Hosting a 40th Birthday Party

Hosting a 40th Birthday Party

Perhaps the most celebrated of all milestones birthdays is the 40th. It seems to represent a rite of passage from your ‘young’ days to a more ‘mature’ time in your life. (It’s not, therefore, surprising that a popular theme for this milestone party is “Over The Hill”. And it’s a great one as long as the guest of honor will enjoy it/find it funny. Otherwise…stay clear of this theme).

Build the party around the guest of honor: Knowing their likes, dislikes and accomplishments can help with setting a theme or planning activities for the party. If the guest of honor is a movie buff – send out ‘ticket’ invitations to the guests. Perhaps he’s a avid fan of baseball – giving out personalized bat pens would be a fun party favor. Does the honoree like to bake? Ask guests to describe the kind of cupcake that reminds you of her (perhaps one with a sweet filling and topped with nuts because she is constantly cracking you up).

The tone of the party should match the birthday boy or girl: Is the guy a real casual guy most comfortable in jeans and a sweatshirt? Then keep the party very casual – dress up isn’t his style. Does the woman have a real flair for style? She would probably like something a bit dressier and upscale.

Sites that may be helpful in party planning:

• http://www.famousbirthdays.com/

• http://www.historyorb.com/today/

Don’t be afraid to ask guests to contribute: Remember that one thing all guests have in common is that they are there to honor the one having the birthday. So they would, in all probability, be pleased to bring a dish to pass or bring a favorite (or funny) picture of the guest of honor or chip in for a group gift.