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
OPEN BIO
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 90th birthday special

90 years of memories personalized photo book for a 90th birthday
90 Reasons We Love You photo poster for a 90th birthday
Custom 'Reasons We Love You' photo book with friends and family holding signs
'90 Memories for 90 Years' Share a Memory telegram postcards for a 90th birthday
jump to

02 MAKE IT personal

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

custom face photo 90th birthday garland banner showing a man 'through the years'
Celebrating 90 years: Custom 90th birthday party dessert table tapestry backdrop with photos showing the guest of honor 'through the years'
gray haired man in a suit standing next to a custom pinata of himself
custom photo personalized Happy Birthday m&m's for a 90th birthday party
jump to

03 90th birthday party decorations

How to maximize your budget by concentrating your 90th birthday party decorations in a few key areas

'cheers to 90 years' 90th birthday custom photo banner showing photos of the guest of honor 'then and now'
90th birthday photo collage in the shape of the numbers 90 on a party dessert table
happy birthday Natalie spelled out in a yard card in front of house
number 90 balloon mosaic 90th birthday party decorations
jump to

04 90th 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 90th birthday party
90th birthday guestbook alternative signing poster with photos of the guest of honor 'then and now'
This or That? printable party game about the birthday boy or girl
yellow retro telephone audio guest book set up next to an instructions sign inviting party guests to record a message
jump to

05 90th 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 90th birthday party buffet table / food station
90th birthday party food presentation ideas: fish salad served in margarita glasses with forks
90th birthday party hors d'oeuvres: cheese bites served on forks standing vertically
90th birthday party food ideas: individual portion charcuterie cups
jump to

06 dessert tables

How a dessert table can lend visual spectacle, save time, and maximize budget for a 90th birthday party

personalized custom caricature cookie of a man for a surprise party
an asymmetrical dessert table layout
individual fruit salad desserts served in martini glasses on a tired stand on party dessert table
black sequin shimmer party backdrop behind a dessert table
jump to

07 90th birthday party drinks

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

custom photo personalized beer bottle labels for 90th birthday party drinks
90th 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 boy' 90th birthday party napkins
custom photo edible wafer drinks topper with a photo of the birthday girl floating on a cocktail
jump to

08 90th birthday party invitations

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

90th birthday party photo collage invitation showing the birthday boy 'through the years'
animated digital video 90th birthday party invitations displayed on mobile phone screen
balloon custom printed with 90th birthday party invitation details
custom vinyl record party invitation for a 90th birthday party
jump to

09 90th 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
custom personalized comic book for a 90th birthday gift
custom bobblehead of a man alongside his photo for an 90th birthday gift
personalized viewmaster reel viewer for a 90th birthday gift
jump to

10 90th birthday party ideas for men

90th birthday party themes, decorations, and ideas aimed at men

'the man, the myth, the legend' custom name 90th birthday party backdrop decorations behind a dessert table
90th birthday party beer tasting party supplies with bottles of beer in ice buckets
The Silver Fox 90th birthday party custom birthday party invitations
90th birthday party beer tasting party supplies with a cheese board
jump to
ADVICE FROM A PRO

90th BIRTHDAY party tips

  • 90th birthdays are significant, so you need to make an effort!
  • Avoid the obvious: generic store-bought decorations emblazoned with 90
  • 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 ‘90 rocks’
  • Concentrate on making them feel loved and appreciated as they turn 90
  • 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 90th 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 90th 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.
SHOW More Show Less

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.