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    Home » Entertaining » Party Ideas » Adult Birthday Party Idea with Desserts and Gin and Tonic Bar

    Published: Feb 25, 2023 · Updated: Feb 25, 2023 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Adult Birthday Party Idea with Desserts and Gin and Tonic Bar

    Text - adult birthday party idea desserts and cocktails with a variety of images from a party.

    This easy adult birthday party idea with a dessert bar and make-your-own Gin and Tonic station is perfect for any celebration. This theme feels elegant but is low-stress and fun to host.

    A dessert table for a party with a sign on the wall that says "HBD" which stands for happy birthday.
    Let's plan a dessert and cocktail party.

    This party idea for adults was made possible with product provided by the editors of Martha Stewart Living and features Martha Celebrations products.

    Let's plan an adult birthday party

    With two little boys, I get to throw several fun kid parties a year.  But there is way less opportunity to throw a killer adult birthday. 

    A dessert and cocktail party is a great idea, especially when hosting at home. It means you don't have to worry about cooking a full meal and you can get away with ordering store-bought desserts instead of making everything yourself.

    Related post: Neon and Neutral So Glad You Were Born Party Idea

    And setting up any kind of DIY cocktail bar means you don't have to have a full bar set up and can keep things simplified.

    These ideas will not only help you host birthday parties but would work for any adult celebration like a graduation or retirement party.

    The invitation

    Custom adult birthday party invite from Carta Society wrapped with ikat fabric and an orange string.

    To get the party started right, I asked my friends at Carta Society to create a custom invitation for me using the printable invitation/menu card set in Martha's line.

    I love how they were able to capture the fun yet classy feeling I was going for and incorporate the patterned fabric. Matching your invitation to the party is a great way to give the guests a hint of what is to come, even though they won't totally know that until they get there.

    Adult Birthday Party Decorations

    Text - HBD with ruffled streamers attached to the wall next to it.

    HBD is a much cooler way to say Happy Birthday, don't you think? Cut out fabric letters are a more mature way to do a birthday sign. Although a photo banner could work too.

    Ruffled streamers from plastic tablecloths in a variety of colors are easy to DIY yourself and are inexpensive.

    Most adult parties don't really have a full-on theme. So when I'm planning one, I like to plan out the colors I'll use and figure out different ways to add them throughout.

    In this case, the batik fabric is full of pretty blues and greens and the peach in the streamers adds a little pop of color.

    If you want a little bit more in the way of decorations, here are my favorite places online to buy party supplies.

    gin and tonic bar for adult birthday party

    I focused the party decor on the dessert table and cocktail "cart" area and cleared out the rest of my dining room to create an open dance floor area.

    I added more of my fave DIY garlands by the bar to make the two spaces feel cohesive.

    I added a touch more silver to the wall decor with the silver metallic circle dot garland. The hint of orange mixed in with the white tablecloth ruffles was flagging tape I found at Home Depot. 

    silver neon orange and blue batik adult cocktail party

    Fresh flowers are always a simple way to add more color to the table. I also added small potted succulents wrapped in wood grain cupcake sleeves to start as decoration but would be sent home with the guests as a favor (you can see them in the photo below).

    The Dessert Bar

    succulent favors with faux bois wraps

    I used a mix of store-bought and homemade desserts for this party to keep things easy and delicious.

    silver wrapped chocolate hearts from Martha celebrations

    I wanted the sweets to be spiced without being spicy so I kept a loose international influence throughout with hints of cardamom and nutmeg as well as citrus and nuts.

    cardboard cupcake stand from Martha Celebrations

    One of my favorite products is this cardboard cupcake stand. I used a neon orange paint pen to edge the stand for a fun pop of color. 

    I filled the stand with delicious vanilla cupcakes by Meringue Bake Shop and pistachio rose popcorn balls that I made, wrapped in the silver wood grain cupcake wrappers from part of a MarthaCelebrations kit.

    spiced bundt cake for dessert and cocktail party

    I used my Wine Cake recipe as the base for this spiced bundt cake. I just added a few more spices like cinnamon and cardamom and some fresh orange zest to give it even more flavor.

    Kumquats were another easy way to give a pop of color to the table.

    candied kumquat panna cotta by Meringue Bake shop

    I felt like we needed a custardy type item to round out all the baked goods so Kristin suggested a panna cotta. I candied some kumquats to add to the top and they were the perfect addition to the table. 

    The vanilla bean panna cotta she created was velvety with a touch of sweetness and paired perfectly with the tart but sweet citrus. AMAZING.  wish you all could have tasted them!

    Use Disposable Serveware

    faux bois paper napkins by Martha Celebrations

    Using disposable tableware like plates, cutlery and napkins keeps things super simple. There are no dishes to wash, nothing will get broken and you can reuse any lefotvers for other parties at home.

    I think they really elevate the look of a casual get-together.  I added in some of my Philippe Starck-designed plastic cutlery with my favorite disposable heart fork/knife/scoops.

    Make-Your-Own Gin and Tonic Bar

    bar for adult birthday party

    For the other focal point of the party, I created a Gin and Tonic bar and provided fresh fruit to muddle and custom syrups so everyone could make their own mixed drinks.

    macrame bar recipes and plastic tablecloth ruffles and fringe

    I tied in the decor to the main party table by once again using the plastic tablecloth ruffles and silver garland. 

    I used some leftover invitation/menu cards to print out the specialty gin and tonic recipes and used macrame knots to create a way to display them on the wall.

    Gin and Tonic Recipes to Use

    • Aperol Gin and Tonic
    • Blackberry Gin and Tonic
    • Non-Alcholic Gin and Tonic
    gin and tonic bar for cocktail party

    I used the tags that came with the favor boxes to make labels for the bar syrups.  I love using fresh herbs and produce in a bar set up. Not only does it bring the fresh flavor but is another way to add vibrant color.

    grey and white star cocktail napkins from Martha Celebrations

    The star patterned cocktail napkins paired really well with the glass and silver elements on the bar table.

    silver cocktail picks for gin and tonic bar

    I used the silver picks from the cupcake kit for the cocktail garnish which I made using flavors from the specialty recipes I printed.

    Party Favors

    silver favor boxes by martha celebrations

    These gray favor boxes were super easy to put together and the perfect thing for the spiced donut truffles Kristin, of Meringue Bake Shop, created. I added a little bit of sparkle with this amazing silver ribbon.

    While this adult birthday party idea may look like a lot of work, you can make it even easier! Serve less options for desserts and keep the Gin and Tonic bar even more simple.

    Huge thank you to Dez and Tam for the GORGEOUS photos (and syrup label lettering). Thank you times one million to Kristin of Meringue Bake Shop for providing beautiful and delicious treats. And special thanks to Carta Society for working with me on the invitation. I could not have done it with out you guys!

    While these Martha Stewart products are no longer available, you can find some products at Walmart.

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    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. BlitzAndGlam says

      June 08, 2013 at 8:21 am

      My birthday is coming up later this summer and you've got me thinking about what I want to do! Thanks for visiting my blog from the SITS Sharefest!

      Reply
    2. Becca says

      June 07, 2013 at 9:38 pm

      Well you did it again Sharon. Of all these beautiful parties... yours is the one I'd most like the invite to! I think we need to go dance our feet off one of these days together.

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 08, 2013 at 7:11 am

        Wow, that means a lot coming from you!! Thanks so much! And yes!! It seems silly to have not met when there is a mere 7 hours between us. We should meet in the middle!!

        Reply
    3. Shalia Wynn says

      June 07, 2013 at 11:35 am

      I wish you would have invited me to your party! I love how simple yet elegant you kept everything. The colors you choose were absolutely amazing and very creative. That green in particular really makes the whole set up pop, but you didn't overdo it. Your attention to detail is well worth nothing too. Love that splash of neon orange paint you painted on the edge of the cardboard cupcake stand. It's very pretty and while it was just a small touch, I think it makes a huge difference. Matching the food and drinks with your decorations was an excellent decision as well. The whole set up looks very warm and inviting and most importantly, delicious! I'm sure all of your guests had a fabulous time. :)

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 07, 2013 at 1:41 pm

        Thank you so much!!! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Have a great weekend.

        Reply
    4. Shari Bonnin says

      June 07, 2013 at 10:55 am

      I agree that you had the greatest crew to work with, but your creativity is mind boggling! Nice work Sharon!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 07, 2013 at 1:41 pm

        Thanks Shari, I love being creative. But sometimes I wish I could just leave well enough alone and not modify everything. :)

        Reply
    5. [email protected] says

      June 07, 2013 at 10:21 am

      i am coming to your house and stealing that gin and tonic bar setup. sorry, hope you wont miss it.

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 07, 2013 at 1:40 pm

        I drank it all. Burp. Just kidding. But I think they are my new favorite drink.

        Reply
    6. Genette says

      June 07, 2013 at 9:58 am

      Love this! It turned out awesome!!!!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 07, 2013 at 1:40 pm

        Thanks Genette!! You knew just what I wanted with the invite! Can't wait to work on something else. :)

        Reply
    7. pattie says

      June 07, 2013 at 9:45 am

      oh my goodness. DYING over this setup. I want YOU to plan my next birthday party. It's gorgeous!!!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 07, 2013 at 1:39 pm

        I like the planning part, you'll just have to find someone else to actually throw it. :)

        Reply
    8. Amy says

      June 07, 2013 at 9:34 am

      Why are you so much cooler than everyone else? Love this so much.

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 07, 2013 at 1:39 pm

        You are so funny!!! I am a total nerd. :)

        Reply
    9. Melissa says

      June 07, 2013 at 9:12 am

      Shut. Up. You blow me away, girl. Hands down this is my favorite thing you've done.
      Teach me. ;)

      Reply
    10. Jill says

      June 07, 2013 at 8:34 am

      Okay...Sharon you are amazing. Love the party details and all the Martha Stewart product as well.

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 07, 2013 at 8:39 am

        Thank you Jill! My favorite part is coming up with all the details. :)

        Reply
    11. Rebekah {A Blissful Nest} says

      June 07, 2013 at 7:58 am

      Sharon that fabric is amazing! I adore all this!!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 07, 2013 at 8:38 am

        I searched high and low for the fabric that was in my head. So glad I finally found it! Nothing else would have worked for me. #crazyperson

        Reply
    12. Chris @ Celebrations At Home says

      June 07, 2013 at 7:43 am

      Shut the front door, Sharon! This is gorgeous!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 07, 2013 at 8:38 am

        Thank you Chris! You are the sweetest!

        Reply
    13. Karla @ Foodologie says

      June 07, 2013 at 7:33 am

      What an absolutely beautiful party! My birthday is in a little over a month, come plan it for me :D

      Love the pops of color!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 07, 2013 at 8:38 am

        Ok! The way to my heart is through my stomach so I think you could win me over. :)

        Reply
    14. Jen | Something Turquoise says

      June 07, 2013 at 7:19 am

      I love the pop of neon ~ and your cocktail instruction cards are so cute!!!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 07, 2013 at 8:37 am

        Thanks!! I had to get creative with the recipes. There was no more room on the tiny table. :)

        Reply
    15. Cyd says

      June 07, 2013 at 6:01 am

      Love this! Definitely digging the hit of neon orange :-) xoxo

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        June 07, 2013 at 8:37 am

        Thank you Cyd!! I can't stop with the neon!

        Reply
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    Welcome!
    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

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