i’m matt james

professional event producer

  • 27 years event-planning experience
  • Winner of 30 industry awards
  • Clients include:
  • Elton John,
  • Stella McCartney,
  • Sarah Jessica Parker,
  • Kevin Spacey……and more

welcome

Matt James professional event planner
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CONTENTS

ON THIS PAGE

01 MAKE IT SPECIAL

Thoughtful ideas that celebrate the person, not their age, focus on the feel-good, and make a 40th birthday special

40 years of memories personalized photo book for a 40th birthday
'40 Memories for 40 Years' Share a Memory postcards for a 40th birthday
40 Reasons We Love You photo poster for a 40th birthday
Custom '40 Reasons We Love You' 40th birthday photo book with friends and family holding signs
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02 MAKE IT personal

How to add creative twists and personal touches to create talking points and memorable moments

40 year old man standing alongside a lifelike custom pinata of himself
'celebrating 40 years' 40th birthday party dessert table tapestry backdrop with photos showing the guest of honor 'through the years'
custom face photo 40th birthday garland banner showing a man 'through the years' as a baby, kid, and adult
custom photo personalized Happy Birthday m&m's for a 40th birthday party
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03 40th birthday party decorations

How to maximize your budget by concentrating your 40th birthday party decorations in a few key areas

40th birthday photo collage party decorations in the shape of the numbers 40 on a party dessert table
'cheers to 40 years' 40th birthday custom photo banner party decorations showing photos of the guest of honor 'then and now'
happy 40th birthday bambi spelled out in a yard card decorating the front of house
woman standing next to number 40 balloon mosaic and balloon arch 40th birthday party decorations
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04 40th birthday party activities

How to break the ice, provide conversation-starters, encourage mingling, and create atmosphere

40th birthday guestbook alternative signing poster activity with photos of the guest of honor 'then and now'
Interactive DIY vodka bar with mixers and fruit set up at an event as an activity for guests
'how well do you know the birthday boy' 40th birthday party game quiz cards
retro telephone audio guest book set up next to an instructions sign inviting guests to record a message for a 40th birthday party
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05 40th birthday party food

Why food stations geared towards small bites, tasting plates, and DIY options are better than buffets

Hors d'oeuvres and appetizers arranged in rows on a modern 40th birthday party buffet table / food station
40th birthday party food presentation ideas: fish salad served in margarita glasses with forks
40th birthday party hors d'oeuvres: cheese bites served on forks standing vertically
40th birthday party food ideas: individual portion charcuterie cups
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06 dessert tables

How a dessert table can lend visual spectacle, save time, and maximize budget for a 40th birthday party

black and gold striped custom 40th birthday party dessert table backdrop
individual layered party desserts served in disposable shooter glasses
personalized custom caricature cookie of a man to use as 40th birthday party dessert table treats
blue sequin shimmer 40th birthday party dessert table backdrop
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07 40th birthday party drinks

Get that professionally-catered look and give traditional drinks a creative twist

custom photo personalized beer bottle labels for 40th birthday party drinks
40th birthday party drinks ideas: boxwood hedge party drinks bar wall with shelves of self-service drinks for guests to help themselves to
custom photo edible wafer party drinks topper with a photo of the birthday girl floating on a cocktail
custom photo 'Fun Facts about the Birthday boy' 40th birthday party drinks / cocktail napkins
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08 40th birthday party invitations

Why invitations needs to excite, inspire, and give guests something to look forward to

40th birthday party photo collage invitation showing the birthday boy 'through the years'
animated digital video 40th birthday party invitations displayed on mobile phone screen
balloon custom printed with 40th birthday party invitation details
custom vinyl record party invitation for a 40th birthday party
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09 40th birthday gifts

Avoid uninspiring and clichéd gifts in favor of something that’s unique, meaningful, or a treat

woman standing next to a custom muppet-style puppet of herself given as a 40th birthday gift
custom personalized comic book for a 40th birthday gift
custom bobblehead of a man alongside his photo for an 40th birthday gift
personalized viewmaster reel viewer for a 40th birthday gift
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10 40th birthday party ideas for men

40th birthday party themes, decorations, and ideas aimed at men

'the man, the myth, the legend' custom name 40th birthday party backdrop decorations behind a dessert table
40th birthday party beer tasting party supplies with bottles of beer in ice buckets
'the silver fox' custom name 40th birthday party napkins with grey hair icon
40th birthday party beer tasting party supplies with a cheese board
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ADVICE FROM A PRO

40TH BIRTHDAY party tips

  • 40th birthdays are significant, so you need to make an effort!
  • Avoid the obvious: generic store-bought decorations emblazoned with 40
  • Instead, make everything as personal as possible
  • Celebrate the person, not their age
  • Avoid lame jokes and clichés like ‘old as dirt’, ‘over the hill, and ‘40 rocks’
  • Concentrate on making them feel loved and appreciated as they turn 40
  • Celebrate their life; their background, accomplishments, and all the things that have made them who they are today
  • Celebrate who they are; admirable qualities, characteristics everyone loves, and even their weird habits and obsessions that drive people crazy!
  • Celebrate your relationship with them; take a walk down memory lane, share memories, funny stories, embarrassing photos, amusing anecdotes, fun facts guests may not know, and indulge in a little sentimentality
  • Focus on things that are meaningful, because that’s what they’ll remember
  • If you’re planning your own 40th birthday bash, you should still take the same approach. Make everything as personal as possible so that it’s a reflection of you; your tastes, your interests, and your sense of humor—with plenty of embarrassing old photos and fun facts
  • I’ll teach you how to design your 40th birthday party like a pro; creating ‘beats’ or ‘moments’ that run throughout the event so guests continue to discover new things as the party unfolds
  • Think of the guest’s journey in terms of different touch points; arrivals, bar, room décor, food, entertainment etc.
  • Then, add a creative twist, person touch, or talking point to each
  • Don’t forget to include activities; things for guests to do that will break the ice, encourage mingling, provide conversation-starters, and create a fun atmosphere that includes everyone.
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MATT’S TIP

Matt James professional event planner
in this section

01 Make it special

celebrate the person, not their age

  • Limit the gag gifts and decorations and focus on thoughtful, feel-good ideas.
  • Make them feel loved, appreciated, and good about themselves.

AVOID CLICHÉS

  • Don’t make the common mistake of theming everything around turning 40.
  • Clichéd themes like ‘old as dirt’ and ‘oh crap you’re old’ are tired and lazy.
  • They make for an impersonal and unoriginal 40th birthday celebration.
  • Read my full post with ideas for how to make a 40th birthday special or preview some below
open full post
40th birthday memory postcards
a collection of gift wrapped boxes
reasons we love you 40th birthday photo-book
framed reasons we love you poster with photo of the 40 year old birthday boy
a stack of numbered '40 years of memory' letters in air mail envelopes
40 years of memories photo book showing the birthday boy through the years
in this section

02 Make it personal

add creative twists & personal touches

  • A 40th birthday is a special occasion, so you need to make an effort.
  • Generic decorations from Party City or Amazon won’t cut it.
  • Cheap, shiny, and mass-produced in China doesn’t exactly say special does it?
  • It’s the creative twists, clever details, personal touches, talking points, and memorable moments that make a 40th birthday party more special than a regular get-together.
  • So, focus on customizable party supplies that use cute, funny, or embarrassing old photos of the birthday boy / girl to make them unique.
  • Read my full post about the party supplies I recommend and learn how to use them to surprise and entertain guests, create photo ops, and make your party memorable.
open full post
blue and yellow custom photo m&m's with a woman's face
color photo party hats showing the 40th birthday boy now and as a baby
40th birthday custom face photo banners showing birthday boy at different ages hung above party dessert table
This Kid is Turning 40 and Look Who's 40 custom photo birthday balloons
group of people holding custom fan faces of the 40th birthday boy in front of their own faces
40th birthday photo garland banners showing the birthday girl 'through the years'
large custom marquee letters spelling 'Carey & John' set up on grass outside party tent lit red at night
ADVICE FROM A PRO

planning your own 40th?

  • You should still use customized party supplies if you’re planning your own party.
  • Make it personal so the event is a reflection of you; your tastes, your interests, your sense of humor.
  • Use plenty of embarrassing old photos, amusing anecdotes, and fun facts guests might not know.
  • People often feel self-conscious celebrating themselves or worry that it might appear egotistical,
  • but if you include funny and embarrassing old photos, it has the opposite effect;
  • It communicates self-deprecation, honesty, and a sense of openness.
  • It tells people you don’t take yourself too seriously;
  • that you can laugh at all your bad old haircuts and crimes of fashion!
  • Guests will love it too; many of whom might never have seen you as a cute baby, cheeky little kid, or scruffy college student.
  • So, not only will they find this entertaining,
  • but revealing yourself in a ‘warts and all’ kind of way lets people in, makes you relatable, and fosters a connection.
  • All of which helps breaks the ice, provide conversation-starters, and create a relaxed, fun party atmosphere
SHOW More Show Less

MATT’S TIP

Matt James professional event planner
in this section

03 40TH BIRTHDAY DeCORations

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

  • Don’t try to dress the entire room/venue, this will spread decorations too thinly.
  • Instead, keep everything tight and compact, focusing on a few larger displays or ‘clusters’ of decorations in 4 key areas:
  • Entrance Decor
  • Welcome Area
  • Dessert / Buffet Table or Bar Décor
  • Room Decorations
  • Open full post to see all decor tips on my 40th birthday party decorations page.
open full post
preview

entrance decorations

  • Entrance decorations need to be welcoming and functional.
  • Use them to identify the location of the party, direct guests to the entrance, create a warm welcome, and put guests at ease.
  • The initial moments of a party set the tone and reassure guests, so first impressions matter.
VIEW ENTRANCE DECORATIONS
VIEW ALL DECORATIONS
custom photo yard heads of a mans face arranged on a front lawn outside a house
Look Who's Forty custom photo vertical banners showing the birthday boy 'through the years' hung either side of house door
custom name and age happy birthday yard card set up on front lawn outside house
guests arriving at a 40th birthday party at home with a pathway to the front door lined with paper luminaries
pink helium-filled balloons on strings staked into grass either side of a pathway
preview

welcome area

  • You can’t always greet every guest personally, so create a welcome area to:
  • greet guests; with signage, decor, and self-service drinks,
  • entertain; with activities, photo ops, and party favors, and…
  • manage flow; with directional signage for cloakrooms, bathrooms, table plans, and a gift/card table
  • This ensures guests feel acknowledged upon arrival and know what to do and where to go.
VIEW WELCOME AREA DECOR
VIEW ALL DECORATIONS
40 year old african american man standing next to a life-size cutout standee of himself
celebrating 40 years birthday photo collage sign set up on a party drinks table bar
DIY self-service party drinks bar
Polaroid guestbook, instant camera, and instructions sign set up for a 40th birthday party
couple recording a video message on a tablet on a tripod for a 40th birthday party
preview

dessert table decor

  • Maximize your budget by concentrating decorations around a dessert / buffet table or bar to create a focal point.
  • You’ll get more bang for your buck if you invest your budget in one well-dressed feature wall or large display.
  • This is better than trying to dress an entire room and spreading decorations too thinly.
VIEW DESSERT TABLE DECOR
VIEW ALL DECORATIONS
Celebrating 40 Years custom photo birthday backdrop behind a party dessert table
number 40 'through the years' photo collage cutout standing on a party dessert table showing photos of the 40th birthday boy
black sequin shimmer birthday backdrop surrounded by a black and gold balloon garland
blue ombré paper circle garland backdrop for a party buffet table
pink paper flower wall backdrop with a sofa in front
preview

ROOM DECORATIONS

  • Consider how a room will look when it’s full of people.
  • Concentrate on decorating perimeter walls, space above head height, and table decor that adds height.
  • Add creative twists and personal touches to everyday decorations, such as balloons and banners, to make them more special.
  • This creates conversation-starters, photo-ops, and talking points to engage and entertain guests while encouraging mingling.
VIEW ROOM DECORATIONS
VIEW ALL DECORATIONS
Photos and 'Fun Facts' about the 40th birthday boy/girl hanging from helium balloon strings used as party room decorations
Cheers to 40 Years custom 'Then & Now' photo birthday banner decorations hung above party food table
40th birthday photo garland party decorations showing the birthday boy 'Through the Years'
Too Late to Die Young printed rude balloon for a 40th birthday party
40th birthday party balloon mosaic of the number 40
in this section

04 40TH BIRTHDAY party ACTIVITIES

WHY YOUR PARTY NEEDS ACTIVITIES

  • Engagement is essential for creating atmosphere.
  • Icebreakers and conversation-starters facilitate introductions and take the pressure off the host.
  • Activities encourage circulation, raise the energy, and prevent guests clustering in corners with the people they came with.
  • Keeping people moving, exploring different areas, and discovering new things creates a lively and fun atmosphere
  • Most importantly, activities prevent boredom so people leave with something to talk about, share, and remember; they feel as though they’ve had an experience.
  • See all ideas on my 40th birthday party activities page.
open full post
Man wearing Hello My Name Is... sticker
40th birthday party red telephone audio guest book next to a printable instructions sign inviting party guests to leave a message
man standing next to a custom pinata of himself
handwritten 40 reasons we love you signing poster birthday guestbook alternative
'How well do you know the birthday boy?' 40th birthday party game printable quiz
Share a memory cards and sign for a 40th birthday party trip down memory lane
in this section

05 40TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOOD

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T OFFER A BUFFET

  • Buffet tables are over; they’re old fashioned, sloppy, and recall those nasty ‘all you can eat’ restaurants where the food sits out all day.
  • Nowadays, it’s all about ‘food stations’ geared towards small bites, tasting plates, and DIY options.
  • Food stations still let you:
  • feed large numbers,
  • offer a range of dishes (so there’s something for everyone; looking at you vegans!),
  • and keep food service relaxed and informal, so as not to kill the party atmosphere.
  • The difference being you get to wow guests with the creative, modern, and stylish presentation that comes with mini tasting plates and dessert cups.
  • As such, the food station contributes to your overall event design and décor.
  • Learn my simple food styling and presentation tips that will have everyone thinking your party has been professionally catered!
  • Open full post to see all ideas on my party food ideas page.
open full post
Hors d'oeuvres and appetizers arranged in rows on a modern buffet table / food station
cheese bites served on tasting forks standing upright
fish salad served in margarita glasses with forks
individual portion charcuterie cups
in this section

06 40TH BIRTHDAY DESSERT TABLEs

WHY YOU NEED A DESSERT TABLE

  • Lend visual spectacle and wow factor to room decor.
  • Maximize budget by making inexpensive or homemade desserts look stylish.
  • Save time by preparing big-batch desserts in advance to portion on the day.
  • Presentation can elevate simple, basic, or store-bought treats to make them feel more special.
  • Entertain, treat, and surprise guests with quirky, unusual, or indulgent bite-size treats.
  • Accommodates diets, allergies, and intolerances easily with a variety of smaller treats
  • Maintains atmosphere; encouraging guests to move around and mingle while grazing
  • Fosters engagement by creating talking-points and photo ops
  • Minimizes clean-up and clearing by using high quality disposable serving containers
  • Open full post to see all ideas on my dessert table ideas page.
open full post
mousse and fruit puree dessert served in shooter glasses
Rosé wine flavored pink lollipops for adults
personalized Polaroid style custom photo cookies of a mother and baby
personalized custom portrait cartoon cookies
donuts arranged on a donut wall display stand
chocolate and caramel pizza
in this section

07 40TH BIRTHDAY party drinks

GET THAT PROFESSIONALLY-CATERED LOOK

  • Always create a signature drink; it adds something unique and creates a talking point.
  • When people get dressed up and go out, they want to discover new things.
  • So, don’t play it too safe; offer them something unusual.
  • You can also make traditional drinks more special by adding a creative twist or personal touch to the styling and presentation.
  • Drinks play a big role in every party,
  • Your guests are probably going to be carrying one around for most of the night,
  • So it’s worth making an effort.
  • Open full post to see all ideas on my party drinks ideas page.
open full post
custom photo edible wafer drinks topper with a photo of the birthday girl floating on a cocktail
boxwood hedge drinks wall with shelves of self-service drinks for guests to help themselves to
custom photo wine and beer bottle labels showing the guest of honor at different stages of their life
custom photo 'Fun Facts about the Birthday Boy' 40th birthday party napkins
DIY self-service party drinks bar
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Matt James professional event planner
in this section

08 40TH BIRTHDAY party INVITATIONS

GIVE GUESTS A REASON TO RSVP

  • Everybody worries whether people will show up to their party; even the professionals.
  • Which is why you need to make an effort with your invitations.
  • If you’re expecting guests to give up their evening, commit weeks in advance, arrange babysitters, buy a gift, get dressed up, and travel across town to celebrate YOUR 40th birthday….
  • The invitation needs to say ‘this is a special occasion’
  • Nowadays, it’s rare to receive personal correspondence through the mail.
  • So, when a stiff, hand-addressed, luxurious, colored envelope unexpectedly lands on the mat, it instantly feels special.
  • Invitations set the tone; it’s a glimpse of what’s to come, so it needs to excite and inspire.
  • It needs to reassure people that they’re going to have fun.
  • It’s needs to build excitement and give them something to look forward to.
  • So, it needs to be creative.
  • Open full post to see all ideas on my party invitations page.
open full post
40th birthday party photo collage invitation showing the birthday boy 'through the years'
balloon custom printed with birthday party invitation details
animated custom video party invitation displayed on mobile phone screens for any age birthday or occasion
in this section

09 40TH BIRTHDAY GIFTS

AVOID THE OBVIOUS & STEREOTYPICAL

  • Let’s be honest, most gift websites suck.
  • They’re typically full of uninspiring, clichéd, or gag gifts that no-one really wants.
  • Is anyone really excited by personalized grilling tongs or a monogrammed cushion?
  • And why always so stereotypical?
  • For men, it’s golf accessories, tools, ties, and grilling equipment.
  • For women; jewelry boxes, tote bags, photo frames, and engraved glass ornaments. Yawn!
  • And don’t be fooled that a gift engraved with someone’s name makes it personal.
  • A truly personal gift is one where real thought has gone into it;
  • Something you know they’d love but would never treat themselves to,
  • Something meaningful with sentimental value, or
  • Something quirky or unique, tailored to the recipient.
  • Open full post to see all ideas on my 40th birthday gifts page.
open full post
woman standing next to a custom muppet-style puppet of herself
custom reel viewer / viewfinder made with your own photos
'Super Dad' custom comic book featuring cartoon versions of photos
custom bobblehead of a suited bearded man in a blue suit
in this section

10 40TH BIRTHDAY party ideas for men

Make an effort, not a fuss

  • Men often say they don’t want you to make a big fuss for their birthday.
  • But that doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t make an effort.
  • Granted, some men might not care (or even notice!) if the table styling matches the room decorations.
  • Or if the food and drink are designed to reflect a particular theme.
  • But a 40th birthday is a milestone, so you still want any celebration to feel special.
  • While you might not need to go all-out on every little detail,
  • You should still concentrate on making everything as personal as possible.
  • Start by choosing a simple theme or concept;
  • such as ‘The Man, the Myth, The Legend’ or a ‘Jack Daniels Whiskey Bash’.
  • Use this to tie everything together by choosing a few matching party supplies or decorations,
  • e.g, opt for matching invitations, a party backdrop, and one or two small items that guests will handle, such as custom beer labels, napkins, plates, or cups.
  • Then add some of the more personalized party ideas, decorations, and activities featured on this page,
  • especially ones that incorporate cute, funny, or embarrassing old photos of the birthday boy.
  • It’s these creative twists and personal touches that create talking points that will make your party memorable.
  • Open full post to see all themes and concepts on my 40th birthday party ideas for men page.
open full post
The Man, The Myth, The Legend custom party backdrop for men behind a dessert table
beer tasting party kit with charcuterie board
The Silver Fox custom party backdrop and black foil fringe curtain behind a birthday dessert table

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