• A centerpiece is an excellent way to emphasize a party theme.paper party cup image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
  
  Turning 40 is a milestone event, and a 40th birthday party should definitely reflect that. Throwing a party for your favorite 40-year-old will involve plenty of planning--it's best to have a theme for the party firmly in mind before purchasing any decorations, or you could end up welcoming guests into a visual mishmash of streamers and balloons.
  
  A simple, eye-catching addition to any party décor is the table centerpiece. Centerpieces are an excellent way to add interest to dining and buffet tables, and even gift tables. When choosing centerpieces, make sure they harmonize with the theme of the party and any other decorations you'll be using.
  
  

Over the Hill Centerpieces

• The guest of honor may not find the humor in an Over the Hill 40th birthday party.te party man image by Georgiy Pashin from Fotolia.com
  
  The most predictable themes for a 40th birthday party involve references to getting old. Decorations for an Over the Hill 40th birthday party are usually limited to a bleak color scheme of black and gray. Appropriate centerpieces might feature a gravestone, coffin or Grim Reaper figure.
  
  

Timeless Centerpieces

• A simple flower arrangement works well as a party centerpiece.flower arrangement image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
  
  Don't feel trapped by the big 4-0. Just because you're planning a 40th birthday party, it doesn't mean you should always reference it. Sometimes, an innocent joke may end up causing embarrassment, so consider the guest of honor and plan appropriately. If you decide to steer clear of party decorations that focus on age, try a non-specific centerpiece in the person's favorite colors--a simple floral arrangement, or other natural elements based on the season are as elegant for a 40th birthday party as for any occasion.
  
  

Edible Centerpieces

• A beautiful dish brimming with colorful candy can also serve as a centerpiece.Plat de bonbons image by fotogis?¡§le from Fotolia.com
  
  If your guest of honor is the practical type, look into edible centerpieces. Appealing arrangements of candy, fruit or cookies can add fun to your tables while giving guests something extra to nibble on as the party wears on. Best of all, edible centerpieces don't have to go to waste when the party's over.
  
  

Personalized Birthday Centerpieces

• Design a 40th birthday centerpiece from just about anything.teddy party image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
  
  Consider choosing centerpieces that are more personal if your guest of honor is especially known for some special skill or interest. Instead of looking only at birthday decorations, you might search for party decorations within a specific theme instead. Consider using a do-it-yourself centerpiece kit if you aren't able to find exactly what you are looking for.
  
  

Dramatic Centerpieces

• Candles and lights are perfect for evening party centerpieces.bougie1 image by thierry burot from Fotolia.com
  
  If your party will be held during the evening, definitely incorporate light into your centerpieces. Choose a centerpiece that features a battery-operated light, or add candles to the arrangement yourself. You can add further sparkle by selecting decorations made from metallic materials -- just keep open flames clear of any flammable materials.