From the moment my 40th birthday started to appear on the horizon, I said I wanted a celebration that felt like my high school and college days. There was something so naive, unhinged, and magical about that era — so why not recreate a few of the best nights I can remember to honor the start of a new decade? I never imagined my family would pull off the perfect 40th backyard birthday party that truly felt like stepping back in time. It will forever go down as one of the best celebrations I’ve ever attended — and received.
The Vision & Planning
Some of my fondest memories — much to my parents’ dismay — are the house parties I not only attended but also hosted. Beer pong, loud rap music, ice luges, and flip cup — those were the ingredients for some of the most fun nights of my youth. Turning 40 is such a huge milestone that it felt only fitting to recreate one of those legendary evenings. I’m lucky to have two sisters who were there with me back in those days, which made it easy to plan a backyard 40th birthday party with just the right touch of high school flair.
Backyard Decor & Details
There are so many turning 40 party ideas – but I love mine the best. Every detail brought a bit of my youth back into the celebration.
Venue: My parents backyard
Decor: A mix of high school photos, repurposed furniture and decor from my family’s homes, floral tablecloths, fall mums, twinkle lights, etc. A staple from my youth: red solo cups. Plastic cups with my childhood/high school photo on them. All the best 90s and 00s rap music blaring in the background (except for the first hour – keep it flowing with current easy listening favs (The 1975, yacht rock, TS)
Vibe: Classy but casual with room to let your hair down and have fun – NO KIDS ALLOWED
What I Wore to my 40th Birthday Party
- Dress: In This Groove Mini by Free People (Tofu Sand, Small) – Budget Friendly Dress
- Shirt: Lady Lux Layering Top (Evening Cream, XS) – Budget Friendly Shirt
- Boots: Not Sold Online – Similar – Budget Friendly
Food, Drinks & Cake
These are a few of my favorite things: pizza and wine.
Food: I was so excited to see Jackie’s Pizza Truck parked in my parents’ driveway. We had every kind of delicious New Haven Style pizza one could imagine AND they took vegan requests. There was also a tasty tossed salad and gelato for dessert. I highly recommend Jackie’s Pizza Truck!
Drinks: For drinks there was a little bit of everything – from keg beer to bottled, from vodka seltzer to vodka and Ripe mixers. The bar was fully stocked with wine, beer, and liquor. Water and soda was also served.
The 40th Birthday Cake
One of my old friend’s from high school owns a bakery in town and she is the go-to for making your creative cake visions come to life. My Mom told Alyssa’s Cakery I love Bonanza wine and she outdid herself!
The High School Vibes
My 40th birthday party featured all the fun activities: a light up ice luge, keg (and keg stands), beer funnel, beer pong, flip cup, and various decks of playing cards.
Thank You
To my sisters and Mom – thank you for making my dream of reliving my youth come true. To my husband – I knew I could count on you to make a stellar before-it-gets-dark playlist – and to Lizzie – your after dark playlist didn’t miss a song from the 2000s. To my Dad – you knocked it out of the park with the beautiful Mums and your stunning yard. To Tine – your decorative touches and Caitlin-on-a-stick earned an A++. To my brother and sister-in-law – thank you for all of your creative insight and help (and the morning after recap). To my best friend since 3rd grade – I love you because who else would find a light up ice luge for a party AND christen it with me? To all those who helped organize/set up – you’re the best.
And to my guests: Family is everything (Nate your martini glasses were a hit?). My friends who have known me since childhood – I’m so happy we stayed in touch because you hold a piece of my history I never want to forget. To my friends who have entered my life in the last five years, I am so happy you are finally here and I can’t imagine doing my forties without you. To my friends/family that couldn’t make it – I know you were there in spirit playing flip cup with me. And to EVERYONE and ANYONE who helped me celebrate this new chapter over the last few weeks, THANK YOU for making this the most epic birthday ever.
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