Top tips for planning a milestone birthday party

Posted By: Maxwell & Williams (SA)

 

 

Lifestyle Blogger, Karen Kelly, (www.lovilee.co.za) recently celebrated her 40th birthday and shared some of her top tips for milestone party planning and party decor essentials.

 

Concept, words and styling by Karen Kelly.

 

 

The turn of a decade can be intimidating.  I decided to turn this milestone into a special occasion and embraced the fact that 40 is going to be my year with the theme ‘Fabulous Forty’. Whether you decide to celebrate a birthday in a big or small way, there are some essentials that you need in your décor cupboard that will make the planning and execution of any party a breeze.

 

Karen’s five tips for planning a Milestone Birthday Party

 

  1. Start with a blank canvas

White dinnerware has always been my go-to when for everyday use crockery or partyware. It was love at first sight when I laid eyes on the Maxwell & Williams White Basics Coupe range.

 

 

There is something elegant and timeless about this seamless design that provides the perfect blank canvas for every tablescape.

 

  1. Set the scene

The dream was an outdoor, informal, whimsical theme. To modernize the look, I included interesting geometric shapes with strong lines.  These included arched planters, complimented by the round crockery and beautiful Maxwell & Williams upright Diamante Cylindrical Water jugs.

 

 

  1. Use two to three accent colors

Try to stick to a maximum of three accent colors when you plan your décor and carry it through from the invitation to the table decorations, flowers, and accessories. My main colors were purple, blush pink and rust, I added light yellow, greens and whites as secondary colors.

 

 

  1. Less is more…

Before adding any of the decorative elements I always start with the essentials. The crockery, glassware and cutlery are the first items on the table. Thereafter the serviettes, tumblers and serveware gets placed on the table. Having serveware to match your tableware is a bonus, that is why I opted to use the White Basics Contemporary Serving bowls for the salads.

 

 

You will now be able to see how much space you have for the décor elements instead of filling the table with décor and trying fit in the essentials afterwards.

 

  1. The magic is in the details

The special details are what make each function a memorable one, whether you decide to paint some macaroons or leave each guest with a personal note or just adding a surprise. 

 

 

The Maxwell & Williams Mansion Tall Tumblers were the perfect glasses to showcase some fancy sparkling infused water with berries and some edible flowers. A special touch that not only complimented the décor but wowed my guests as well.

 

 

Do you know anyone who is celebrating the same big birthday milestone soon? Herewith some meaningful milestone birthday messages and wishes to brighten up their day:

 

  • A birthday is nature’s way of reminding us to eat some cake.
  • Turning 40 / 50 / 60 / 70 is a piece of cake… and a few extra candles.
  • You don’t look a day older than 39!
  • “Life begins at 40.” – Walter Pitkin
  • Forty is only eleven in scrabble.