover’s paradise: If the birthday woman is a bibliophile, you can consider organizing a book lover’s literary salon. You can turn your living area into a comfortable library with reading nooks, bookcases, and literary decor. You may also encourage visitors to bring their favorite books for a swap.
- Potluck: Forget about cooking and cleaning up after the party. Instead, host a potluck gathering with everyone bringing their favorite food. You may even sneak in some recipes to ensure the birthday girl’s favorite dishes are on the menu. Don’t forget to bring the cake and candles.
- All-girls trip: When did you last go for an all-girls trip? What better way to travel with your favorite girl than on your birthday? Choose a location based on your preferences, such as a quiet leisure destination or a party hub. Book the tickets and hotel accommodation before your journey.
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- Glow-in-the-dark: This unique and exciting celebration transforms the night into a neon wonderland. Create the ambiance with glow-in-the-dark decorations, vibrant lights, and fluorescent paint. You can encourage guests to dress in white or neon-colored clothing that will reflect brightly under UV lamps.
- Monochrome: Monochrome elegance is a simple and entertaining idea for your 40th birthday party. Just choose one color to be the main focus, and ask your guests to dress entirely in that shade. Coordinate all aspects of your party, from the décor to the birthday cake and unique cocktails, to create a cohesive monochrome ambiance that radiates flair and simplicity.
- Escape room challenge: You may immerse yourself in an exciting journey with an escape room challenge. Choose a themed escape room where guests must solve puzzles and riddles in order to escape within a certain amount of time. Encourage teamwork and problem-solving as they discover clues. You may celebrate with a themed cake and drinks after the challenge.
40th Birthday Party Decoration Ideas
The birthday party decoration should be done well, keeping in mind the tastes of the birthday celebrity. Use light shades of your favorite colors for decoration. The exquisite, sophisticated, and neat decoration can appeal to all the attendees.
- Photo display: Old childhood photos of the birthday celebrity can be displayed on the party wall. You can arrange pictures from childhood to the 40th birthday with creative captions. For example, childhood photos may have captions such as fairy, lolly dolly, cutie pie, prince/princess, and angel. In contrast, pictures from younger days can have captions such as naughty nuts, blooming beauty, smarty, on the moon, and intelligent.
- Flowers: Flowers are an excellent choice for decorations. Arrangements can be scarcely placed or choose the flower background of the birthday cake cutting stage. Flowers can enhance the decoration and add elegance, charm, and fragrance to the ambiance.
- Balloons: A birthday without balloons is incomplete. Set the color codes in balloon decoration according to your birthday theme.
- Lanterns: Hanging lanterns enhance the party decor. Light up the lanterns and feel the magic of light. Lanterns are best for outdoor or lawn parties.
- Candles: Place some great scented candles to enliven the birthday party. A candlelight walkway can be arranged for the birthday girl/boy’s entry.
- Greeting cards: Display greeting cards and personalized messages is a good decoration idea. You can arrange it in a spare corner, or you can clip and hang the cards along a rope or stick the cards to form a wall of greetings.
- Glasses: You can set fancy glasses or personalized glasses with names to add personal style to the party. The tower arrangement of cut glasses can enhance the beauty of the drinks tables.
- Metallic fruits: If you want to add a touch of elegance to your party, consider applying edible metallic gold or silver paint to fresh fruits. This simple trick can transform them into stunning decorations. Arrange these adorned fruits in decorative bowls to create a captivating centerpiece that enhances the party’s ambiance with a touch of charm.
- Curtains: Color code matching curtains can be used as a backdrop decor idea. All decorative cloth hangings and curtains must be stain-free and spotless.
- Fairy lights: The fairy lights are a decoration that is never out of style. Fairy lights are an excellent way to take your decor to the next level of elegance. In addition, you can use the fairy lights to create the name of the birthday person. Alternatively, the lights can be placed around the cake to draw attention to the birthday cake.
- Customized banners: Create personalized banners that include the birthday person’s name and age. Hang them prominently to make the person being honored feel special.
- Chalkboard sign: Display fun information or milestones from the last 40 years on a chalkboard sign. It’s an excellent conversation starter and adds a personal touch.
- Memory jar: Set up a memory jar so guests can record their favorite moments with the birthday person. It doubles as decor and a heartfelt activity.
- Pom-poms: Hang colorful paper pom-poms from the ceiling to give the party a joyful and bright feel. Simply DIY these funny decorations using tissue paper for a low-cost, eye-catching decor piece.
- Starry ceiling: To create a wonderful, starry night effect, decorate the ceiling with hanging stars and twinkle lights. This celestial atmosphere can take guests to a mystical space, ideal for celebrating under the ‘starry’ skies of the milestone 40th birthday.
- Tassel garlands: Hang tassel garlands in the party colors above the dining area or around the walls to add a burst of color and a festive touch to the decor.
- Food stalls: The arrangement of food and drinks is part of the decoration. Salads cut in bird or animal shapes and vegetable decorations may accompany table decorations. You can keep stylish napkins on the tables for guests to use.
Image: IStock
- Mirror ball: Hang a mirror ball, often known as a disco ball, to create a mesmerizing dance floor atmosphere with its sparkling reflections.
- Birthday throne: You are the royalty of the day on your birthday, so you may enhance your regal position with a birthday throne. Arrange a decorated throne at your party venue to serve as a wonderful backdrop for photos or gift opening in style.
40th Birthday Party Games
Games are always an excellent addition to birthday parties, keeping the guests entertained. In addition, you can give out exciting prizes for winners to make the party more memorable.
- Housie: This is a classic party game. Housie doubles the fun of the party by involving everyone in the celebrations. Ensure that there are enough pens or pencils for guests.
- Musical chairs: This game needs a sufficient number of chairs for participants. It is necessary to arrange the speakers to play the music.
- Pictionary: Create a drawing area and play Pictionary. The most enjoyable aspect of this game is guessing incorrectly, and the competitive nature of groups takes it to a whole new level.
- Spin the bottle: Daring the person to do what is asked is always entertaining. Make the person complete the dare or tell the truth.
- Murder mystery games: Mind-boggling games such as solving mysteries are excellent choices. Form groups to solve the mystery and brainstorm ideas.
- Would you rather: This classic icebreaker game always results in entertaining and lively conversations. To engage the group, ask ‘would you rather’ questions and have everyone take turns replying. For example, you could ask a question like, “Would you rather become young forever or give up sweets forever?”
- Reverse charades: Teams work together to act out a word while someone else tries to guess it in this game. This game is special since every person on the team engages in the game, providing an enjoyable and entertaining interaction that’s excellent for making people laugh and enjoy themselves.
- Beer pong: Beer Pong is a classic drinking game in which two individuals or teams alternate tossing ping pong balls into cups containing beer or other beverages, all arranged on a table. When a ball successfully enters a cup, the opposing team is obliged to consume the contents of that cup. The primary objective is to be the first to clear your opponent’s cups. This is a widely enjoyed party activity that blends social interaction with friendly competition.
- Never have I ever: Never have I ever is a party game where participants take turns stating ‘Never Have I Ever…’ followed by an activity to share experiences they’ve never had. Others who have performed such activity reply by sipping their drink or raising their hand. It’s an enjoyable approach to learning about each other’s lives and can lead to interesting discussions.
- Try not to laugh: In this game, participants share funny stuff to make others laugh while maintaining a straight face. Players who laugh are eliminated, and the last one standing wins the game. It’s a lighthearted game that’s often played at events for fun.
40th Birthday Party Food Ideas
A party is incomplete without good food, which merges with the idea of celebration. Here are 40th birthday party food ideas.
- Starters: Pay attention to the starters on the menu. When planning starters, consider the tastes of vegetarians and non-vegetarian guests. Starters are ideal for an inclusive alcohol party. Grilled, fried, barbeque chicken, cottage cheese, and vegetables are some of the best starters. In addition, a beach party may include seafood, such as crabs and fish.
Point to consider
A backyard BBQ is a great option if you are planning a party at your place. Prep your food and supplies, add some decorative lights, and let the party begin!
- Snacks: Snacks such as popcorn, chips, and corn are ideal for passing around during the party. Snacks are a must for a party, especially if it’s a movie night. In addition, specially designed serving cones, bowls, or glasses can elevate the presentation.
- Drinks: Choice of mocktails and cocktails have an impression on the guests. It sometimes plays a vital role in presenting the classiness of the party.
- Birthday cake: The birthday cake is the most critical part of the birthday celebration. The birthday boy/girl should choose the flavor. The number of guests determines the size of the cake. There are several options to choose from, including a photo print cake, seasonal fruit cake, death by chocolate cake, theme cake, designer cake, eggless cakes, butter cake, cheesecake, and pound cake.
- Finger foods: These bite-sized sweets are excellent for quick snacking and socializing. Some examples include quiches, small chicken skewers, and bruschetta. They are often presented on fancy platters or trays that improve presentation.
- Taco bar: Guests can make their own tacos at a DIY taco bar. You can provide taco shells, salsa, seasoned meats, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream for an even more customized meal.
- Candy buffet: Arrange a candy station featuring jars brimming with an assortment of candies and chocolates, allowing your guests to craft their own party keepsakes by filling bags or containers.
- Ice cream sundae: Create an ice cream sundae station featuring multiple ice cream flavors, syrups, sprinkles, and toppings for those who stop by.
- Fruit fondue: You can set up a fruit fondue station in your party space where your guests can enjoy dipping berries, bananas, and pineapples into delicious and warm melted chocolate. This dessert station idea can introduce an exciting touch to any celebration.
- Salad bar: Another great idea for a 40th birthday party celebration is to set up a salad bar for guests. You can serve a wide selection of toppings, greens, and dressings. You can also include Greek salad, fruit salad, and Caesar salad to accommodate every type of preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a 40th-year birthday called?
Although the term “Ruby Jubilee” is generally used to refer to someone celebrating 40 years of marriage, sometimes people also refer to a 40th birthday as a Ruby birthday.
2. Is 40 considered over the hill?
Given the recent alterations in life expectancy (which is nearly 80 years), some people consider that when they turn 40 years (half of 80), they are at the top of the hill (mostly the average midpoint of one’s life). From here, it is generally believed that a person is moving closer to old age.
3. How should I incorporate the guest of honor’s favorite things into the party?
Plan a party you know that the guest of honor will enjoy. It can be a large or small get-together or an informal or formal dinner event. Consider for how long the guest of honor has been gone. They will need more time to rest and recover if they have been gone for a long time. The food you choose should reflect the guest of honor’s favorites. When planning the menu, consider the time of day of the event and the number of guests attending. If the guest of honor likes simple things, consider things like a fun dessert table.
4. What is the traditional gift for the 40th anniversary?
Ruby is the symbol of the 40th anniversary. The gifts can be anything with ruby gemstones, home decor, or other gifts in red tones. This gemstone symbolizes passion, love, nobility, fortune, and life. Flower gladiolus or Belgian beer are also some classic choices.
Birthdays are an exciting event for people belonging to all age groups. Celebrating your loved one’s 40th birthday is a big feat, as it allows them to look back and appreciate the struggles, happiness, and sorrows that they had to go through to reach where they are today. They are finally at a place where they always wanted to be. Considering their likes and dislikes, arrange themed parties with interesting decorations, games, and different kinds of food, so they enjoy to the fullest with their near and dear ones.
Infographic: Things To Do On Your 40th Birthday
Do something different on your big day and have the best birthday by trying things you always postpone. Check out the infographic about things to do on your 40th birthday, and have a blast.
Key Pointers
- Theme-based parties can make the 40th birthday celebrations more organized and systematic.
- Games and karaoke can be fun, and you may choose them according to the birthday person’s interest.
- Spa sessions and a girls night out can be fun for women at a 40th birthday party.
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Check out this video for the top 10 adult birthday party ideas for a 40th birthday! Get creative and make your special day unforgettable!
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Why I Travel?
https://gaya3kini.medium.com/why-i-travel-a52be709b53d
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JoAnn MooreMaster Wedding Planner
JoAnn is a Master Wedding Planner, a Certified Professional Wedding Consultant, a Certified Green Wedding Planner, and a Certified Sandals Specialist. She has also authored a book titled “Laughing All the Way to the Altar.
Read full bio of JoAnn Moore
Shikha ThakurMBA
Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.
Read full bio of Shikha Thakur
Akshay NairMA
Akshay is an associate editor and former journalist with more than four years of experience. A post graduate in Mass Communication and Journalism, he has strong professional and academic background in the field of content writing and editing.
Read full bio of Akshay Nair