40th Birthday Party Idea

Nov 9, 2010
Chandra Brown

Birthday Wine Party - Chandra Brown

Since 40 is the new 30, why go overboard with the typical "over the hill" cliché? This party is for the mature adult who wants to celebrate with class.

Maybe you have a significant other that isn’t comfortable with being serenaded in front of complete strangers at a restaurant and cringes as the staff places an embarrassingly huge sombrero on their head.

If you fall into the “let’s not make this birthday a big deal” category, this party idea will make a milestone birthday a memorable one without the embarrassment.

Wine Party For The Mature Adult

Wine parties are nothing new but you can add a special twist to enhance the importance of the birthday honoree. A little time spent at your local wine supply store researching labels that give subtle hints to age will accomplish the “over the hill” message in a classy fashion.

For instance, Bogle Vineyards “Old” Vine Zinfandel 2008 California wine delicately touches on the aging process. Anciano gran reserva “aged” ten years in oak also supports the getting older theme.

The food at the party can also hint at the maturation process. Pairing cheeses, meats and wine helps the taste buds realize the full flavors being presented to the palate. Aged meat and cheese keep the theme in good taste.

Quotes To Ponder

Using wine anecdotes or quotes near the bottles of wine and food spread will help support the subtle hints at aging and can be a great conversation starter. Find quotes that relate a sentiment about the birthday boy or girl.

A wonderful quote example for the male birthday can read like this, Nathan's turning 40 and for those who know him he's, "a man not old, but mellow, like good wine." -Stephen Phillips, Ullysses.

For those reluctant birthday celebrators who need a little encouragement, this quote by Victor Hugo casts turning forty in different light, “Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age.” No mid-life crisis to worry about with this perspective.

Planning Guide

Planning this easy party takes little time. A good rule to remember is a bottle of wine contains approximately four glasses. Using a little math, you can estimate how many bottles of wine to purchase by the number of guests invited. Another helpful tip is to buy a couple cases of beer for those guests that may not enjoy the fruit of the vine. Keep small water bottles handy, consuming alcohol can cause dehydration.

This party idea is pleasing on many levels; the guests can enjoy the food and gift of the vine, the host can still honor the birthday boy or girl’s wishes and still have witty fun with subtle hints at aging. The décor is accomplished with the natural, colorful beauty of the food and wine display and lighting a few candles for ambience will finish the touch.

Cheers!