The 40th birthday may be the middle child of the big milestone birthdays of 30 and 50, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a major celebration. Turning 40 isn’t something to gloss over; four decades of accomplishments and milestones deserve a party of equal proportions. Continue reading for some of our favorite 40th birthday ideas that work for all types of people and personalities.
40th Birthday Party Decor
Decor for a 40th birthday party can range from super silly to sweetly nostalgic. Whatever decor you choose for the special day should reflect the birthday guy or girl’s personality.
Keep it sweet and nostalgic
Reliving 40 years of memories should be a breeze! Gather a photo for each year of the birthday person’s life for a heartwarming decoration. It’s a cute nod to the past that party guests will adore.
Want to add a unique touch? Craft a tribute based on the person’s birth year with a quick Google search and a trip to the craft store. Show your love with a personalized sign listing reasons you appreciate them for each year they’ve been alive. It’s a perfect heartfelt birthday gift idea to warm everyone’s hearts at the celebration!
Go for creative and silly
Add a personal touch to your beverages with custom labels for the big day! Whether it’s beer, wine, or soda, personalized labels honoring the guest of honor will add a sweet touch to the celebration.
Is the birthday honoree known for their sense of humor? Why not sprinkle in some playful decor to get everyone giggling? A witty banner or some humorous goodies are perfect for adding a touch of fun while staying true to the theme.
40th Birthday Party Menu
Planning some fantastic food and drinks for your partygoers is a must! From finger foods to delicious drinks and decadent desserts, we’ve rounded up some easy options that are sure to please any crowd.
Offer tasty apps
Finger foods are perfect for keeping your guests from getting hungry without having a full sit-down dinner party. They’re versatile enough to fit any themed party (if needed) and easy to make yourself.
Get ready to elevate your party food game with sliders — the perfect solution for keeping the grill master mingling with guests! Swap out traditional burgers for roast beef sliders with mini brews to accompany them. And who can resist the allure of French fries? Serve up a charcuterie board of fries with various dipping sauces for a visually appealing and stomach-growling delight.
Looking for more finger foods? Try sandwich kabobs with cheese, deli meat, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce layered between bread squares on a skewer. It’s a brunch party-worthy dish that’ll satisfy everyone’s cravings!
🍽️ Pro tip: If you prefer to let professionals handle the food at your birthday party, consider hiring a caterer or waitstaff to help keep things organized and allow the host to still enjoy the celebration.
Serve up delicious drinks
Now that you’ve fed your guests, it’s time to quench their thirst. Whether you’re offering cocktails, mocktails, or both — it’s easy to get creative with refreshments.
Feeling like turning back the clock? Craft a citrusy and fruity “Fountain of Youth” cocktail. While it won’t reverse time, it’s fun to pretend! To keep the party vibe going, put together adult goodie bags with single-serving bottles of liquor paired with mixers. For a festive sip, try Funfetti birthday cake martinis — a vibrant blend of birthday cake vodka, amaretto, white chocolate liqueur, and creme de cocoa. It’s a sweet treat fit for any big birthday bash!
🥂 Pro tip: Take some pressure off the host and ensure drinks are poured to perfection! Hire a local bartender for the party.
Don’t forget the cake
Of course, no birthday bash is complete without a birthday cake. You can keep it simple and sparkly (and sprinkly) or really dig your heels into the 40th birthday party theme and celebrate with a highly stylized 80s cake.
🎂 Pro tip: Make sure the cake is next-level by hiring a professional cake decorator near you!
40th Birthday Party Entertainment
The decorations have been decided and the menu is planned, but there are still decisions to be made. What kind of entertainment are you going to have at this 40th birthday party? The entertainment you choose can really set the tone of the party, and we have some fabulous ideas to get you started.
Hit the dance floor
For big birthday bashes where you plan to dance the night away, hire a cover band that will play all the tunes that everyone grew up with! An 80s tribute band can bring that teen nostalgia and keep everyone grooving until curfew.
Take the party to new heights
Are you looking for ways to wow your guests? Hire an aerialist to add an element of excitement and elegance to your birthday party. Professional aerialists provide their own portable rigging, and some even offer aerial bartending.
Create a relaxing atmosphere
A singing guitarist is an excellent way to provide guests with musical entertainment while still letting them mingle and chat! A singing pianist is another option to create just the right ambiance for a sophisticated soiree.
For the More Low-Key 40-Year-Old
Does your birthday person like to keep things more low-key? That’s just fine. We have a few suggestions for a more intimate celebration. Keeping things sweet and simple has its advantages. Throwing a low-key birthday party gives you time to really hone in on the details and create a cozy celebration with your closest friends and family.
Set the scene
Elevate your hosting game with a charming centerpiece that sets the perfect tone for your gathering. Utilize mason jars filled with vibrant flowers or lush succulents to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests. And don’t forget to add a personal touch that nods to the guest of honor to keep the theme alive!
No birthday celebration is complete without a cake, and we adore this simple yet stylish 40th birthday cake! Even for smaller events, it’s essential to have that sweet centerpiece to mark the occasion.
Choose laid-back jams
Looking to add a touch of sophistication without going overboard? Consider hiring a saxophone player or classical guitarist to provide elegant entertainment. They’ll create the perfect ambiance for your intimate birthday bash, ensuring a memorable celebration without overwhelming the vibe.
A 40th birthday isn’t one to be forgotten, but whether you’re throwing the celebration of the century or a small shindig, there are plenty of adult birthday party ideas to go around. Might as well start planning next year’s bash, too! 💙
Book something awesome for your 40th birthday party! Find the best entertainers and service providers on GigSalad.
Sonia is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad and uses the knowledge she’s gained from helping both the vendor and client through the booking process to give her best event planning advice. When she’s not at work she enjoys the outdoors, a good book, trying new recipes, and spending quality time with her husband and their furbabies.