Reaching 70 is a big milestone. So the whoever’s birthday it is will want to celebrate in style.
But if you’re on party planning duties and it’s up to you to organise the party then you may be feeling the pressure. You want to make sure the event is memorable and one whoever is turning 70 will enjoy and remember.
Well these unique, fun and interesting party ideas suited to women reaching this significant milestone will help you to find the right theme. Each idea includes detailed suggestions on the dress code, activities, decorations and other essential elements to make sure the party goes smoothly and is an unforgettable celebration.
Garden Tea Party
Dress Code: Encourage guests to don elegant attire suitable for an afternoon tea – so things like floral dresses, wide-brimmed hats and comfortable shoes for mingling in the garden.
Decorations: Transform your garden into a charming tea setting with vintage teacups, saucers and tiered cake stands. Lace tablecloths are great for your tables and fresh flower centerpieces to enhance the ambiance.
Activities:
- Tea Tasting: Offer a variety of teas for guests to sample accompanied by information cards detailing each blend’s origin and flavor profile.
- Live Music: Hire a local harpist or violinist to provide soothing background music, elevating the sophisticated atmosphere.
Additional Details:
- Menu: Serve an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam and delicate pastries.
- Seating: Arrange for comfortable seating areas with cushions and parasols to provide shade and relaxation spots.
Retro 1950s-Themed Party
Dress Code: Invite guests to embrace the 1950s era by wearing poodle skirts, polka dot dresses, leather jackets and other vintage attire reminiscent of the decade.
Decorations: Set the scene with checkered floor patterns, vinyl records as wall decor and a jukebox (or a replica) to play classic ’50s hits.
Activities:
- Dance Contest: Organize a dance-off featuring popular ’50s dances like the twist and the jive, with a small prize for the best performance.
- Photo Booth: Create a retro photo booth with props such as cat-eye glasses, fake milkshakes and vintage cars cutouts for memorable snapshots.
Additional Details:
- Menu: Serve classic diner fare like sliders, milkshakes and fries in red-and-white checkered paper.
- Entertainment: Consider hiring a rock ‘n’ roll band or a DJ to keep the dance floor lively throughout the evening.
Art and Craft Workshop
Dress Code: Suggest casual clothes that guests won’t mind getting a bit of paint or glue on as creativity can sometimes be a little messy.
Decorations: Set up a bright and inspiring workspace with ample natural light decorated with examples of the crafts to be made and colorful supplies neatly organized.
Activities:
- Guided Crafting Session: Hire a local artist to lead a workshop in painting, pottery or jewelry making, allowing guests to create their own keepsakes.
- Exhibit: At the end of the session, display everyone’s creations in a mini-gallery setup for all to admire.
Additional Details:
- Refreshments: Provide light snacks and beverages to keep creativity fueled, such as finger foods and a selection of teas and coffees.
- Take-Home Kits: Prepare small kits with materials and instructions for guests to continue crafting at home.
Wine and Cheese Tasting Evening
Dress Code: Opt for smart casual attire, encouraging guests to dress comfortably yet stylishly for an evening of indulgence.
Decorations: Create an intimate setting with soft lighting, perhaps using fairy lights or candles, and decorate tables with rustic elements like wooden boards and grapevines.
Activities:
- Tasting Session: Collaborate with a local sommelier to guide guests through a selection of wines paired with complementary cheeses, explaining the nuances of each pairing.
- Blind Tasting Game: Add a fun twist by having a blind tasting competition where guests guess the type of wine or cheese, with a prize for the most accurate palate.
Additional Details:
- Spittoons and Water: Make sure guests have access to spittoons and water to cleanse their palates between tastings.
- Background Music: Play soft jazz or classical music to enhance the sophisticated atmosphere.
Spa Day Retreat
Dress Code: Inform guests to bring comfortable loungewear or robes and provide slippers for a cohesive and relaxing experience.
Decorations: Transform your venue into a serene spa environment with scented candles, calming music and fresh flowers to promote relaxation.
Activities:
- Therapeutic Treatments: Arrange for professional therapists to offer massages, facials and manicures.
- Meditation Session: Include a guided meditation or gentle yoga class to promote mindfulness and well-being.
Additional Details:
- Healthy Refreshments: Serve a selection of herbal teas, infused water and light, healthy snacks like fruit platters and salads.
- Take-Home Gifts: Provide guests with small gift bags containing items like essential oils, bath salts or eye masks as a token of appreciation.
Outdoor Movie Night
Dress Code: Encourage guests to dress comfortably and bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating under the stars.
Decorations: Set up a large screen in the backyard or a local park with cozy seating arrangements, string lights and perhaps a fire pit for ambiance.
Activities:
- Classic Film Screening: Choose a beloved classic film that resonates with the guest of honor’s interests or has sentimental value.
- Trivia Quiz: Before the movie starts host a trivia quiz related to the film with small prizes for correct answers.
Additional Details:
- Concessions Stand: Offer popcorn, candy and beverages reminiscent of a traditional movie theater experience.
- Weather Plan: Have a contingency plan in case of inclement weather, such as an indoor space or a tented area.
Travel-Inspired “Around the World” Party
Dress Code: Invite guests to dress in attire representing different cultures or countries, encouraging a diverse and colorful gathering.
Decorations: Decorate each area of the venue to represent a different country, using flags, artifacts and traditional colors to set the scene.
Activities:
- Cultural Stations: Set up stations featuring foods, music and activities from various countries, allowing guests to “travel” and experience different cultures.
- Passport Game: Give each guest a “passport” to get stamped at each station, with a prize for those who visit all countries.
Additional Details:
- Entertainment: Include performances such as traditional dances or music from selected cultures.
- Educational Elements: Provide interesting facts or short presentations about each country’s customs and traditions to enrich the experience.
Masquerade Ball
Dress Code: Request guests to wear formal attire complemented by decorative masks, adding an element of mystery and elegance to the evening.
Decorations: Use rich fabrics, chandeliers and candlelight to create an opulent atmosphere reminiscent of a Venetian palace.
Activities:
- Grand Entrance: Announce each guest as they arrive, making them feel like royalty.
- Dance Floor: Hire a live band or DJ to play classical and contemporary dance music, encouraging guests to waltz and mingle.
Additional Details:
- Mask Contest: Host a contest for the most elaborate or creative mask, with a special prize for the winner.
- Unmasking Ceremony: Plan a moment in the evening where everyone removes their masks simultaneously, revealing their identities and adding excitement to the party.
- Photo Opportunities: Set up a luxurious photo station with velvet backdrops, ornate frames and props to capture stunning memories.
- Signature Cocktails: Offer a couple of themed cocktails with mysterious names, such as “The Enchanted Mask” or “Golden Glow.”
Memory Lane Celebration
This idea is all about celebrating the journey of the guest of honor’s life, perfect for a milestone like 70 years.
Dress Code: Request smart casual attire but suggest guests incorporate something meaningful, such as a pin, scarf or accessory with sentimental value.
Decorations: Decorate the venue with photos from different decades of the guest of honor’s life, family trees, and framed memorable achievements or mementos.
Activities:
- Decade Trivia: Create a fun trivia game based on events from the decades the birthday celebrant has lived through.
- Memory Jar: Set up a station where guests can write their favorite memories of the birthday person and drop them into a decorated jar.
- Slideshow or Video: Prepare a touching slideshow or video featuring photos, interviews, and messages from loved ones.
Additional Details:
- Interactive Timeline: Create a life timeline on one wall and invite guests to add their own stories or connections.
- Personalized Playlist: Curate a playlist of songs that hold special meaning for the guest of honor from each decade of their life.
Outdoor Adventure Party
For a 70th birthday with an active twist consider hosting a day of light outdoor adventures and games.
Dress Code: Encourage guests to wear casual and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities.
Decorations: Use nature-inspired elements like wooden signs, picnic blankets and floral arrangements to blend with the outdoor environment.
Activities:
- Nature Walk: Organize a guided nature walk with a local expert to explore nearby trails or parks.
- Lawn Games: Set up games like croquet, bocce or giant Jenga for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
- Photo Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of nature-related items for guests to find and photograph as they explore the area.
Additional Details:
- Picnic-Style Dining: Lay out a buffet with fresh sandwiches, salads and fruit. Include thermoses of tea and coffee for added warmth.
- Comfort Stations: Provide shaded areas, seating and blankets for those who prefer to relax.
Glamorous High Tea Indoors
If the birthday guest prefers elegance without venturing outside, a high tea indoors offers a warm and stylish alternative.
Dress Code: Request elegant semi-formal attire with optional fascinators or hats to keep the tea party theme.
Decorations: Set up long tables with fine china, silverware, floral arrangements, and candles for an intimate and upscale experience.
Activities:
- Tea Pairing Workshop: Invite a tea expert to guide guests through pairing teas with treats like pastries, chocolates and cheeses.
- DIY Flower Arranging: Provide small floral bouquets and supplies so guests can craft their own arrangements to take home.
Additional Details:
- Dessert Spread: Feature a tiered dessert display with macarons, éclairs, petit fours and other dainty sweets.
- Thank You Favors: Offer personalized tea tins or small potted plants as favors for guests.
Elegant Dinner Cruise
For an experience that combines relaxation with luxury, a dinner cruise offers a memorable way to celebrate a 70th birthday.
Dress Code: Recommend cocktail attire or formal evening wear to suit the sophisticated atmosphere.
Decorations: Most cruises come pre-decorated but you can add custom touches such as personalized napkins or floral centerpieces.
Activities:
- Live Entertainment: Arrange for live music, such as a jazz band or a classical quartet, to enhance the ambiance.
- Toasts and Speeches: Plan a moment during dinner for heartfelt toasts and reflections on the guest of honor’s life.
Additional Details:
- Menu Customization: Work with the cruise staff to ensure the menu includes the birthday celebrant’s favorite dishes.
- Memory Keepsake: Consider having a photographer onboard to capture candid moments throughout the evening.
70th Birthday Party Ideas for Moms
Celebrating a mother’s 70th birthday should focus on family, love, and shared memories. Here are ideas that make the day feel extra special.
Memory Lane Celebration
A sentimental gathering that walks through her life’s journey.
Decorations:
A timeline of photos from childhood to now, framed achievements, and nostalgic memorabilia.
Activities:
- Story Sharing: Family members and friends share favorite memories.
- Slideshow or Video Tribute: A heartfelt compilation of messages from loved ones.
- Memory Jar: Guests write down their favorite stories or wishes.
Food & Drink:
A mix of childhood favorites and comfort foods.
Multi-Generational Family Picnic
A relaxed and inclusive gathering where all generations can come together.
Decorations:
Picnic blankets, flower arrangements, and vintage-style baskets.
Activities:
- Family Games: Lawn games like croquet, bocce, or frisbee.
- DIY Ice Cream Bar: Guests build their own sundaes.
- Scrapbooking Station: Family members contribute messages and photos.
Food & Drink:
A buffet of homemade favorites, fresh lemonade, and light summer wines.
70th Birthday Party Ideas for Grandmothers
For a grandmother, the best birthday celebrations often include family traditions, storytelling, and hobbies she enjoys.
Grandmother’s Legacy Party
A special gathering that honors her life and wisdom.
Decorations:
A “Legacy Wall” featuring her best advice, life lessons, and photos.
Activities:
- Storytelling Circle: Guests share personal stories about her impact.
- Recipe Book Creation: Each family member contributes a favorite recipe with a memory attached.
- Heirloom Display: A table showcasing meaningful family keepsakes.
Food & Drink:
A meal inspired by family traditions, featuring home-cooked comfort dishes.
Spa Retreat at Home
A relaxing and pampering experience to celebrate her well-being.
Decorations:
Candles, soft music, and floral arrangements for a peaceful setting.
Activities:
- Therapeutic Treatments: Manicures, facials, and massages.
- Guided Meditation or Yoga: A gentle session for relaxation.
Food & Drink:
Herbal teas, fresh fruit, and healthy snacks.
High Tea Indoors
A cozy, refined celebration perfect for a grandmother who enjoys tradition.
Decorations:
Fine china, elegant table settings, and floral accents.
Activities:
- Tea Pairing Workshop: Guests learn about different teas.
- DIY Flower Arranging: Small floral bouquets for guests to take home.
Food & Drink:
Delicate pastries, scones, and an assortment of teas.

Sally Gibson is the founder of Someone Sent you a Greeting, a holiday/celebration website. Sally’s writing work has been mentioned in Woman’s World, Yahoo, Women’s Health, MSN and more. If you have any questions get in contact with one of the team via the about page.