Fun and easy 40th Birthday Party Ideas for a beautiful outdoor party.
Creative ideas that anyone can do for a 40th Birthday Party!
I hope you love these fun 40th Birthday Party Ideas!
Birthday parties are my favorite thing to plan. I normally don’t plan big lavish parties for myself, but hey… you don’t turn 40 everyday. I wanted to plan a wonderful evening with friends and let them know how much I love them all! I highly recommend planning your OWN 40th birthday party because it sure takes your mind off of getting older! ha.
The best part about having a September birthday is the weather. I have always wanted a pretty outdoor dinner party, so I moved just about every chair, plus a few of my neighbor’s chairs, into my backyard for the big night!
I hope you enjoy photos from my birthday party. Find the printable party designs for this 40th Birthday Party in my shop.
Outdoor Party Table
I did everything myself. Yes, I moved 30 chairs, about 5 tables and made most of the decor. My friends are SO worth it!!
I found some pretty vases and candles half off at Michaels, then bought grocery store flowers and paper lanterns for my table. I love bright colors so pink, orange and purple were a no brainer for this girly girl!
My table centerpiece was branches from a tree, spray painted black with silly photos of myself.
I wrapped the glass vase with ribbon to hide the bottom which had rice in it to hold the branches. I also designed little wine glass labels for each friend.
Gifts to Celebrate Friendships
My 40th birthday party was all about celebrating my friendships. It’s not very often that I see many of these women, so I wanted it to be a special night.
Each guest was surprised with a beautiful hand-stamped heart Vintage Pearl necklace on her plate. I love The Vintage Pearl! Check out their lovely jewelry here. Erin, the owner of The Vintage Pearl, was so sweet and also included a beautiful “Living Locurto” necklace for me as well! Thanks Erin!!
Gussy Sews made the most awesome party favors ever!!! Aren’t these bags adorable, fun and bright?
Gussy made these especially to match my party colors. I love seeing them all together. She makes the most beautiful products.
Dessert Table
It’s not a birthday party without dessert! My friend Christy from C-Star Cakes made me the MOST amazing birthday cake ever!
I have always loved floral cakes, so I added some fresh flowers to the top. Didn’t it turn out fabulous? It was chocolate of course. Thanks Christy for doing such a wonderful job!
I just bought simple mini cupcakes and added pretty printable flags to them.
Party Decorations
The party decorations are my FAVORITE part of planning parties!! I saw this picture tree on Pinterest from a wedding, and thought it would be perfect for a milestone birthday party. I attached little sayings and photos of my friends. Some photos are from long ago and some new.
I even made a chalkboard sign for the party menu. I’ll show you how I did this later. It’s super easy!
My girlfriend made the best Sangria! Of course I had to have cute signs to go on the table:-)
It’s not a 40th birthday without a little silliness! Guest could help themselves to some gum and atomic fire ball candy!
Outdoor Movie
For the after dinner entertainment, I created an outdoor movie theater in another part of my yard. Yep… more chairs to move! I sure got my workout that day! ha!
I set up my photography backdrop stand and projector. We watched Bridesmaids and had some fun laughs!
I snapped this photo during dinner so I could remember what a special night it was to be with such wonderful friends!
Thanks so much to all of you who came and made it so much fun!! I missed those of you who couldn’t be here. You might recognize Laurie from Tip Junkie on the left and my girlfriend D’Ann was great and took photos for me. Yay!
Party photos by Amy Locurto and D’Ann Wright.
Shop the Garden 40th Party Printable Collection!
This printable party collection comes in a 40th Birthday version or generic version for any age.
My garden party designs were also featured in US Weekly for Trista Sutter’s 40th birthday. How fun!
You might also like these 40th Birthday Party Ideas…
Nisha says
July 12, 2012 at 11:45 amOH MY GOD. You are amazing to have arranged all this yourself. Gorgeous, colorful, and fun.
Came here via Pinterest.
Amy says
September 22, 2012 at 10:08 amThank you!! It was a blast:-)
Shannon says
June 5, 2012 at 1:43 pmI was wondering how u made the 40 and still hot cards my husbands 40th is coming up next month and I’m planning on a party?
lashawn says
May 18, 2012 at 5:00 pmI’ve been looking for the perfect garden party ideal.. i have been collecting for years and i finally said I’m going to do it this year! and when i saw the pictures-THIS WAS PERFECT! Then I read that this was in September and I knew why. I am also a September baby. And i can see we think alike. LOL!
Sara says
May 2, 2012 at 2:22 amJust browsing on Pinterest for my husbands 40th coming up and came across your party! So adorable and what a great friend you are!! Hope you had a magical birthday!
Nikki Worsley says
March 23, 2012 at 8:36 amI love this page it all how I want to 40th Birthday to be relaxing and fun with friends and family…I will be 40 on May 18th I would love to win some supplies this be my first birthday party…
Caroline says
March 15, 2012 at 12:06 pmYou always have such great ideas…I LOVE the colors and the use of photo memories and all the beautiful touches! Makes me want to gather all my girlfriends and celebrate right now. 🙂
Jeannie says
March 9, 2012 at 12:19 pmAmy! I need these ah-maz-ing printables for my moms birthday coming up!! Can you put them in the shop?? PUHLEASE? 😉
ammie says
March 8, 2012 at 12:29 pmI’d love to have these printables. Are they available? It’s quite possible my coffee hasn’t full kicked in and I’ve overlooked the link. Thanks in advance for your help!
Nekey says
February 17, 2012 at 4:02 pmLove your ideas!!!!
Amy says
January 29, 2012 at 10:24 pmStumbled upon your site tonight while semi watching tv. Love the sayings and designs. I’m turning 40 this coming sept 5 and wonder if they are available for downloading.
Jill says
January 5, 2012 at 11:47 pmHi there!
I have a friend turning 40 next week. I love your printables for this party idea. Are they available to download?
Thanks! (and belated happy 40th!)
Jill says
January 3, 2012 at 10:27 pmI would love to use these designs for my upcoming 40th birthday party. Are they available yet?
MoBetterFunk says
November 21, 2011 at 5:03 am40th Birthday Party Ideas http://t.co/wjSjJPbT #party
Danica says
November 17, 2011 at 1:24 amI think it would be perfect if you can dress up more formal like wearing prom dresses http://bit.ly/uhOeQt. But it was still impressived. Congrats!
Danica says
November 17, 2011 at 1:20 amcool.
lake conroe watefront lots says
November 7, 2011 at 9:54 pmWhat a gorgeous event this is. Looking at your pictures makes me want to attend. Love the cake, the theme, the necklace, everything. Well planned party! Belated!
Jarrod
ali says
November 7, 2011 at 5:10 pmAre these designs up? I’d love to do the same!
Claudia says
November 3, 2011 at 8:07 amI’m turning 40 in 9 days, this is great inspiration – happy belated birthday!!!
topparty says
October 14, 2011 at 1:58 amHappy 40th Birthday. You look amazing! @livinglocurto RT Bright and fun 40th Birthday Party Ideas http://t.co/BOVATrAi
Ronda Sirkovic says
October 11, 2011 at 4:40 pmAmy – Happy 40th!!! And what an incredible party. I love the bright colors and the selection of colors. My friends and family are throwing me a 40th birthday and I forwarded them this link of your idea. What a great one. Are the printables available yet? Please let me know, I’d love to use your bright lively idea, as opposed to all the black that is out there to choose from. Thanks again for another bright idea! – Ronda
TidyMom says
October 9, 2011 at 9:40 amThanks for linking up Amy! I featured your post in my wrap up http://tidymom.net/2011/im-lovin-it-wrap-up-great-ideas/
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Angie @ Bigbearswife says
October 8, 2011 at 10:05 amFabulous 40th birthday!! Amazing!
Daddy by Default says
October 7, 2011 at 11:49 amThis post was amazing, and the pictures were awesome. I’m trying to plan a first birthday party for my daughter in a few weeks and this gave me a few ideas. I’m not nearly as creative with making stuff myself as you are, but I think my wife can pull a few of these decorations off. The movie at home idea was fantastic too, we might have to try that for a future adult party. I tried getting people to send me ideas for the party on twitter, but all I got were some pretty wacky ones that are way out there, like this one, which i just posted on my site: http://daddybydefault.com/bad-birthday-party-ideas-2-dirty-diaper-pinata-2/
Anyway, thanks for the real ideas and decorations.
Patrizia Corriero says
October 6, 2011 at 9:17 pm40th Birthday Party Ideas: http://t.co/0gp0BF2O
Julie says
October 6, 2011 at 8:50 pmLOVE the colors & decor. Happy 40th!
Christine Staiduhar says
October 6, 2011 at 2:19 pmFabulous!
Glenda says
October 6, 2011 at 9:41 amAwesome party. Such fun and what a gorgeous group of ladies. Can’t wait to celebrate mine in a few years! Thanks for the inspiration!
Glenda says
October 6, 2011 at 9:40 amIncredible and beautiful! You did a fabulous job. What a gorgeous group of friends! Thanks for the inspiration. I have a few years to go, but what a fun idea!!!
Adrienne in Ohio says
October 6, 2011 at 8:17 amWhat a beautiful evening you planned! I love the bright colors, SOO much more sophisticated and fun than a black and white 40th party. You have a real talent for party planning, Amy. The details are always fabulous–so glad you were able to celebrate YOU.
Amy says
October 6, 2011 at 8:27 am@Adrienne in Ohio,
Thanks so much Adrienne!
MissCaron says
October 6, 2011 at 7:54 amLooks like you had a wonderful birthday! You are so amazingly talented and I bet your friends had a wonderful time celebrating with you! God bless! 🙂
Amy says
October 6, 2011 at 8:27 am@MissCaron,
Thanks for the birthday wishes:-)
jennifer hadfield says
October 6, 2011 at 3:58 amLove this 40th birthday party Living Locurto. Happy Birthday Amy!! http://t.co/zIBLHEOd
trump hollywood luxury condominiums says
October 5, 2011 at 10:37 pmFrom the looks of it, you had a super special day! 🙂 Couldn’t be much better with all your friends and family there, they can make everything special for us. Thanks for sharing your birthday photos! 🙂
Bridget says
October 5, 2011 at 7:50 am40th Birthday Party Ideas | Living Locurto – Printables, Recipes …: Fun ideas for a 40th birthday party dinner… http://t.co/vDnBhvgV
TidyMom says
October 5, 2011 at 6:35 amyou did a fabulous job Amy! I wish I could have been there…..but I was in spirit!
I LOVE all the colors, the pictures of you all around, every little detail.
I LOVE that vintage pearl necklace!
Amy says
October 6, 2011 at 8:29 am@TidyMom,
Wish you were there too!!
Kari Sweeten says
October 5, 2011 at 4:56 am..and you're one hot 40 yr old, Amy!! RT @kamibigler: @livinglocurto you sure know how to party! http://t.co/7j8JA8zN…
Kami Bigler says
October 5, 2011 at 4:54 am@livinglocurto you sure know how to party, my friend! What a blast! http://t.co/qSHo9lrC
Rebekah {A Blissful Nest} says
October 4, 2011 at 10:44 pmHappy happy birthday to you sweet Amy!! That looks like one heck of a party and I can’t wait to move to Texas to party with you girl! Hugs to you!
Amy says
October 6, 2011 at 8:31 am@Rebekah {A Blissful Nest},
Thanks! When are you moving?
Shelly Lansink-Tutt says
October 4, 2011 at 9:38 pmCheck out this fabulous birthday party by @livinglocurto http://t.co/SOLKIDn3
keli says
October 4, 2011 at 7:46 pmoh my goodness, this is fabulous!!!! gorgeous!
Stephanie Campagna says
October 4, 2011 at 6:49 pmA great way to celebrate 40! http://t.co/l02nX6Ul http://t.co/YY9DESaX
Home Confetti says
October 4, 2011 at 6:20 pmA great way to celebrate 40! http://t.co/l02nX6Ul http://t.co/YY9DESaX
Bridget says
October 4, 2011 at 6:18 pm40th Birthday Party Ideas | Living Locurto Printables Recipes …: Fun ideas for a 40th birthday party dinner fo… http://t.co/q0izAtkn
Maui Wowi Hawaiian says
October 4, 2011 at 6:17 pm40th Birthday Party Ideas | Living Locurto Printables Recipes …: Fun ideas for a 40th birthday party dinner fo… http://t.co/HN1bfEaQ
Team Trini Hoss says
October 4, 2011 at 6:14 pm40th Birthday Party Ideas http://t.co/5DZFTbuj #PR9Anya
Shelley O'Donnell says
October 4, 2011 at 6:08 pmLove this birthday party from @livinglocurto! http://t.co/e6By8KSb
teresa says
October 4, 2011 at 4:17 pmJust wanted to say…Happy Birthday- the party looked fabulous!
Amy says
October 4, 2011 at 8:55 pm@teresa,
Thank you Teresa!
Tiffany says
October 4, 2011 at 3:24 pmI left a comment on the giveaway page, but I wanted to say here “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!” What a wonderful way to celebrate!!
Kelly Gallagher says
October 4, 2011 at 2:51 pmYou look beautiful! I love your party pics! Looks like an amazing time!
bridget {bake at 350} says
October 4, 2011 at 2:30 pmYou are so glamorous!!! And all of your friends are, too!!!
Happy, happy birthday, Amy….welcome to 40. It’s good here. 😉
Amy says
October 4, 2011 at 8:54 pm@bridget {bake at 350},
Thanks Bridget!!
Kristen says
October 4, 2011 at 2:23 pmOh my gosh, Amy – what a fun party! Happy 40th!!
RM, Home Confetti says
October 4, 2011 at 1:21 pmWhat a pretty table setting, and I love the “40 and Still Hot”!
Happy birthday!
the Blah Blah Blahger says
October 4, 2011 at 1:20 pmI’m totally in the process of planning my own birthday party right now! Yours looks like a blast!!! Hugs!
Amy says
October 4, 2011 at 10:25 pm@the Blah Blah Blahger,
Thanks, it was fun! Nothing wrong with planning your own party:-) I do it all the time. ha!
olio! says
October 4, 2011 at 1:17 pmHappy 40th! I enjoy your updates. Good work on the photos tied around the tree. Great inspiration.
Gussy Sews says
October 4, 2011 at 12:59 pmHi Amy! Look at how much fun your party was!!! Yay! So glad we could work together, you’re amazing! xoxo
Amy says
October 4, 2011 at 1:10 pm@Gussy Sews,
Thanks so much! Your favors were such a hit!
Shelly says
October 4, 2011 at 12:57 pmAmy,
Your birthday party looked Fabulous!
You are a very talented lady!
Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
Shelly xo
p.s. I have always wanted a Gussy’s Market Tote! Thank you for this giveaway!
Laura says
October 4, 2011 at 12:40 pmI LOVE the idea of planning your own birthday party. I might just do that for myself next year. Happy Birthday!
stephanie d. says
October 4, 2011 at 12:35 pmFabulous party! Happy Birthday
Tricia says
October 4, 2011 at 12:30 pmLove every detail – looks like it was a blast! So what it was a party for yourself, it was still a party! So much fun.
Margot Madison says
October 4, 2011 at 12:29 pmA lovely party to celebrate the blessings of life and the friends that make it more fun. Congrats!