Use confetti as a decoration to mark someone's 40th birthday.
A 40th birthday is a big milestone. Many people enjoy ushering in the new decade with a party, while others prefer not to think about it at all. If you've decided to throw a 40th birthday party for yourself or someone else, consider having a themed party to make it memorable. Does this Spark an idea?
An "Over the Hill" Party
An example of an "Over the Hill" cake
Probably the most well-known 40th birthday party theme is the "Over the Hill" theme. "Over the Hill" implies that the person turning 40 has passed the prime of his or her life, and that it is all downhill from here. Decorate using anything relating to death and old age. Fake headstones, black balloons and skull and cross bone decorations are a good start. Use empty medicine bottles for tabletop decor, a walking cane as a gag gift, and having all of your guests dress in black for the occasion. You could even invite the Grim Reaper (i.e., a friend in costume) to show up for the party.
An "On This Day in History" Party
Do a little research and figure out what was happening in the world on or near the day of the honoree's birth. What was the fashion? What was the popular music? What were the current events? One interesting idea might be to have all of your guests come dressed in clothing reminiscent of that time in history. Let history guide your decorating decisions, too. For example: if the person turning 40 was born in 1970, have protest signs as decorations, recalling the hippie movement of the time. Instead of anti-war propaganda, write birthday greetings on the signs. Play a game of "Name that Tune" with the top 40 songs from that week in history.
A "Those Were the Days" Party
What was the birthday boy or girl like in his or her heyday? If you're giving a party for someone you've known a relatively short while, enlist the help of that person's friends and family. Find out where he went to college. Who was her favorite band at the time? What kinds of things was this person involved in? Use some of the ideas from the "On This Day in History" theme, but add 20 years. Make the guest of honor feel young again by re-creating his life from 20 years ago. For example, someone born in 1970 would have been 20 years old in 1990. Research the popular music, the fashion, and the history. Perhaps the honoree was a New Kids On The Block fan. Would she enjoy renting a karaoke machine and singing along with the New Kids?
Tags: Over Hill, 40th birthday, 40th birthday party, birthday party, born 1970, person turning, popular music