The Birthday Girl And Her Spa Buddies

With anniversaries and birthdays taking up most weekends, August was a busy party month. One particular birthday party celebrated a milestone birthday.

The party was in honor of my friend Laura, who was turning forty. For me, this celebration was the best birthday party I had ever attended.

Along with Laura's husband, my friend Jessie and my sister planned and hosted this surprise 40th birthday party. Although it was Laura's special day, it turned out to be a special day for all of us.

40th Birthday: Limo Ride and Spa Day

The party theme was simple: relaxation at a local spa. Since the spa is a thirty minute drive from the birthday girl's home, everyone gathered at Laura's house first. To make the 30 minute trek part of the party experience, Laura's husband rented stretch limo to take us to the spa.

Celebrating and Relaxing at the Spa

Jessie's Spa Spread

When we arrived at the spa, we were taken to a private sitting room. The room was serene and relaxing. Although the spa had refreshments for us (coffee and cucumber water, Jessie brought some delicious food, as well as champagne and orange juice to make mimosas.

Our delectable spa party food consisted of sausage pinwheels(these tasted just like biscuits and gravy), mini muffins (chocolate chip and banana nut) and fruit salad.

Between spa treatments, we enjoyed the food, drinks and good old fashion girl talk.  It was a wonderful relaxing time.  We all agreed that we needed to do this for all of our future birthdays.

Partying Into The Night

The spa wasn't the end of Laura 40th birthday celebration.  Later in the evening, we gathered together with our husbands at my sister's home for a birthday dinner prepared by my brother-in-law.

We started with appetizers: prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe, a lovely assortment of cheeses, and a fine wine. Then we enjoyed meal consisting of a delicious grilled beef tenderloin, garlic mash potatoes and a caprese salad.

Of course, every birthday deserves a cake. This birthday celebration included a mocha chocolate cheesecake. While everyone enjoyed the cake, Laura was showered with gifts. What more could a girl ask for on her 40th birthday?

As you can see from the pictures Laura had a great fortieth birthday party. So the next time you are planning a special birthday party think: Spa, Limo, Caterer and Fun.

Tip: Not everyone has a personal chef like my brother-in-law. Hire a caterer to make the dinner and appetizers. Many caterers will do pick-up catering for small groups. This is a cost-effective way to have a great catered meal.

40th Birthday – You're Not Old – You're Like Fine Wine & Cheese – Better With Age

Having  reached my fortieth year (a milestone birthday), my sister threw me a great party. It was subdued, yet a fantastically wonderful party. My Sister invited my husband and a few of my dearest friends over to celebrate my birthday. The black and white invitation arrived by mail, asking us to attend a wine and cheese party, and to dress in evening wear attire.

She decorated her home with flowers that coordinated with the wines we were going to taste. The serving table was decorated with flowers such as red roses behind a Merlot wine,  white roses for a Chardonnay wine. It was fragrant and beautiful, her home looked like a fine restaurant. The food was delicious yet simple, the rich cheese, the fresh fruits all served by a waiter dressed in a purple shirt with black pants (purple is my favorite color). The best part was the most decadent seven layer chocolate cake she served for desert.

My sister, always the best hostess, hired a wonderful singer/guitar player who softy played through out the night. As we drank the wines and sampled the cheeses, we swayed to the music even singing along occasionally.  This party is a relaxing way to celebrate a 40^th birthday.

Sometimes we think a milestone birthday party means big and grand, but big is not what every 40-year-old wants. Some like a more subdued party that is rich in food, drink and close friends and family. My sister gave me what I needed a relaxing celebration of my birthday.  Keep this idea in mind you may have a friend or family member that wants to quietly celebrate their age. This allows you to celebrate their milestone without stressing them out with big party.