All birthdays are an excuse to celebrate. It is the one day of the year we can call our own, and what better reason to celebrate with friends and family than another year of creating memories with them?
What’s an even bigger reason to celebrate? Those milestone birthdays, particularly the big 4-0. After the isolation and limited socialization we’ve had, it’s time to dress-up, get back out there and celebrate in style. Whether you’re ready to take your girls out for a night on the town at one of Charlotte’s newest spots or you prefer to stay in, we’ve got the scoop on all the experiences and party essentials you need to make this year fun and fab!
This feature is sponsored by CEENTA, our partners in understanding YOUR HEALTH BY THE DECADE.
Celebrating Around Charlotte
Celebrate + Try Something New!
Birthday workshop at The Flower Bar
If you’re new to The Flower Bar, you’re in for a treat! This interactive floral studio and wine bar experience is what every GNO and birthday celebration should be. Clients can book for themselves to create their own arrangement while sipping wine slushies or they can book a group and make an evening out of it. The Flower Bar is client-focused and offers a fun experience for you and your friends to have all the fun. Their staff will assist in arranging as much or as little as you want.
Mixology classes at The Cocktailery
If you didn’t become a professional mixologist during the pandemic were you even quarantining right? If you weren’t or even if you still are, you can take an in person or virtual mixology class with a group of your best friends or your significant other.
Candle Making at Paddywax Candle Bar
A good candle is always a great idea. Paddywax offers several different vessels to match every personality or decor style. They do not serve alcohol or beverages on site but allow all participants to BYOB for a small fee. Get more details on the policy when you book your party through their site.
Dessert Making or Decorating at Sweet Spot Studio
Sweet Spot Studio caters to bakers of all levels and is sure to have something for you and your party. Cookie decorating, French macarons, and cake decorating are just a few of the things you could learn or perfect at an in-studio or virtual class.
Create Your Own Scent with Jules and Vetiver
Talk about a luxury experience. Kick-off 40 with a new signature scent that is truly your own. Jules & Vetiver offers an at-home fragrance bar experience. Parties of 5 or more will be virtually guided by the founder and head perfumer, Katrina Sellers.
Book a Dinner for 8 or 80
You’ll find Our Favorite Charlotte Restaurant Spaces to Host a Group Dinner, Event or Party this Spring at this link, here are two we love for a birthday GNO:
Escape to the tropics at The Royal Tot
Escape to a tropical island without leaving the city. The new urban oasis offers walk-in service and private event space bookings for you and your closest 40-250 friends.
Mariposa, the new restaurant in the Mint Museum Uptown
Book a stay at the Duke Mansion
Book a few rooms or the whole mansion for an unforgettable stay with your crew. The Duke Mansion has a full culinary staff, cocktail room service and beautiful grounds to tour & relax in.
Have Afternoon Tea at The Ballantyne Hotel
Looking for something more laid back yet totally chic? Dress your best and try the afternoon tea at the Ballantyne Hotel. Enjoy classic teas offered in England’s finest tea houses with a Southern flair. Make your reservation here. Or make a spa day, afternoon tea, dinner, and a night of it when you book your group a stay at the Hotel. Add the “$100 Resort Credit” to your rooms and enjoy daily full breakfast for two in Gallery Restaurant, a $100 resort credit toward spa, retail, afternoon tea or dining, and a 2pm late check out. More info here.
Fire up the competition at Puttery
Stroke up some friendly competition at Puttery. Charlotte’s newest golf concept features two indoor putting courses, IG-worthy bars and drinks. If you stink at golf, don’t worry. There’s a spectator section reserved for those of us that prefer to just chill with our drinks.
Ideas for Celebrating at Home
Every party needs a fabulous selection of food, drink, and decor. Below are our finds from around town and around the web that will help you put all the finishing touches on your stay home soireé.
Have a Luxury Chicnic
Luxury Chic Events will bring the party to you. Stay in the comfort of your own home but have the chic experience of going out. Go as glam or casual as you want, there are no rules when it comes to birthday fun.
Order a Custom Charcuterie Board from Queen Brie
We believe the birthday girl shouldn’t be in the kitchen on the big day unless it’s to refill your drink. Wanting something sweet, savory, large or small? Queen Brie has it all and will make it beautiful or customized too. Take it from us and leave the food prep to the Queen. It will be IG-ready when you open the box.
Seasonal Mixed Beverages from Drink Moore Cocktails
Who doesn’t love a drink that is pretty and delicious? Craft cocktail mixer Nina Moore makes delicious seasonal beverage mixes that are sure to make your milestone birthday a hit. These mixes are delicious as is or you can spice them up by adding in your favorite liquor. You can order directly from Nina via Instagram for front porch pickup or pick up a bottle from The Social Shop.
Have your cake + a masterful centerpiece too
Turn 40. Have the party. Eat the cake! We love the cakes from local shop Wentworth and Fenn. Why have just a cake when you can have a cake and a work of art too.
Book the Carolina Taps Mobile Bar
Bartender, I’ll have another! This fun mobile bar adds style and fun to your event. This is the perfect edition for any outdoor event and would be so fab to have someone pouring the drinks for you.
More Party People
Check out these other spots & sites for a great selection of paper products (can’t have a party without invitations can we?), decor, cards, gifts and serveware.
- Paper Skyscraper for wrappings, gifts, cards and party games
- Paper Source for invites, party favors, and beautiful wrappings
- Swoozies for invites & decor
- Party City for themed 40 decor and balloons
- Confetti Castle for epic balloon bags & arches
- Cookies on the side for a cake alternative + custom on-theme cookies
- Shop Molly Ellen on Etsy for custom dinner and cocktail napkins
- Red Eye Designs for custom decals and signs
- Murphy & Co Events for backdrops, stands and unique furniture rentals
- Oh Happy Day Party Shop for Paper Party Supplies
Shop Party Supplies
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