How shall I celebrate my 40th birthday? Suggestions please?

[MorticiaMerlot]

Hi all

Looking for ideas on how I might celebrate my 40th birthday. Not sure whether to have a party, a weekend away with/without kids etc...

looking for some special ideas to make it a memorable occasion.

Have you already hit the big 4-0... what did you do?

All ideas greatly appreciated

Friend of mine did a "drink your way round the monopoly board" using an all-day tube ticket. It was great fun but he is single, childless and has the liver of a 20 year old.

If it was me I'd go for a family party followed by a weekend away.

Anything you want! With friends/family? Hire a big house/youth hostel for the weekend.....have a party! Go away just you and DP, night in a luxury hotel. I did most of what I wanted but was domineered into doing something my DM wanted too, and that was the only bit I didn't enjoy - so do exactly what you want and what you would feel comfortable doing, not what you think you should do. I'm not into the red letter day ballooning trip/helicopter lesson stuff, but if you are there's plenty of that around. For mine we had a barbecue for neighbours, a weekend away in the St David's Hotel in Cardiff and a picnic with family (it was summer). I had a very small baby at the time so couldn't go far - the plan originally was a weekend in Reykjavik(sp)! For DH we went to London for the night, he had a tour round Highbury and we stayed in a nice hotel again and did the pamper thing. A friend went to Vienna with her DP and they had a family party when she came back; another hired a youth hostel for the weekend for family and friends and had a huge party; my DSis is planning to hire a country house for the weekend next year when hers comes along.

I celebrated my 40th in August, the celebrations have been spread out. Went to Barcelona with dh (without the children)in June for a few days and had the most fantastic time, it was also our 10 year wedding anniversary so double celebrations. On the actual day my friends and family came round and we had a champagne lunch. In the evening all of the family went to a favourite restaurant for a fab meal. Dh bought me tickets for Jamiroqaui and went to Nottingham arena and had another meal. Had a night out on the town with my mates and went to an 80's night. The final round up to the celebrations was staying 2 nights (again without the children) in a luxury hotel. I would have had a party aswell but I have only just organised a ruby wedding anniverary party for my parents and wasn't up to organising one for myself.

thanks for all your suggestions, most welcome

...I've also found some great suggestions in the archives... so thanks mumsnetters you're great