PLAN WITH LEANNE

Turning 75 is a milestone worth celebrating in style—and what better way than with a “You’re a Star” themed birthday party? This glamorous yet fun theme brings Hollywood sparkle, interactive games, and a dose of nostalgia, making the guest of honor truly feel like the star they are. From red carpet arrivals to starry decorations, here’s how to plan an unforgettable evening that shines as bright as the birthday honoree.

Red Carpet Arrival

Start the party with a touch of glitz. Roll out a red carpet (or a fun DIY version with red fabric, a rug, or even a roll of red plastic tablecloth). Set up a backdrop for photos—this could be a glittery curtain, a wall covered in gold stars, or even a custom backdrop with the honoree’s name. As guests arrive, encourage them to strike a pose and snap photos, giving the celebration that VIP feel right from the start. Consider adding a few gold stars with the birthday honoree’s name along the “Walk of Fame” path for an extra Hollywood touch. You could also hand out fun photo props—oversized sunglasses, feather boas, and clapboards—so everyone feels like they’re stepping into the spotlight.

Star Pinata

Who says pinatas are just for kids? A star-shaped pinata adds a playful and nostalgic element to the party. Fill it with chocolates, nostalgic candies, or even small trinkets that bring back memories from the honoree’s youth. Guests of all ages will love taking a swing, and the laughter it creates is guaranteed to be a highlight of the evening. For a grown-up twist, consider filling it with slips of paper containing funny “dares” or words of encouragement for the honoree.

Game: “Hollywood or Not?”

This interactive game is always a crowd-pleaser. Test everyone’s celebrity knowledge with a fun guessing challenge. Read aloud names and have guests guess if the person is a real star or a made-up character. You can mix in classic film stars, singers, and TV personalities from the honoree’s era for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Add a competitive twist by awarding small prizes—movie theater gift cards, popcorn buckets, or mini trophies—for the highest scores.

Game: Guess the Star Celebrity

Another fun game idea is a slideshow or photo board featuring famous celebrities. Project or print out photos of well-known stars from the 1940s through today, and have guests guess their names. To make it even more personal, slip in baby, teenage, or wedding photos of the birthday honoree. Guests will have a blast reminiscing while trying to spot the “real star of the night.”Downloadable template: A ready-to-use “Guess the Star” game sheet with blank spaces to fill in answers.

Walk the Red Carpet Moment

Give the guest of honor their own shining moment. Midway through the party, have everyone gather as the honoree makes a grand entrance on the red carpet. Play upbeat music, cheer, and maybe even announce their arrival as if they’re attending an award show. This is a beautiful way to honor their milestone and ensure they feel truly celebrated.

Decorations

The right decor sets the tone for the evening. Choose a color scheme of black, gold, and silver to create a glamorous starry night vibe. Hang metallic star garlands, scatter glittery confetti on tables, and use twinkle lights to set the mood. For centerpieces, consider Oscar-style trophies, glass jars filled with fairy lights and gold stars, or black tablecloths sprinkled with star-shaped confetti. Don’t forget balloons—giant gold 7 and 5 balloons paired with star-shaped balloons make a statement.

Food & Drinks with a Star Twist

A party this fabulous deserves food that shines, too. Some fun ideas include:Star-shaped finger foods like cookies, sandwiches, and cheese cutouts.Golden popcorn served in individual Hollywood-style popcorn boxes. Signature cocktails or mocktails named after movies or the honoree’s favorite stars.Sparkling desserts—think cupcakes topped with edible glitter, or a cake decorated with shimmering stars and a “You’re a Star” topper

Special Toast & Memory Sharing

No milestone birthday is complete without a heartfelt toast. Invite family and friends to share a favorite memory, funny story, or words of appreciation.

You could even create a “Memory Star Jar,” where guests write down their favorite memories with the honoree and place them in a jar for the guest of honor to read later.

For a visual keepsake, consider making a “Star of Fame” slideshow or video tribute, featuring photos and clips from the honoree’s life alongside messages from loved ones.

Extra Game Ideas

Want even more fun? Try these star-themed activities:Movie Quote Match-Up: Create a sheet with famous movie quotes and have guests guess which film they’re from.Name That Tune: Hollywood Edition: Play short clips of iconic songs from movies or TV shows, and have teams guess the titles.Star Trivia: Put together a quiz about classic films, famous actors, and pop culture moments from the honoree’s lifetime.

Final Thoughts

A 75th birthday is all about honoring a lifetime of achievements, love, and laughter. With a red carpet welcome, nostalgic games, starry decor, and meaningful moments, this party theme ensures the guest of honor feels celebrated, cherished, and truly like the star they are. Whether it’s the laughter from swinging at a pinata, the cheer during the red carpet entrance, or the joy of sharing memories, every element of this party will sparkle—just like the guest of honor.Because at 75, it’s not just another birthday—it’s a chance to celebrate a star who’s been shining brightly for decades.