Fortune favors those in their forties. Or, at least, that is what I’m telling myself.

My 40th Birthday Bash was inspired by the moon, stars, and the future itself. This sparkly evening was filled with family, friends, fantastic food, and so much fun. While I obviously think this makes for a great 40th birthday theme, I hope it serves to inspire for a celestial themed wedding, New Year’s Eve bash, or maybe even a birthday of a much smaller number. My son’s first birthday was a Twinkle Twinkle Little Star theme and many of these elements would have fit right in!

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When I walked into the venue, an octagonal barn in the Portland-area that was over one hundred years old, I knew I wanted to host my party there. I had been to a wedding in the space previously, and knew I liked the menus from many times eating at McMenamins restaurants. Seeing the old wood and lights in the space made me instantly think of twinkly stars and my theme was set.

Moon and Star Party Decor

While I love creating gorgeous floral bouquets and often share tips on how to do so, this time I wanted something that would be a little more long lasting. I opted to purchase 5 glowing moon lights* and strands of star fairy lights* for centerpieces at each of the main tables.

The venue was really so beautiful that I didn’t go overboard with the decor. I used plenty of fairy lights*, star garland* (some of it cut up and placed around on the tables), and printable items that served as decor, activities, and party favors to boot.

Shaking it up a bit, the kids table had a slightly different vibe than the other tables. It was decorated with the same menus and ornaments, but instead of moons it had three large glass canisters on it. One canister held glow sticks*, one held crayons and markers, and the other held star sunglasses*. I designed star themed printable coloring sheets for the kids to color throughout the evening.

Party Favors That Do Double Duty

Each seat had a circular menu that listed out the evening’s meal and a custom hand-lettered ceramic star ornament that I created with each of the guest’s name. This served as both a place setting sign as well as a party favor.

I like giving gifts on my birthday. So one party favor would simply not do. But, I do like favors that do double duty! Similar to the place setting favors, my next favor did a job beyond being a fun guest takeaway item. We set up a small photo booth using star garland and a fairy light curtain*. We placed my instax mini camera*, instax mini printer*, and plenty of film* on a table with signage encouraging guests to take photos for themselves and for me.

Guests took a photo for me to keep and placed it in a desktop photo calendar*. They also took one for themselves and selected either a photo frame magnet* or keychain* to take home with them. I added star charms* to my keychains to keep in theme.

The next double duty party favors are probably some of my favorite designs I’ve ever created. As soon as I had the thought to do a celestial theme, I thought of the future and what it might bring.

I came of age in the early 90s so Cootie Catchers, or Fortune Tellers, were all the rage. I don’t think I’ll ever forget how to fold one of those— instantly knew I wanted to design one for the party. Along with the fortune tellers I created Decision Wheels for guests to take home. Both served as activities during the party, party decor, and as take home gifts.

Portland-area DJ & Party Entertainment

My party favors were not the only thing playing many parts in this party!

Our DJ was a wonderful find on the site Gigsalad. I discovered this site a few parties ago and have gotten quotes and hired before from the site. I was so pleased to get a responsive and engaged quote back from Troy, DJ Burn PDX. He not only was a great DJ who brought a wonderful set up and prepared music to my requests. But, he also set up karaoke for us— we love Karaoke! And he did a wonderful juggling show during dinner.

My kids absolutely loved him and he kept the party going. He didn’t know I had a blog and doesn’t know I’m writing this now. But, I very much recommend him and wish him nothing but success.

Here is to turning forty and hoping that fortune does indeed favor those in their forties! Cheers!