This is 40: Birthday Party Ideas to Ring in a Stylish New Decade (2024)

River Cruise

Tented Beachfront Dinner

Bright & Cheerful Tea Party

This 40th-birthday weekend, planned by Dee Lee Designs, began with a hair and makeup session and ended with a sit-down dinner party. In between, guests enjoyed everything from a butterfly confetti cannon to a bright and cheerful tea party.

Make sure to check out the colorful charcuterie spread and hand-painted floral birthday cake.

Black, White & Chic All Over

This food-forward fête, planned by Events by Picnics In The City, wowed with photo-worthy bites at every turn. Branded latte art, custom-printed churro cups, and stylish tequila shots featured the sophisticated black and white color scheme found throughout the event.

Make sure to see the clever signage that included fun phrases like “Sips About to Go Down” and “Take a Shot, Take a Seat.”

Indoor Garden Party

“When hosting any event at a restaurant I like to create an experience that will feel different than if you were dining there on a normal evening,” Johnson of Two Be Wed tells us. “For this event, we first welcomed guests with a signature co*cktail, ‘The Leo.’ Place settings were elevated by bringing in blush napkins, personalized menus, and custom cookies.”

She goes on to say, “To create a beautiful space, you can never go wrong with flowers. Brightly-colored show-stopping florals all the way down the long table made the event feel beautiful and luxurious.”

Best of all? “Our big 4-0 birthday cake adorned in flowers was a talking point for all the guests.” Click to see more photos from this charming celebration.

Candlelit Florals

This birthday girl decided on a decadent dinner party, planned by Sapphire Events, for her 40th-birthday celebration. Guests enjoyed a customized menu as well as a gorgeous four-tiered cake frosted white with classic fleur-de-lis fondant décor.

Lovely white, soft pink, and lilac floral arrangements graced the dining tables, artfully spilling over the sides. Best of all, glittering candlelight cast a warm glow over this picturesque scene.

Birthday Bubbles

Christina Currie Events, Inc. planned a fabulous dinner party featuring the birthday girl’s love of champagne. The bash began with glittering invites and continued with tablescapes set in pink and gold. Dark pink roses graced the dinner tables, along with a gorgeous floral menu customized for the birthday girl.

Discover the truly spectacular cake which took the form of a Louis Vuitton handbag with a bottle of champagne popping out of the top.

Better with Age

This extravagant birthday weekend took place at a luxe estate situated in Napa Valley. Special guests arrived at the venue in shiny Cadillacs which set the tone for the weekend.

Fur throws sitting alongside peach accents brought together the masculinity of the event and sunny springtime in Wine country. Fun and outside-of-the-box menus by Meadowood Napa Valley paired perfectly with the array of fine wines. Guests also enjoyed a talented string trio as they mixed and mingled against a backdrop of rolling hills.

Rooftop Relaxation

A Trip to the Tropics

Chicago may be famous for its blustery winters, but this 40th-birthday party at Ravinia Green Country Clubproved that paradise is a state of mind. Vibrant uplighting and tropical foliage created a island-like haven for the birthday honorée and guests. We especially enjoy the tropical-themed photo booth and starburst lighting designs.

Of course, that’s just the beginning. Click to see more fun-filled details from this tropical-themed bash planned by Alison Ross Events. We’ll give you a hint: The snack station is worth a trip around the world.

Very Violet 40th-Birthday Bash

We love how purple hydrangea and lavender linen create a stunning contrast against the surrounding greenery at this backyard birthday party, planned by JENNIEVENTI. A violet 40th-birthday cake and luxe purple napkins (topped by miniature goody bags) perfected the look.

Make sure to see how mouthwatering appetizers and beautiful tenting made this backyard birthday a memorable affair.

Benvenuto in Italia

Guests left NYC behind and happily wandered into the Italian countryside (conveniently located in Williston Park, New York) at this 40th-birthday party. Natural greenery and a petal-strewn swimming pool created gorgeous textures at this outdoor bash — while plush lounge furniture boasted European style.

Other wow-worthy details included a gelato and espresso truck by , Aperol spritz bicycle, and classic Italian beverages. Moreover, make sure to see how each guest received a personalized Nutella jar.

Candlelit Pool Party

Rachel Cho Floral Design made sure this poolside soirée was as beautiful as can be with lavish tablescapes in lush hues of plum, mauve, merlot, and cream. Vintage crystal glassware, seasonal floral arrangements, and plenty of candlelight added to the romantic ambiance. Click for close-up views of the stunning design.

Guests also enjoyed a sumptuous 3-course meal, photo-worthy charcuterie spread, and delectable desserts that kept the celebration as sweet as ever.

Forty on Fire

Design team Fiorella partnered with Magari Events for this “Forty on Fire” celebration in vivid red hues. Fiery red tablescapes paired with warm-toned blooms for a picture-perfect look. We also love the lavish balloon backdrop that doubled as a playful photo op.

Make sure to check out the crimson birthday cake with bright red wafer paper adornments, as well.

Make it a Masquerade

LUX LIFESTYLE EVENTS transformed LEVEL THREE, a customizable modern space, into a masked soirée fit for royalty. Neon geometric lighting, a metallic balloon installation, and plenty of luxe gold details resulted in a sumptuous, yet simultaneously playful, look.

Make sure to see how the venue’s pillars were wrapped in custom decals of the birthday celebrant.

Hippie Heaven

This hip 40th-birthday party at The Dawson featured a Grateful Dead cover band, a psychic who performed tarot card readings, and fabulous handcrafted co*cktails. Décor elements included filigree lanterns, paisley linens, and gorgeous embroidered umbrellas. We also love how guests clipped feathers into their hair and donned cool wooden sunglasses for vintage photo booth fun. Click here to experience the boho theme, planned by NSWE Events.

Studio 40

Behold this dreamy “Studio 40” disco-themed extravaganza — a fun-filled riff on the iconic Studio 54. The décor included shining gold and glittering elements with customized silk throw pillows, mirrored draping, and opulent white floral arrangements by .

Disco balls and 70s-style lighting set the tone on the dance floor against a stylish backdrop screen. Click to see how silver balloons covered the ceiling, offering a stylish accent in the dining area.

Secret Agent Soirée

The birthday gent stepped into the glamorous shoes of James Bond for his 40th-birthday bash, planned by Kesh Events. Guests, dressed to impress in black and white formal attire, mixed and mingled as they enjoyed cigars with custom matchboxes.

Of course, a Bond birthday wouldn’t be complete without a luxury car. Make sure to check out the “0040” sports car cake. While you’re there, “spy” on the live aerial performers.

Southern Charm

Sliders, milkshakes, and other comfort food kept guests satiated; while a “bubbles bar” provided champagne-based co*cktails for thirsty dancers. We also love how lighting and props by Revel Decor, like cozy mismatched sofas and recliners, provided a rich backdrop for endless photo ops.

Country Music Festival

Guests found their groove at this country music festival-themed birthday party, planned by Simply Celebrate!. Whether reclining and relaxing on oversized tan sofas (with branded pillows) or indulging in festival-style food stations, friends and family found themselves happily surrounded by Americana décor.

Make sure to check out the beer pong-themed custom tables and the dance floor emblazoned with a beer label decal. Such unique elements inspired guests to put on their best cowboy boots and hit the dance floor.

Educated Gets the Glam Treatment

What better spot for an educator’s 40th-birthday party than the iconic Bernie’s Book Bank in Lake Forest, Illinois? The space was transformed with a sophisticated vision and hip décor that included paisley lighting patterns and bright pink drapery.

Delicious bites included sushi platters, sliders, and passed hors d’oeuvres on funky pink and green service trays. We also love how high top and round tables were covered in chic slate and fuchsia tablecloths by BBJ La Tavola. Whatever you do, don’t miss the step and repeat photo booth with fun and colorful props.

Time to Boogie

Shimmering tassels, flashing disco balls, and glimmering candlelight take illumination to the next level at this golden-glam 40th-birthday party, planned by . We also love how bright red and purple blooms pop against glittery gold linen while jewel-toned balloons shimmer in ultra-violet uplighting.

But that’s not all. Check out the gilded three-tiered cake that featured a miniature disco ball as well as cold firework candles. Sometimes, birthday wishes really do come true.

Jungle Chic

What happens when an event planner turns 40th? She throws an unforgettable birthday party, of course. Event planner Michelle Dupetti brought a new twist to a jungle-theme with eclectic décor elements — all while celebrating an important milestone.

From glittering disco balls and vibrant purple uplighting to velvet lounge areas with sleek jaguar décor, this 40th-birthday party dazzles with glitz and glamour. Jewel-tone floral arrangements and custom painted tables immersed guests in another world (as well as another decade).

featured planner

Two Be Wed

We love how Two Be Wed perfects the smallest details, creating a cohesive aesthetic that delights both the people hosting events and their guests. They offer consulting and design services, ensuring every step of the planning process is in the most capable hands. photographer: Joseph West Photography

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featured rentals

BBJ LINEN

We’re impressed by their large selection, with an ever-broadening portfolio and an atelier service of creating custom prints and embroidery to stylishly outfit every event. photo courtesy of BBJ Linen

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