11 Memorable Milestone Birthday Party Ideas
A birthday is always a reason to celebrate, and a milestone birthday is a major reason to throw a bash! Milestone birthdays —whether it’s a 30th, 40th or 50th — deserve a monumental party with friends, family and fabulousness. From a Malibu Barbie soiree to a Hawaiian luau, we’ve found some unforgettable birthday celebrations to inspire you.
This elegant birthday was held at a private residence in Montecito, California. Paulette Wolf Events used bright, elaborate floral arrangements to create this extravagant birthday celebration. Cocktails took place poolside, which was filled with over 10,000 daisies in hues of pink and orange. Guests enjoyed their dinner in a custom tent overlooking the ocean, and decorated with stunning rose floral arrangements in shades of orange. As dinner progressed, guests were serenaded by The Voice’s Judith Hill. After dinner, guests moved through the chandelier illuminated property and into a tent designated for dessert and dancing. This tent continued the orange and white scheme with gorgeous white draping and orange florals. Lights reflected off of the white decor creating a room bathed in rich purple. Lounge seating and dessert tables of chocolate and vanilla cakes were scattered throughout the space for guests to enjoy, creating the perfect ending to a beautiful celebration.
TK Event Studio collaborated with Mosaic Inc. to create this stunning Tiffany-inspired “Sue & CO.” birthday party in Pittsburgh. The white and silver decor was accented with pops of Tiffany Blue and peachy pinks creating a luxurious, elegant design. The round tables, covered in gold and cream sequined linens, matched with the alternating white and gold chairs that filled the room. A gold King’s table was lined with Tiffany Blue vases filled florals in shades of pink. A three-piece floral wall featured a gradient design from deep pink roses to green foliage, creating a dramatic focal point for the space. Beautiful drapery accented with white chandeliers separated a lounge area from the main ballroom. Crisp white couches and metallic benches were decorated with various Tiffany Blue pillows. The space was completed with stacked Tiffany boxes and silver tables which read “Sue & Co.” This flawless Tiffany birthday would impress even Audrey Hepburn.
Great Events Inc. and Kehoe Designs went the extra mile for this Hawaiian 65th birthday party. Guests were surprised when they arrived at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s warehouse and were greeted by flight attendants, tagged luggage and a red carpet leading to “Terminal Entrance First Class Departures.” Past the doors was a first class lounge where guests enjoyed drinks served by flight attendants. After cocktail hour, partygoers traveled through hallways lined with boxes tagged for Kauai, Hawaii, signs reading “Aloha,” and Hawaii travel brochures, which brought them to “TSA.” After passing through metal detectors, guests were gifted with leis as they entered the the luau. The room was full of surfboard tables and wicker furniture, creating a beachy vibe. Tables were topped with gorgeous arrangements of native Hawaiian flowers and plants, which complemented the palm trees and tiki statues and made guests feel as if they were actually in Hawaii. Hawaiian dancers and a large band entertained partygoers as they enjoyed their “vacation” to Hawaii.
Rock on! This rock & roll 60th birthday party does just that! Bright lights transformed Chicago’s The Geraghty and gave it that true rock concert feel. A bright gold “Rock On” sign greeted guests as they entered the party. Patterns illuminated on the white tile floors brought spunk to the entire room. Various vignettes provided guests a comfy area to mix and mingle throughout the evening. A large illuminated 6-0 topped the center table reminding everyone that this birthday celebration was one special milestone. Guests enjoyed delicious food from Panosh as well as Milt’s BBQ. Cocktails could be found at the whiskey tasting made from an assortment of timeless bourbons and scotches. An evening full of music by Hadag Nahash and H.Y.P.E. Productions had guests on their feet all night night long. The authentic atmosphere allowed guests to enjoy this celebration and have a rockin’ evening celebrating the guest of honor.
The stunning Vail, Colorado mountains were the perfect backdrop for this 50th birthday party. Emily Clarke Events contrasted the dark earthy tones of the surrounding forest with a color scheme of light pastels, white and natural faded wood. During cocktail hour, guests sipped on flights of local beers from the microbrewery bar as well as fruity cocktails. Wooden highboys, white French Country chairs and rustic lounge furniture were arranged on the grass for guests to sit while taking in the beauty that surrounded them. The celebration was held in an open tent with stunning white drapery providing breathtaking views of the mountains beyond. Guests entered the tent through a gorgeous floral arch of pale pink, purple and cream flowers. Beautiful pastel florals surrounding white chandeliers were suspended from the tent ceiling. Guests dined at tables topped with pale lavender linens and adorned with pastel arrangements and candles. On display was the extravagant five-tier cake decorated with edible pastel roses in assorted colors. This beautiful tented Colorado birthday celebration was a magical and whimsical way to celebrate a 50th summer birthday.
You’re never too old to want Barbie’s life! Colin Cowie Lifestyle did an amazing job transforming this Malibu home into a Barbie Dream House for this glamorous 50th birthday party. It’s not hard to guess the color scheme for this bash – Barbie pink! Guests walked the pink carpet next to the classic pink Barbie Volkswagen Beetle. The backyard was revamped with a pink cocktail bar where guests could enjoy drinks and lounge by the pool. From the chic white lounge areas to the pink interior of the home, all of the decor is as Barbie as it gets! Gorgeous pink floral arrangements aligned the tables where guests chatted and enjoyed many sweet treats. Sticking to theme, these treats were found on an all-pink dessert table and included pink cupcakes, jelly beans, and cotton candy. Chocolate macaroons, Barbie cookies and a grand ice sculpture also topped this sweet table. Walls of Barbie dolls, fabulous swaying palm trees and illuminated phrases like “A Plastic Tan Never Fades” created quite the Malibu Barbie atmosphere.
There’s no better way to ring in your fabulous 60s than with good friends and stunning views. This intimate birthday celebration was held at the Casa Elar Estate at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. Kristin Banta Events did an amazing job highlighting the gorgeous valley views with a simple color palette for the formal poolside dinner. At dusk, guests moved to the table located beneath an open white canopy, which overlooked the breathtaking valley views. Guests were seated at alternating gold and white chairs which were complemented by the crisp white linen. Place settings included gold-rimmed flatware, custom gold and white menus and white napkins with gold geometric rings. At the center were Tiffany Blue vases filled with fresh white Dahlias surrounded by gold votives. As the sun began to set, the canopy was illuminated with gold chandeliers and intimate uplighting. The night ended with dancing under the clear starry sky to a live performance from singer-songwriter Louise Goffin. Close friends made this night complete as they all enjoyed this intimate 60th birthday celebration.
A Southern Soiree created a night full of flappers, jazz and fun for this Great Gatsby-inspired 50th Birthday Celebration. This extravaganza was a blast from the past! “When the Saints Go Marching In” filled the air as guests entered Graylyn Estates and were escorted back in time to the Roaring Twenties. The ballroom was decorated with dazzling gold and silver draping. A sky of white balloons covered the ceiling while a full 12-piece band kept guests on their feet on the Gatsby-inspired dance floor. Extravagant white and gold floral arrangements and gold chairs and tables dressed the ballroom for dining. Poker tables, flappers dancing the Charleston and jazz music took guests back to the 1920s. The lavish outdoor area served up 1920s-inspired cocktails, such as the “Bee’s Knees” and the “Side Car.” Guests enjoyed bubbling champagne and savory appetizers at gold sequined tables with beautiful white centerpieces while under white umbrellas and hanging lights. The night was finished with a black, pearl and feathered cake beautifully created by Danielle Kattan Cakes. This Gatsby party was undoubtedly great.
This Tuscan-inspired 40th birthday party was a three-day affair full of fun. The first day included a welcome party on a gorgeous vineyard patio where guests enjoyed delicious food and endless mingling. As the Tuscan-theme continued, the second day included an exquisite wine tour providing a day full of five-star vino. Finally, the third day was for partying! The Dapper Diplomat designed this dinner party that overlooked the most beautiful vineyard, giving guests an outstanding atmosphere to celebrate. The wine barrel cocktail tables were topped with stunning shades of yellow, pink and the guest of honor’s favorite sunflowers. Gorgeous, sheer white candles and golden lanterns intimately lit up the night. Guests were given a delectable three-course meal as they took in the beautiful views. Finally, to top off this milestone blowout, guests danced to tunes spun by a world renowned DJ who flew in from Venice, where he just spun for Vogue’s Venice Biennale. This extraordinary 40th birthday celebration was undoubtedly a Tuscan affair to remember.
Mark and Meredith had an amazing celebration for both their 50th birthdays and their 25th anniversary in the comfort of their French Provincial home in Knoxville. Beneath a tent of white, sparkling lights and greenery, guests enjoyed an evening full of fabulous food and fun. The party was furnished with French Country chairs and tables covered in white with impeccable herb infused, white floral centerpieces, creating the warm, relaxing environment this couple desired. Guests were offered a variety of options on the Parisian-inspired menu. Lastly, fresh vanilla cake with a caramel drizzle, a homemade ice cream bar and mini cupcakes were offered to satisfy that sweet tooth. Games like Jenga, a large wooden dance floor and a photo booth gave guests the opportunity to dance and laugh all night long. From the European atmosphere and breathtaking decor to their loving group of family and friends, Mark and Meredith truly had outstanding birthday and anniversary celebration.
With 500 guests in attendance, Paulette Wolf Events turned this Millennium Park milestone birthday celebration into the most unforgettable event of the year. The night kicked off with a cocktail reception held on the Pritzker stage where guests relished in sushi appetizers prepared by world-renowned sushi chef Nobu Matsuhisa. After the guests enjoyed their delicious rolls and cocktails, they were led underneath a clear top tent where the fun continued. Adorned with modern chandeliers, black seating and glass tables, this dining area created a chic atmosphere. Tables were topped with gorgeous greenery held in silver vases and were surrounded by votives. Guests dined on delectable cuisine by Chicago’s Calihan Catering. Following this came the surprise entertainment: the one and only Jerry Seinfeld! Once guests had their final laugh, they moved to the next part of the evening: dancing! The other side of the tent was set as a chic lounge area filled with ivory furniture and purple florals, providing guests with a luxurious environment to dance to a Neil Diamond cover band, Super Diamond, ‘till sunrise! An amazing Chicago location with an iconic view, outstanding food and exceptional entertainment made this an out-of-this-world celebration.