There's an old saying that says "life begins at 40" so the party for this occasion should be more than just another birthday party, it should be a celebration of the beginning of a new life. All your friends and colleagues should be invited to your 40th birthday to celebrate with you. You should look at it as a chance to show you are still enthusiastic and have a passion for life.



If you are planning a theme for the party, make sure to include that in the invitations and send them out well in advance. There are a number of computer software programs that will allow you to be creative and customize your invitations and this makes for a nice touch.

Here are some themes and 40th birthday party ideas:

* Surprise party - few parties are more memorable than surprise parties. Make sure all the invitees are aware it's a surprise so the cat is not let out of the bag.

* Play "This Is Your Life" just like the TV show. It's a terrific but seldom used 40th birthday party idea! Put together a book that chronicles the entire life history including pictures, newsclippings and other memorabilia. A PowerPoint presentation is a great way to go too. Make sure to invite plenty of people from their past and dramatically introduce them one by one.

* A boat party can be one of the most thrilling 40th birthday party ideas. Go for the river or ocean if you live nearby. Arrange a dance or dinner party aboard. Have all the guests dress in their best cruise wear or beach clothes if you want to keep it casual.

* Going camping can be a great 40th birthday party idea. Imagine getting away to a nice mountain setting with friends and family and enjoying a campfire and a scrumptious barbecue. Don't forget the marshmallows! This is a great setting to pass stories and memories around the fire with a warm drink.

* Something that is exciting and usual is to use a castle as a party venue. Put together a medieval banquet in the banquet hall that King Henry would be proud of and your guests will not soon forget this 40th birthday party. Have the guests dress in traditional medieval garb. Do some internet research and include the websites on the invitations where folks can see pictures and get ideas for their costumes.

* If you are near the ocean (or a large lake) a beach party will be a huge hit for a 40th birthday party. Instruct your guests to don their best beachwear including Hawaiian shirts, Bermuda shorts, flip-flops and tank tops. Whip up a sumptuous Hawaiian or Caribbean style feast. Keep the party fun and lively by breaking out the volleyball net and the beach balls.

These are just a few of the 40th birthday party ideas and themes that you can come up with. Make it suit the personality of the guest of honor, keep it lively and fun and the party is sure to be a big hit.