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 70th birthday special

'70 Memories for 70 Years' Share a Memory telegram postcards for a 70th birthday
70 years of memories personalized photo book for a 70th birthday
70 Reasons We Love You signing poster guest book alternative for a 70th birthday party
Custom 'Reasons We Love You' photo book with friends and family holding signs for a special 70th birthday idea
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02 MAKE IT personal

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

custom face photo 70th birthday garland banner showing a woman 'through the years'
Celebrating 70 years. 70th birthday party dessert table tapestry backdrop with photos showing the guest of honor 'through the years'
70 year old woman standing next to a custom pinata of herself at her 70th birthday party
custom photo personalized Happy Birthday m&m's for a 70th birthday party
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03 70th birthday party decorations

How to maximize your budget by concentrating your 70th birthday party decorations in a few key areas

number 70 balloon mosaic 70th birthday party decorations
'cheers to 70 years' 70th birthday custom photo banner showing photos of the guest of honor 'then and now'
70th birthday photo collage in the shape of the numbers 70 on a party dessert table
happy birthday madison spelled out in a yard card in front of house for a 70th birthday party
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04 70th birthday party activities

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

DIY vodka bar with mixers and fruit set up at a 70th birthday party
70th birthday guestbook alternative signing poster with photos of the guest of honor 'then and now'
Would he/she Rather? printable party game for the 70th birthday boy or girl
retro telephone audio guest book set up next to an instructions sign inviting party guests to record a message
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05 70th 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 70th birthday party buffet table / food station
70th birthday party food presentation ideas: fish salad served in margarita glasses with forks
70th birthday party hors d'oeuvres: cheese bites served on forks standing vertically
70th 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 70th birthday party

rose gold sequin shimmer party backdrop behind a 70th birthday party dessert table
personalized custom caricature cookie of a woman for a 70th birthday party
gold sequin fabric party backdrop behind a dessert table for a 70th birthday party
mousse / pudding style desserts served in clear disposable mini dessert cups
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07 70th birthday party drinks

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

custom photo personalized beer bottle labels for 70th birthday party drinks
70th birthday party drinks ideas: boxwood hedge party drinks bar wall with shelves of self-service drinks for guests to help themselves to
custom photo 'Fun Facts about the Birthday girl' 70th birthday party napkins
custom photo edible wafer drinks topper with a photo of the birthday girl floating on a cocktail
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08 70th birthday party invitations

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

70th birthday party photo collage invitation showing the birthday girl 'through the years'
animated digital video 70th birthday party invitations displayed on mobile phone screen
balloon custom printed with 70th birthday party invitation details
custom vinyl record party invitation for a 70th birthday party
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09 70th birthday gifts

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

man standing next to a custom muppet-style puppet of himself as a 70th birthday gift idea
custom personalized comic book for a 70th birthday gift
custom bobblehead of a senior woman alongside her photo for an 70th birthday gift
personalized viewmaster reel viewer for a 70th birthday gift
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10 70th birthday party ideas for men

70th birthday party themes, decorations, and ideas aimed at men

'the man, the myth, the legend' custom name 70th birthday party backdrop decorations behind a dessert table
70th birthday party beer tasting party supplies with bottles of beer in ice buckets
The Silver Fox custom 70th birthday party T shirt
70th birthday party beer tasting party supplies with a cheese board
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ADVICE FROM A PRO

70th BIRTHDAY party tips

  • 70th birthdays are significant, so you need to make an effort!
  • Avoid the obvious: generic store-bought decorations emblazoned with 70
  • 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 ‘70 rocks’
  • Concentrate on making them feel loved and appreciated as they turn 70
  • 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 70th 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 70th 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 70.
  • Clichéd themes like ‘old as dirt’ and ‘oh crap you’re old’ are tired and lazy.