Backyard 50th Birthday Surprise Party

 

Photography by Christianna Bettis Photography

When I was approached by a client who wanted to throw her husband, Josh, a sweet 50th Surprise Birthday Party, I was excited to challenge myself to think outside of the traditional masculine party box. I have done many parties for men with the more traditional black, rustic vibe (check out my popular “Aged to Perfection” 40th Birthday Party for example), and they are all great. But I loved that this cute couple seemed open to a new take on masculine. It allowed me to do a fun and modern blue and yellow color scheme with lush florals that made the party elegant, sophisticated, and fresh. Read on to see how we set it all up!

Ideas for an elegant backyard 50th Birthday Surprise Party. Get ideas for seating, food table, bar setup, cake and more from event designer Carolina of MINT Event Design in Austin, TX at www.minteventdesign.com!

Decorations

Before I jump into what I set up, I wanted to quickly highlight this amazing photo wall the family created for the party. Milestone birthdays are the perfect opportunity to highlight the amazing memories the guest of honor has collected over the years. I also love that the family even brought the blue with a pop of yellow color scheme through the photos!

Because the bulk of this party was taking place in the backyard, I wanted to make the usual surroundings feel extra special. I added large white floating balloons to the pool, which really added to the celebratory feel of the event!

Tables

The tables we also set up outside in the large backyard space. We rented modern-style clear chairs and covered round tables with elegant blue linens. The sight sheen of the fabric gave them a fancier feel.

Seating at an elegant backyard 50th Birthday Surprise Party. Get ideas for food table, bar setup, cake and more from event designer Carolina of MINT Event Design in Austin, TX at www.minteventdesign.com!

Did you know that MINT Event Design can also provide florals for your event? For this one we created a variety of floral centerpieces with a blue, yellow, and white focus.

We even included some lemons in some of the arrangements for an extra bright and cheery pop of yellow. We learned in advance that the guest is a bit of a foodie - so adding this personal touch was an additional way to subtly honor him and his interests.

Floral centerpieces at an elegant backyard 50th Birthday Surprise Party. Get ideas for seating, food table, bar setup, cake and more from event designer Carolina of MINT Event Design in Austin, TX at www.minteventdesign.com!

We also set out themed cocktail menus at each of the tables.

Bar & Drinks

For drinks, we hired one of our favorite bartenders in Austin - Shay of Too Shay Spirits and set her up behind a white bar we added additional floral arrangements to.

We even included some themed cocktails that included blueberry and lemon flavors..

Blue striped straws and “50” stirrers dressed each of the drinks up for the party.

Drinks at an elegant backyard 50th Birthday Surprise Party. Get ideas for seating, bar setup, food table, cake and more from event designer Carolina of MINT Event Design in Austin, TX at www.minteventdesign.com!

Food

Before the main food, we set out a variety of appetizer on long white tables. The tables were embellished with additional florals to tie this area to the rest of the celebration.

Chef in Texas did an amazing job catering the event with amazing appetizers and the perfect Paella station, which ended up being a highlight of the foodie guest of honor.

Cake

Sweet Carousel Cakes made a lovely tall blue and white cake for the occasion, which we set on a white cake stand for even more height.

Cake at an elegant backyard 50th Birthday Surprise Party. Get ideas for seating, food table, bar setup, and more from event designer Carolina of MINT Event Design in Austin, TX at www.minteventdesign.com!

Photo Booth & Favors

Before guests left, we made sure they took some fun photos with 50th Birthday themed photo props that we set out in mason jars, as well as grabbed a party favor. Because Josh loves to book, we used aprons as favors, rolled up with personalized 50th birthday tags.

Photo Booth props and favors at an elegant backyard 50th Birthday Surprise Party. Get ideas for seating, food table, bar setup, and more from event designer Carolina of MINT Event Design in Austin, TX at www.minteventdesign.com!
Photo Booth props at an elegant backyard 50th Birthday Surprise Party. Get ideas for seating, food table, bar setup, and more from event designer Carolina of MINT Event Design in Austin, TX at www.minteventdesign.com!

This outdoor 50th Surprise Birthday Party exuded charm and I loved being able to help it all come together for these clients.

An elegant backyard 50th Birthday Surprise Party. Get ideas for seating, food table, bar setup, and more from event designer Carolina of MINT Event Design in Austin, TX at www.minteventdesign.com!

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments, and if you’re in the Austin area and want some help planning or styling a celebration, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Vendors

Event Design & Styling: MINT Event Design

Photography: Christianna Bettis Photography

Rentals: Premier Event Rentals

Florals: MINT Event Design

Bar: Too Shay Spirits

Cake: Sweet Carousel Cakes

Catering: Chef in Texas

Entertainment: A-Max Austin Entertainment

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