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Incredible Milestone Birthday Bashes

Milestone birthdays—whether it’s a 30th, 40th or 50th bash—deserve a monumental party with friends, family and fabulousness. We’ve found some unforgettable birthday celebrations that blend style and sophistication in a superb setting. Take a look at a few of our favorites…

MONTECITO MAGIC

Milestone birthday party idea by Paulette Wolf Events
Photo by Sheri Whitko Photography

This milestone birthday celebration—produced by Chicago’s own Paulette Wolf Events—took place at a private residence in Montecito, California. Cocktails took place outside by the pool, which was filled with more than 10,000 Gerber daisies. For dinner, guests then moved into a custom, round, clear tent overlooking the ocean. Following dinner, a special performance byThe Voice singer Judith Hill surprised the guests. Next, the party moved from the dinner tent to the dessert and dancing tent, which was bathed in purple hues. Dessert bars anchored the room, which also boasted comfortable lounge seating and orange floral walls by Marks Garden and Revelry Event Design. It was a gorgeous night to remember.

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ROCKIN' AT THE GERAGHTY

Best milestone birthdays - ROCKIN' AT THE GERAGHTY
Photo by The Geraghty

Turning 60 has never rocked this hard. The newly opened The Geraghty in Chicago was the perfect venue for a wife to throw her husband’s birthday party in major style. The event’s “ROCK ON” motif was felt throughout the night, featuring breathtaking lighting and a Whiskey tasting counter hosted by expert Mark Gruber of the Beverage Testing Institute of Chicago. A sushi station, an Israeli chef-led gourmet station and a Milt’s BBQ food truck made sure no one left hungry. The house was brought down when the guest of honor’s favorite Israeli rock band took the stage, playing to a sea of illuminated concert wands. Guests boarded coach buses after a rollicking night, with customized flasks, shot glasses and mini bottles of scotch in hand to reminisce on the unforgettable night.

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RIO RENDEZVOUS

Best milestone birthdays - RIO RENDEZVOUS
Photo by Yanni Design Studio

The beloved children’s movie Rio was the inspiration for this first birthday celebration held at Petergof, produced by Yanni Design Studio. Carnival-themed Brazilian dancers and drummers greeted guests as they entered the bash, while waitstaff passed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Jewel-toned linens and opulent lighting set the stage for the dinner hour, which featured live music and dancing. After the South American-flavored dinner was served, guests grooved along with a saxophone player who entertained on the dance floor. The evening was sweetly capped off with a colorful Rio-themed fondant iced birthday cake.

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SOUTHERN SOIREE

Best milestone birthdays - SOUTHERN SOIREE
Photo by Erika Dufour

For this very special birthday celebration, Revel Decor was asked to create a down-home Southern extravaganza. The evening showcased country legends Sugarland and Sara Evans, who performed on a rustic stage backed with huge American flag. The incredible decor even continued outside, where trailers, rustic wood bars and classic flamingo lights helped create a shabby-chic vibe. The food didn’t miss a beat either: Limelight served the birthday girl’s favorites, paired with a lot of bubbly (naturally).

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007 BASH

best milestone birthdays - 007 BASH
Photo by Gold Grid Photography

You know you’re in great hands when you work with Chicago’s Kesh Designs. From the black tie attire to the atmospheric mix of candles and mood lighting, this theme of the evening was a luxurious play on the style of James Bond. This was a party with a purpose, and it was made clear in every detail. All of the decor accents reminded guests to  “Eat, Drink & Celebrate”—the birthday “mission” of the man of honor. After experiencing this one-of-kind celebration, we can safely say… mission accomplished!

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GREAT GATSBY

Best milestone birthdays - GREAT GATSBY
Photo by Carasco Photography

The Racquet Club of Chicago lent itself to be the perfect backdrop for this 50th birthday bash, set to the roaring theme of The Great Gatsby. Bliss Wedding & Events masterfully arranged the décor, from the towering palm urns to the inviting, tufted lounge groupings. Guests were encouraged to dress in their finest black and white, mirroring the vintage prints of 1930’s Chicago surrounding the room. After flappers delivered drinks during the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed overflowing food stations for dinner and dancing into the night on the black and white dance floor. The feel was so authentic, F. Scott Fitzgerald himself would have been impressed.

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PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES

Best milestone birthdays - PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES
Photo by KingenSmith

What a 60th it was for a client of Randy Schuster & Associates, as 250 friends surprised the guest of honor at the Geraghty in Chicago for one mind blowing night. Favorite “toys” of the birthday boy added a personal touch throughout the evening, as guests cocktailed around a full-sized boat, two classic cars, motorcycles and an airplane fuselage. Decadent food stations featuring fare like sushi and sliced tenderloin, as well as a hot dog and slider stand, kept guests well fed before the big show. Metal sparks from dual performance drill grinders lit up the stage as American rocker Joe Walsh tore the house down during a surprise concert. An oxygen station and frozen nitrogen drink offerings were presented to guests as they made their way home – a fitting send off to a righteous night.

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BIRTHDAY-TURNED-WEDDING!

What began as an easy-going, Hamptons-style 60th birthday party pleasantly turned into a moment of a lifetime, all composed by Jennifer Anderson Events. The chic locale of Gallery 1028 on Chicago’s Goose Island played host for the evening, which included cocktails, live jazz and a seated dinner highlighting recipes from the birthday girl’s grandmother. And just when guests settled in after the last toast, a surprise wedding between the guest of honor and her fiancé occurred right on the dance floor! The new bride and groom led the dancing for the rest of the evening, as stunned guests reveled in being a part of two major life moments in a single night for their dear friend.

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