Theme Ideas for 40th Birthday: Celebrate in Style

How to Decorate Theme-wise for 40th Birthday

1. Retro ’80s Party

Requirements:

• Bright neon-colored decorations (balloons, streamers, tablecloths)
• Posters of popular ’80s celebrities, movies, and bands
• Retro music playlist (Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince)
• Vintage arcade games or a photo booth with props (boombox, leg warmers, headbands)
• Glow sticks, neon accessories, and rubik’s cubes

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Use neon pink, yellow, green, and blue for your party décor.
• Lighting: Set up black lights or LED strip lights to make neon colors pop.
• Tables: Use colorful tablecloths and plates with ’80s-inspired designs (such as cassette tapes and arcade games).
• Wall décor: Hang posters of ’80s stars, retro movie posters, and vinyl records.
• Photo booth: Create a corner with funky retro props like big sunglasses, windbreakers, and inflatable boomboxes.

2. Hollywood Glamour

Requirements:

• Red carpet and stanchions
• Glamorous decorations (gold, black, and white)
• Sparkling confetti or glitter
• Hollywood star cutouts or photo boards
• Spotlights or soft lighting

How to Decorate:

• Entrance: Set up a red carpet at the entrance with stanchions and velvet ropes.
• Lighting: Use spotlights or string lights to give a glamorous feel.
• Table settings: Gold plates, black tablecloths, crystal glassware, and elegant centerpieces like silver candlesticks.
• Wall décor: Hang large posters of iconic movie stars and film reels.
• Photo area: Provide a backdrop with gold stars and “Hollywood Walk of Fame” signs for guests to take photos.

3. Travel or Adventure Theme

Requirements:

• Maps, globes, and suitcases
• Vintage postcards or travel stamps
• Themed travel-inspired props (e.g., airplane or train ticket stubs)
• International foods and drinks

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Earthy tones like brown, green, and tan with pops of blue and yellow for a travel-inspired feel.
• Tables: Decorate with vintage suitcases or old maps as centerpieces. Use postcards or boarding passes as place settings.
• Walls: Hang maps of the world or famous landmarks around the room.
• Photo booth: Create a travel-themed backdrop with luggage, passports, and old travel tickets.
• Party favors: Give guests small travel accessories like luggage tags or mini globes.

4. Casino Night

Requirements:

• Casino game supplies (cards, dice, roulette wheel)
• Poker chips or faux money
• Red, black, and gold color scheme
• Cocktail bar and snacks

How to Decorate:

• Tables: Cover tables with black tablecloths and use poker chips or fake money as decorations.
• Walls: Hang up posters of Las Vegas or casino advertisements.
• Lighting: Use dim, atmospheric lighting with spotlights on gaming tables.
• Photo booth: Set up a backdrop of a casino or Las Vegas skyline for photos.
• Bar area: Set up a bar with drinks named after classic casino games.

5. Masquerade Ball

Requirements:

• Elegant masks for guests
• Chandeliers or candle-lit ambiance
• Dark, rich colors like purple, gold, and black
• Satin or velvet drapes
• Classical music or soft instrumental tracks

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Use rich jewel tones like purple, emerald, and gold for an elegant look.
• Lighting: Soft lighting with candles or chandeliers will create a mysterious and elegant vibe.
• Centerpieces: Use tall candle holders, crystal vases, and elegant floral arrangements.
• Tables: Use elegant cloths, with gold chargers, dark plates, and delicate glassware.
• Photo booth: Create a grand photo backdrop with luxurious velvet curtains, gilded frames, and masks.

6. Wine Tasting Party

Requirements:

• Wine glasses and a variety of wines
• Cheese platters and small appetizers
• Wine-tasting scorecards
• Rustic décor (wooden barrels, grapes, corks)

How to Decorate:

• Tables: Set up long wooden tables with white cloths and rustic candle holders.
• Walls: Hang wine-themed décor, like vintage wine posters, corkboards, or grapevine wreaths.
• Bar area: Display bottles of wine with tasting cards explaining each type.
• Photo area: Set up a corner with wine barrel props and decorative grapevines for a rustic, vineyard look.
• Serving area: Display cheese platters and crackers on elegant serving trays.

7. Disco Fever

Requirements:

• Disco ball and multicolor lighting
• Funky 70s décor (bright patterns, peace signs, and vinyl records)
• Funky outfits and bell-bottom pants
• Classic 70s music hits

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Use bright neon colors, including pink, yellow, green, and purple.
• Lighting: A disco ball is a must for this theme, paired with colorful lights to create a party atmosphere.
• Tables: Use metallic or shiny tablecloths and set up plates with psychedelic patterns.
• Dance floor: Set up a designated dance area with a light-up dance floor or glowing tiles.
• Walls: Decorate with funky posters, vinyl records, or peace sign decals.

8. Tropical Luau

Requirements:

• Tiki torches and Hawaiian leis
• Pineapple and coconut decorations
• Tropical fruits and themed cocktails
• Bright floral colors and patterns

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Use bright tropical colors like pink, yellow, green, and turquoise.
• Lighting: Tiki torches around the party area for that authentic tropical glow.
• Tables: Set up palm leaves, pineapples, and coconuts as centerpieces.
• Walls: Hang tropical banners or images of beaches, palm trees, and sunsets.
• Photo booth: Create a backdrop of a tropical beach with surfboards, flowers, and leis.

9. Great Gatsby / Roaring ’20s

Requirements:

• Flapper costumes and bow ties
• Jazz music or live jazz band
• Art deco décor (geometric patterns, feathers, pearls)
• Champagne and cocktails

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Use black, gold, and silver with plenty of sparkle.
• Lighting: Soft, elegant lighting with vintage lamps or chandeliers.
• Tables: Elegant, crystal glassware with pearl strands and feather centerpieces.
• Walls: Hang large gold-framed mirrors or art deco-inspired artwork.
• Photo booth: Create an opulent backdrop with gold accents, pearls, and feather boas.

10. Black and White Party

Requirements:

• Black and white dress code
• Elegant table settings
• Simple décor (candles, monochrome balloons)
• Black and white desserts

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Stick to black and white for all décor, from balloons to tablecloths and plates.
• Lighting: Use soft, romantic lighting or candles to set a chic tone.
• Tables: Use black and white striped tablecloths, black plates with white chargers, and black napkins.
• Walls: Hang black-and-white photos or simple black-and-white posters.
• Party favors: Give guests black-and-white themed gifts like cookies or candy in the same color scheme.

11. Superhero Party

Requirements:

• Superhero costumes for guests
• Action figures or superhero toys as props
• Comic book-inspired decorations
• Capes, masks, and gloves
• Themed photo backdrop with comic speech bubbles

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Use primary colors like red, blue, and yellow (typical superhero colors).
• Lighting: Bright spotlights to create a dramatic effect, especially on the “heroic” areas of the venue.
• Tables: Use superhero-themed plates, napkins, and cups. Place comic strips or action figures as table centerpieces.
• Walls: Hang superhero posters, create comic book-style decorations, or use large cutouts of comic book characters.
• Photo booth: Set up a backdrop with large superhero logos or city skylines for dramatic photo opportunities.

12. Survivor Island Challenge

Requirements:

• Outdoor setting (or large indoor space)
• Obstacle course or “Survivor” challenges
• Team color bands or headbands
• Props like torches, tiki lights, and coconuts
• Tropical drinks and snacks

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Tropical colors—green, orange, yellow, and blue for a jungle feel.
• Lighting: Use tiki torches and string lights for a camp-like, survival atmosphere.
• Tables: Use large leaves or grass mats for centerpieces. Display tropical fruits and nuts as snacks.
• Games: Create challenges (obstacle courses, trivia, etc.) that guests can compete in as teams.
• Photo area: Set up a “Survivor” logo board for photo ops or a jungle-like background with leaves and vines.

13. Carnival or Circus Theme

Requirements:

• Carnival games (ring toss, bean bag toss, etc.)
• Colorful balloons, streamers, and banners
• Popcorn, cotton candy, and other carnival treats
• Clown or performer entertainers
• Striped tents or circus-themed props

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Bold red, yellow, and white stripes for a circus-like feel.
• Lighting: Use bright, fun lights to mimic a carnival atmosphere.
• Tables: Cover tables with bright striped tablecloths. Add small carnival toys, popcorn machines, or mini tents as centerpieces.
• Walls: Hang vintage carnival posters, animal cutouts, and circus-related imagery.
• Games: Set up traditional carnival games like ring toss, ball drop, or a dunk tank.

14. Beach Party

Requirements:

• Beach balls and inflatable pool toys
• Sand, shells, and beach towels
• Tropical cocktails and snacks
• Surfboards or beach umbrellas
• Casual attire (swimsuits, Hawaiian shirts)

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Bright, tropical colors like turquoise, yellow, and coral.
• Lighting: Use string lights to mimic a beach sunset or set up tiki torches for an evening beach feel.
• Tables: Decorate with sand, seashells, and small beach chairs as centerpieces. Use beach towels as napkins.
• Photo area: Set up a backdrop with a beach scene (ocean, palm trees) and props like surfboards, sunglasses, and beach hats.
• Entertainment: Play beach music (tropical or reggae) and set up a mini sand pit for games like volleyball.

15. Mexican Fiesta

Requirements:

• Colorful sombreros and maracas
• Mexican food like tacos, quesadillas, and guacamole
• Margaritas or Mexican beers
• Piñata and papel picado (cut-paper banners)

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Bright and bold—use reds, greens, yellows, and oranges for a vibrant, festive look.
• Lighting: Use festive string lights and paper lanterns to create a warm and welcoming vibe.
• Tables: Decorate with colorful Mexican blankets or table runners. Use small piñatas or candle holders as centerpieces.
• Walls: Hang papel picado or Mexican flags around the venue.
• Photo booth: Set up a backdrop of a Mexican village scene or a beach setting, with fun props like mustaches and sombreros.

16. Murder Mystery Party

Requirements:

• Mystery game kit or a pre-planned script
• Costume suggestions based on characters (detective, suspects, etc.)
• Clue cards or envelopes for each guest
• Dinner or appetizers to enjoy while solving the mystery

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Darker, moody tones like burgundy, black, and gold to set the mysterious tone.
• Lighting: Dim lighting or candles for a more suspenseful atmosphere.
• Tables: Use rich-colored tablecloths, silverware, and crystal glasses. Centerpieces could be clue-related items, like magnifying glasses or antique books.
• Walls: Hang old-fashioned portraits or creepy mirrors for a spooky vibe.
• Photo booth: Create a detective office or crime scene photo setup with themed props (magnifying glasses, trench coats, and hats).

17. Rock ‘n Roll Party

Requirements:

• Classic rock music playlist or live band
• Vintage guitars, records, and posters
• Leather jackets, bandanas, and other rock-inspired clothing
• Cool drinks and classic pub-style appetizers

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Use black, red, and metallic colors to create a rock-inspired vibe.
• Lighting: Use dim lighting with bright spotlights to mimic a concert atmosphere.
• Tables: Use records as table centerpieces or classic vinyl album covers.
• Walls: Decorate with posters of legendary bands, guitars, and musical memorabilia.
• Photo booth: Set up a stage backdrop with a faux guitar and microphone for guests to pose like rock stars.

18. 90s Throwback Party

Requirements:

• 90s music playlist (Spice Girls, Nirvana, Backstreet Boys)
• Vintage 90s toys (Tamagotchis, Beanie Babies)
• 90s fashion accessories (flannel shirts, chokers, baggy jeans)
• Posters and memorabilia from the 90s pop culture

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Bold neon colors, patterns like checkered floors, and graffiti-inspired designs.
• Lighting: Bright neon lights or string lights to capture the 90s vibe.
• Tables: Use cassette tapes, old-school game consoles, or 90s toy figurines as table centerpieces.
• Walls: Decorate with iconic 90s posters, TV show memorabilia, and music artists’ portraits.
• Photo booth: Set up a 90s-inspired backdrop with famous pop culture references from TV, movies, and music.

19. Glamorous Masquerade

Requirements:

• Elegant masquerade masks
• Champagne or sparkling wine
• Rich fabrics like velvet and satin
• Classical music or opera for ambiance

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Use deep, luxurious colors like royal purple, gold, and silver.
• Lighting: Soft, ambient lighting with chandeliers and candlelight for a dramatic effect.
• Tables: Set up tables with dark linens, gold candleholders, and crystal glasses. Add a hint of sparkle with metallic confetti.
• Walls: Hang lavish curtains or drapes with golden accents, and place ornate mirrors around the venue.
• Photo booth: Create a space with elegant masks, feathers, and glittery accessories for dramatic photos.

20. Medieval Fantasy Party

Requirements:

• Knights and princess costumes
• Goblets or medieval mugs
• Fantasy decorations like dragons, castles, and shields
• Themed foods (turkey legs, medieval pies)

How to Decorate:

• Color scheme: Use deep, regal colors like burgundy, gold, and forest green.
• Lighting: Create a dim, candlelit atmosphere to mimic the medieval times.
• Tables: Use wooden or rustic tables, with medieval-themed place settings like tankards, goblets, and gold chargers.
• Walls: Hang shields, banners, and medieval-style tapestries.
• Photo booth: Set up a castle-themed backdrop with props like crowns, swords, and shields for photos.