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Parties/celebrations

Whether you're planning a birthday or a hen do, you'll find plenty of ideas for your celebration on our Party forum.

Original poster

What kind of 40th birthday part would you most like to attend?

26 replies

MitziKinsky · 03/12/2011 19:34

I would like to celebrate mine and DH's 40th birthdays in one party (as we have mostly the same friends and our birthdays are close together)

DH thinks a BBQ (manned by him) in the garden during the day or evening (May, so it may well rain).

I was thinking of having the evening wedding reception we never had, in a bar/hotel or somewhere,with a buffet and maybe with a band, one Saturday evening.

Or would you prefer something else entirely?

OP posts:
Original poster
MitziKinsky · 03/12/2011 19:53

Well, obviously no one wants to come!

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LaurieFairyCake · 03/12/2011 19:54

As long as there's loads of drink and "come on Eileen" on the stereo I don't care.

heliumballoon · 03/12/2011 19:56

are you thinking of a pay bar or a free bar?

Onlyaphase · 03/12/2011 19:57

Why don't you combine the two and have a lunch at a hotel one weekend?
Catering done for you, garden for kids to play in (or kids room indoors if wet) and you can all go inside if it rains. That would be a lovely thing to be invited to.

PandaG · 03/12/2011 19:57

would love either, to be honest. One friend did the 'wedding reception' style party for her 40th, we had a great time. Other friends have done BBQs, and they have been fab too. BBQ probably cheaper, more formal do has the benefit of less work for your DH and not weather dependent.

Not much help, sorry!

Original poster
MitziKinsky · 03/12/2011 20:02

I'm thinking of a paying bar (other friends have done that so I'm sure they would understand)

Meal at a hotel does sound lovely. I think the BBQ at home would stress me out as I would have to clean and tidy. And I know from experience the DCs rooms would then be totally trashed, as I can't supervise everywhere at once.

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iklboo · 03/12/2011 20:06

I would love an Abigail's Party themed do. But I'm past 40 now. Sad

heliumballoon · 03/12/2011 20:09

If it's a pay bar then I would prefer a BBQ to which I could bring booze.
I am scarred however, by the last 40th I went to, in an extremely swanky bar, where we all shared champagne and were presented with an eighty quid bar bill at the end. And I am pg so had only had one glass. It was a great evening for the person turning 40, but that and a present wiped out my socialising budget for the rest of the month, and made me vow that DH's 40th next year will be an at home bring-a-bottle affair.

cat64 · 03/12/2011 20:11

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cat64 · 03/12/2011 20:12

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Original poster
MitziKinsky · 03/12/2011 20:49

" bit of 'Come on Eileen' (and, of course, Wham, Welcome to the Monkey House, and Tainted Love )." - I'm loving the sound of this!

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cat64 · 03/12/2011 20:58

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Original poster
MitziKinsky · 03/12/2011 21:05

Well do! Grin

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Original poster
MitziKinsky · 04/12/2011 17:21

*Will" do.

Just bumping incase anyone can suggest any better ideas. We are still pondering if we should just have close friends and family or all friends. Confused

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Tinselrella · 04/12/2011 17:31

Agree about the pay bar. I too have been stung a few times and presented with bills at the end of the evening. If you are going to have the party at a venue with its own bar, make sure the drinks are not overpriced and make sure people know in advance...I have noooo problem paying for my own booze - or own food come to that - but I really, really do not like drinking not a drop of champagne and being presented with a bill for 50 quid at the end of the evening or eating a couple of crappy sausage rolls from a crappy buffet and having to fork out 25 quid for the privilege.

I would say go for the party at home...theme it (not necessarily a 70s theme, although that could be fun) and get people to bring a dish/bottle if they want. I think a bbq in May should be fine, but perhaps get a marquee or something, just in case. Oh, spit roasts (not ala premership footballers) are a good alternative to a bbq.

FlossieFromCrapstonVillas · 04/12/2011 17:39

i'm thinking of having a do in a hall next year. it has a bar, no problem with paying as you go, went to a lovely party along the same lines a couple of years ago. cheesy disco, great night!

i know someone who had a wig party, ie wear what you like but wear a fab wig! Love this idea.

Original poster
MitziKinsky · 04/12/2011 18:14

Oooh! The wig idea is good! A good ice breaker for people who don't know each other.

I would never present anyone with a bill at the end of the night Shock

If it was a paying bar I might do a couple of glasses of champagne on arrival on us.

If I do a BBQ I might say bring a bottle , but I've noticed DH's freinds tend to drink what they haven't brought, then take home what they brought when they are leaving. Hmm Grin

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Moomoomie · 04/12/2011 18:23

As long as it is not a fancy black tie ball, that hire of dj, new outfit for me , taxi and drinks would cost more than a weekend away.
Then find out it is a crappy disco and not a live band.

Makkapakkaakkawakka · 04/12/2011 18:47

We are trying to make a similar decision at the moment and we are leaning towards an evening barbecue but we are going to hire waitresses to serve and clear up at the end. We will be providing the drinks though regardless of what we decide to do. If it's at home I will do wine, beer, a choice of 2 or 3 cocktails and soft drinks. If people want to bring their own drink that is fine but it's not the norm in our crowd. If we do it in a bar we will cover similar and anything else will be up to individuals.

aviatrix · 04/12/2011 18:48

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rushofbloodtothefeet · 04/12/2011 18:54

I had mine last month Grin

We had a reception type party, but I went for the cheap-and-cheerful venue option (local football club clubhouse) so that I could blow most of the budget on a band and decent food. It had the added benefit of having a very cheap club bar. The band was most excellent and the food was yummy (3 hot main dishes with rice and bread). Was a great night, but despite careful budgeting it still cost over £1K once factored in cakes and balloons etc. Fortunately was having it jointly with a friend so we shared all costs.

Never doing another birthday ever again though, I shall remain 40 forever more (anyone got a mirror?)

ellaballoo · 27/12/2011 14:52

We are in a similar position,I have been researching and have also attended a few different 40th in the past year and have decided to have one at home.
I am going to get a couple of teenagers to act as waitresses and get a cold buffet from a local caterer or waitrose.We are going to get a pop up gazebo for the garden...just need some sort of theme now.

PuggyMum · 27/12/2011 14:58

Have you seen the Groupon website? They often do full wedding packages with a meal / buffet for really good value and it doesn't have to be a wedding... dh 40th and our 10th wedding anniversary is same weekend so that's what I am planning... It's 3 years away!!!
If you do go for a BBQ see if there is a local acoustic guitarist who will play a couple of sets and get your friends to man the BBQ so dh can relax x

ellaballoo · 27/12/2011 15:08

Groupon sounds like a good idea...as does the guitarist.Have just remembered my moany neighbours though!The 40th in a hotel felt a bit too weddingy and the music was too loud to chat..I sound really old now!

PuggyMum · 27/12/2011 17:26

I'm really lucky with my neighbours now but my old ones were moany!! I used to invite them as I knew they'd say no but then I'd apologise in advance or any noise... Gives them notice to go out or put ear plugs in! He he!!! X x