21 Adult Birthday Ideas for a Fun and Sophisticated Celebration

Birthday celebrations need no "theme," per se. The honoree's coming of age—commemorated with their favorite dessert—can be thematic enough. But weaving a unifying thread throughout a party's elements can elevate the celebration; it's a simple way to make the day or meal feel particularly special or thoughtful. If it's inspiration you're after, we're here to assist with a list of adult birthday party ideas and themes that run the gamut.

Below, you'll find ideas inspired by Martha's own events from throughout the years and additional creative concepts suggested by a party planning pro. They're suitable no matter the age of the honoree. Read: Sophisticated and fun are the main mood-board terms here. Without further adieu, here are 21 adult birthday party ideas and themes.

Flower Arranging

Garden-fresh flowers are a necessity at Martha's parties. For an interactive spin on the party detail, host a flower arranging class. Grab inexpensive blooms from the grocery store and let guests build their own bouquets to take home. You can even display them as centerpieces when you're ready to eat.

Craft Night

Artist and party host Christina Argonish recommends tying a craft project into your party. Themes like a "Paint and Sip," or "Scrapbooking and Sip" provide both an activity and DIY favors.

Tea Party

Serve up a chic spin on afternoon tea with trendy options like matcha, taro milk tea, and spicy chai. "If you're low on serveware, you can source cups and saucers from thrift stores," says Argonish. (Your tablescape will have a charming, mismatched look to it.)

Mystery Dinner Theater

A murder mystery party is centered around an interactive activity that'll have guests excitedly uncovering who among them is responsible for the faux crime.

Coastal Dinner Party

Have everyone wear their best cream cable knit sweater! As for the décor, focus on a soft Nancy Meyers color palette and oceanic accents. On the menu, white wine and a lobster bisque or clam chowder.

Paradise Party

Throw a bash ripe with tropical influences. Palm leaves and tropical fruits make for on-theme décor accents. and you can opt for a dress code of vibrant, festive attire.

A Tini Bit Older

Martha Stewart herself has been known to prepare guests a beverage bar at her events. For this adult birthday theme, offer guests a DIY martini bar. Cheers!

Game Night

Take a cue from our founder who often offers games to guests at her outdoor summer gatherings. Lay out your collection of board or card games and host friendly competition between guests. You can also arrange to have each attendee bring a favorite from home.

Seafood Night

Among Martha Stewart's entertaining go-tos are towering seafood displays. The grazing station looks and feels impressive but is a lower time commitment prep-wise.

Briderton Ball

We don't mean to throw a festive formal in the literal sense! Instead, borrow influence from the regencycore trend with décor that would look at home on the set of the Netflix show, posh finger foods, and a playlist of instrumental pop songs.

Slumber Party Inspired

While the overnight shindigs of our childhood may no longer be possible, they can still inspire adult gatherings with some elevated twists. An ultra-casual dress code is a must. Homemade pizzas and a sundae bar should be seriously considered. Argonish suggests having a nostalgic activity or favor for guests. "For example, beaded bracelets are personable on-site and offer a fun thing for guests to do," she says.

Cake Swap

For this trendy party, each guest should bake and bring a signature cake of their own. Once gathered, everyone should get a slice of each other's masterpiece.

Color-Coded

"Focus on one color as the theme of your party," Argonish says. You can weave the hue throughout your tablescape, menu, and attire.

Location Specific

Plan the event around a specific geographical location. Think: The Amalfi coast with a batch of Negronis, or the honoree's hometown with familiar bites.

Alphabet Game

Plan an entire party themed to just a single letter of the alphabet. For P, pink tablescapes, pies, and grilled peaches are all possibilities.

Après Ski

Warm bevies are at the top of your must-list with this party theme. All-white décor and a roaring fire are also elements to consider.

Olympic Games

It doesn't have to be an Olympic year to host this fun bash. Take inspiration from Martha and Snoop's Parisian adventure with thematic attire, and focus on making the menu as multicultural as possible. Have guests go head-to-head in a selection of games.

Literary Inspired

Arrange a book swap, fashion treats inspired by the honoree's favorite tale, and use stacks of books as unexpected table settings.

Cottagecore

If the following sounds appealing—a birthday dessert of chiffon cake with strawberries and cream on a long, wooden farm table set with a gauzy runner—then a cottagecore party theme may be for you.

Charity Night

Focus on giving back with this charitable party theme. If you know how to knit, show guests how to make winter hats to donate. Or perhaps choose to write letters to elected representatives. Provide dinner and beverages while you work.

Ice Cream Social

Set up a DIY ice cream bar or prepare popsicles or other frozen treats for a wow-worthy dessert.