My dad’s 70th birthday party theme ideas
The 70th birthday party invitation I made incorporated photos from throughout his life and introduced more of the party color and pattern schemes.
70th birthday party décor ideas
Here is one of the primary 70th birthday party décor pieces from the party. I collected photos from throughout his life and printed them all in black and white (even the newer photos) for aesthetic purposes. I made two large collages out of these images, both shaped like the number “70.” I hung black and white paper fans from the ceiling above them.
Here is the second of the two “70” photo collages, along with a chalkboard sign (close-up of the sign below). This was such a fun and visual 70th birthday party idea that I made an extra one with some additional photos that I had.
Another 70th birthday idea: Inspired by something I saw on Pinterest and using a chalkboard from Target, I made this sign with some facts about life in 1944 – the year my dad was born. Chalkboards and white chalk tied in the party color scheme and was something I could use in varying ways throughout the party.
Using these budget-friendly 8.5″x11″ Nyttja frames from Ikea, I made seven signs that bulleted out some highlights of each of the seven decades of my father’s life as an idea for his 70th birthday party.
My niece found a beautiful cake for the occasion that was decorated simply with gray ombre chevron stripes. This was a great 70th birthday idea for dad, as the simple chevron pattern and color scheme are gender-neutral.
To carry our 70th birthday theme ideas, we used gray plates and utensils, along with chevron pattern napkins and cups.
70th birthday party décor idea: photo centerpieces. The flowers were a steal from Trader Joe’s. The vases were simple cube vases from Michael’s to which I attached black and white photos. The face of the vases were 4″x6″ – a perfect size for a photo.
70th birthday party favor ideas
For the 70th birthday party favors, I used plain white favor bags with a label I created on the front (using the party’s chevron scheme). The bags were filled with items that represent my dad (“Ray’s Favorite Things;” see below). As you can see, I used chalkboards for signs throughout the party (all purchased from Target).
Since my dad loves chocolate (who doesn’t?) I ordered these customizable Hershey Kiss labels from Etsy for another 70th birthday party favor idea that matched the party scheme.
Since vintage photos became such a big part of the 70th birthday party décor, I also included them in an edible giveaway. I found a great deal on custom photo cookies from Sweet Express Images (located in Colorado but will ship them fresh in time for your party).
The party favor bags (“Ray’s Favorite Things”) included a mini bottle of Bacardi Puerto Rican Rum (see below for the customized label I made), some of my dad’s signature Magic Mix seasoning, a United States Air Force decal purchased from this eBay seller, an Oregon Ducks sticker, a New York Yankees pen purchased from this eBay seller, and an individual serving of Café Bustelo.
70th birthday ideas: Give everyone a sample of dad’s favorite drink! I made these mini bottles of Bacardi myself using these empty bottles purchased from Amazon. I created a custom Bacardi label using my dad’s name and age and printed them on 2″x4″ Avery printable labels. This size label fit the bottle perfectly and were a cute DIY touch for the party favors (for the adults only, obviously).
70th birthday party activity ideas
Another piece of our 70th birthday party décor was also a great interactive party activity. I created a large poster mounted on foam core with 70 empty speech bubbles. Guests had to add things they love about my dad so that he had this great party keepsake with lots of sweet sentiments from the party guests.
Papi Cruz says
It was a most wonderful and joyous party. I can not express how happy that made me. I thank my daughter Ramona Ruby for the planning and execution of this event. Many thanks to all who helped or contributed to make my birthday celebration, a most happy day.
I am a very proud father.
Liz says
Hi, I love your ideas for this party. I have a question, how did you glue the pictures to the 70th sign?
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
Thank you! I just used double-sided tape.
Mela says
hello, i love all the details for this party. i was wondering if you could tell me where you got the empty speech stickers
Nancy Conway says
What terrific ideas! I'm planning a 60th birthday party for my husband, and really want to do the speech bubble poster. So I'm also wanting to know where to get the empty speech bubble stickers! Thanks for these lovely ideas!
ramonaruby says
Nancy and Mela, thank you! The speech bubbles aren't stickers, I actually downloaded the vector clipart for free! You can find the ones I used here: http://all-free-download.com/free-vector/download/speech_bubble_vector_38116.html
Nancy Conway says
RamonaRuby, thank you so much for sharing the vector clipart! I bought the foamboard. What I don't know is how you got the clipart on to the foamboard – they aren't stencils, are they? Did you print them onto a large poster and affix that to the foamboard? Thanks again!
ramonaruby says
Nancy, I printed them onto a large poster at FedEx Office from a PDF file (I created a PDF with the clipart by repeating the bubbles over and over until I had 70).
Jaisy Bonie says
This event planner really appears to love her job. I didn't care for some details such as linens, flowers, or lighting, so I trusted the planner to make those decisions. So she did – and made everything look classy and cohesive. Without breaking my bank.
akeacm says
Where did you find those awesome candles for the cake? I love them!!!!
ramonaruby says
@akeacm I can't remember exactly, but I am pretty sure I got them at Target.
Jami West says
Hi, thank you so much for the great ideas! Could you help me by telling me some of the bullets you used for the 10 years framed posters? Thank you sooo much!
Unknown says
Hi. I am planning a 50th Anniversary party for my parents. In love the picture collage in the shape of the number. What material did you use as a sturdy backing for the collage? And also, what did you use to attach the pictures? Thank you!!
ramonaruby says
@Jami, thank you! The bullets included highlights from that decade in my dad's life, for example: if he was stationed somewhere memorable while in the Air Force; years kids were born or marriages happened; when he moved somewhere new; when he started an important job, etc.
@Unknown – I first cut the shapes of the numbers out of pieces of posterboard, then added a few strips of cardboard to the back to make them a little more firm. I secured the photos with photo-safe double-sided tape from a tape-runner (the kind you would use for scrapbooking).
Abby says
I absolutely love the "70 Years of Ray" idea. I would love to do this for my mom's 60th. Do you have a template you used that you can share?
ramonaruby says
@Abby – send me an email at [email protected].
Shawn Meier says
ditto! I love the speech bubbles, would you mind if I sent you an email as well?
Suburban Epicurean says
RamnonaRuby – you mentioned above that you "created a PDF with the clipart by repeating the bubbles over and over until I had 70" – do you still have that PDF file and if so could you send it or post it? I need it for a party we are planning. PLEASE PLEASE? 😉
Wenni Donna says
These are so terrific 70th birthday party ideas!! I can’t believe you did everything in a budget. I also need to host a grand party on my dad’s birthday. I would like to stay within my budget so please suggest some affordable Chicago venues for this party!!
Kate Schippers says
Where did you find that awesome invitation? Best one I have seen, but haven't come across that one on any websites. Planning my father-in-law's party right now! Thank you for the ideas!
ramonaruby says
Thanks, @Kate! I created the invitation myself. Good luck with your party!
Unknown says
Ramona,
I sent you an email if you could respond promptly it would be a huge help.
Thank you kindly,
Karla Gary
Unknown says
Ramona,
I sent you an email if you could respond promptly it would be a huge help.
Thank you kindly,
Karla Gary
Deanna Byrd says
do you still have the template for the 70 things you love about Ray board? if so can you email them to me [email protected]
ramonaruby says
@Abby and @Shawn – thanks! It is not a template (I made the file in Adobe Illustrator), but if you email me I might be able to help.
Susan Bonnett says
I would love the pdf for the bubbles as well my email address is [email protected]. what a great party. Thanks
Sheba says
I love all of your ideas and I'm using a few of them for my dad's 80th! Thank you! I also would love the template for the speech bubbles. [email protected]
Sheba says
I cannot find your email address to email you…sorry.
Gladys says
This is amazing! thank you for posting this. I am planing a party for my mom that turn 70 in a month.
What do you wrote for each decade in the frames? accomplishment/or family changes?
Thank you
ramonaruby says
Gladys – thank you! I did misc. highlights from the decade (year he got married, joined the Air Force, had his kids or grandkids, started big jobs, moved to a new city, etc.).
Michelle Arbore says
Hi. I would love the PDF you used for the 70 things we love. Can you send it to me?
ramonaruby says
@Michelle Arbore – please email me at [email protected].
Marian Cunningham says
Hi. I would love the PDF you used for the 70 things we love. Can you send it to me?
[email protected]
Thank You.
templarlady says
I would love the pdf of the 70 things we love party is this sunday!!
templarlady says
my email: [email protected]
thank you so much
Jill Kramer says
Please tell me where I can find the speech bubbles! Awesome idea!
ramonaruby says
@Jill Kramer and others – I made the speech bubbles sign in Adobe Illustrator, so the template is only editable in Illustrator. If you don't have Illustrator, I may be able to edit the sign for you and send you the PDF, but it depends on the amount of editing needed and the turnaround time for your party. Please email me at [email protected] to inquire.
Reata Williams says
Hello! I love all of your party details and creativity. I'm celebrating my dads 80th birthday on Saturday and would love to the do "Speech Bubble" activity during the entrance of the party. If you would, can you please send a template in PDF form to [email protected]. Thank You do much!!
Katherine Martin says
I am throwing my dad a 70th birthday party and really want to use your idea with the pictures on the wall in the 70 shape. Did you have a stencil to go by to shape the '7' and the '0'? What size pictures did you use? Would like to put pictures on a poster and then just hang the poster rather than each individual picture but I am having a hard time making the numbers look like yours. Please help!
JuliciousSs says
Hi, your blog is so helpful and inspirational as I am planning my dad's 70th birthday which is in a few weeks. I would love if you can email me the template to [email protected]. Thank you so much!
ramonaruby says
@Katherine – sorry for the delay in getting back to you. For the 7 and 0 I didn't use a template. I just cut them out of poster board free hand.
Cheryl Nelson says
Good evening. I too would love to have the speech bubbles sign. Can you email it to me at [email protected]. Thanks so much!
Esena says
Awesome ideas I am trying to get ideas for my mothers 70th birthday and I would also love the pdf for the speech bubbles if you would be so kind to share that with me.
[email protected]
Sharon says
I would love the speech bubbles for my hubby's 70th. [email protected]
Looks like a fabulous party!
Matthea says
Love the website! Would love to get the speech bubbles for my mom's 70th as well if possible. [email protected]
Thanks so much!
Matthea says
Love the website! Would love to get the speech bubbles for my mom's 70th as well if possible. [email protected]
Thanks so much!
Anna Fox says
I'm planning my first milestone birthday party. It's a 50th for my boyfriend. Also must it is a nice break from the sparkles, pink & princess theme I am used to planning for our girl parties.
I have searched Pinterest long and hard to get ideas for a surprise 50th. I came across the party you planned for your Father. You and your family did such a beautiful job planning each detail. I never leave comments but would like to thank you for sharing all these wonderful ideas with everyone.
I had no idea Target had so many chalkboards, plan to incorporate them as you did throughout. I also loved the picture collage of 70 and the bubble poster. The vases with the picture is a great center piece. I take alot of pictures and these are great ideas to incorporate them into the theme.
My questions you used so many pictures. How did you save on printing them? Did you use a desktop printer or printing service?
Also you said for the bubbles you created an Adobe template then had FedEx print a poster. Did you order the poster online through their site? I did not realize they printed posters.
Thank you again so much for sharing your father's beautiful party and answering so many of our questions.
ramonaruby says
Hi @Anna Fox! I just replied to your email, but so that others can see the response to your questions, here is some of the info again. Thank you for the kind words about the party!
For the pictures (for the vases and the large 70 collage), I printed the pictures myself onto cardstock. Since they were all black and white, and since I needed so many, it was more cost-effective to just print them myself. As you can see, they still looked good, even though they were printed on cardstock (and not glossy photo paper). I just cut the pictures out myself from the cardstock (since it was just regular 8.5×11 cardstock). I secured the photos to the vases with double-sided tape.
I printed the "70 things…" sign at FedEx Office, and I actually took the PDF file to them in store with a USB flash drive. I tend to always go in so I can explain what I am trying to do. When you respond to my email with your boyfriend's name, I will send you the PDF print-ready template and some printing instructions for you to take to FedEx.
Hope this helps!
Marlyn says
Wow, absolutely love all of your ideas!
I'm holding a surprise 70th party for my father, but on a tight budget. Could you possibly send me some of your templates.
Thank you so much x
largalas says
I am having a 70th party for my husband and would love to use some of your ideas. Could you send me the PDF of the 70 Things…. speech bubbles?
jen rodriguez says
Wow!! Everything you've done is awesome! Hoe long did it take you to put all this together? Months? Its my parents 70th this year and planning something but feel time constrained. Thanks
jen rodriguez says
Would it also be possible for you to send me the file for "70 things…" sign customizable to my parents names? My email is [email protected]. thank you so much
jen rodriguez says
Would it also be possible for you to send me the file for "70 things…" sign customizable to my parents names? My email is [email protected]. thank you so much
largalas says
Sorry, I didn't give you my email. It's [email protected] Thanks for this, I am so excited to start planning this event.
Brunell Moody says
These ideas are incredible!! Planning a 70th birthday party for my husband in August. Would you send me the template for the '70'
things? Thank you in advance. Blessings on you for sharing!! [email protected]
ramonaruby says
@largalas, @jen rodriguez, and @Brunell Moody – I just sent you emails.
@Marlyn – please email me at [email protected], as I don't have your email address in order to get more info on the sign you need.
Wendy Schneider says
I love the Bacardi label! How can I get it to use at my Dad's 70? Thanks!
Unknown says
I want to use the Bacardi favors for my father's 70th party as well in a few weeks. I'm technologically challenged. How can I get the labels to say "Steve"? Do you have a template you can email to me at [email protected]. Thank you.
LuckyPogo says
Wow! I am blown away by your party planning skills. Beautiful details! I'm last minute party planning and would love to use the speech bubbles and bacardi labels, if you would be able to share my email is [email protected] This might just save the day 😎
stevenjared0853 says
Loved the superb celebrations of your dad’s birthday. My brother has planned a large exhibition of all his paintings at one of marvelous venues in Chicago next month. Hope he gets good response from all his clients and public. Helping him in doing arrangements!
Edith Davis says
Would it be possible for you to please send me a copy of the 70 things pdf too please? Email is [email protected]. thank you!
Halle Bose says
Like the invitation.
helping locker says
Nice one.
Carol says
Could you send a pdf file of the 70 things? [email protected] . Looks like I'm one of many who thoroughly enjoyed you post for your Dad's birthday party. Well Done!!
Cynthia Robinson says
Hello,
Could you please send me a copy of 70 love things. Doing for my 60th bday.
Please send to the following emails:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Expressa says
Hello,
This is fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing. I am throwing my father a 70th birthday party next Saturday and I would like to use your ideas. The party is in Dallas (I'm in Phoenix) so it will help me to plan and be able to ship stuff there. As most people asked, can I please also have the PDF or adobe illustrator- whatever it is- for the thought bubbles. I will PAY! =)
God bless you for being so kind and sharing your creativity (and just plain party planning brilliance. =)
My email address is [email protected]
Best, Adrian Strong.
Faye Rotunda says
Love your ideas!!! Could you please send me the a pdf of the 70 things we love to my email
[email protected]
thank u so much!
Paula Deakter says
Hi. I would love the PDF you used for the 70 things speech bubble poster Can you please tell me where to find it online or send it to me. Thank you [email protected]
Ramona | Fab Everyday says
Hi everyone – I don't check comments on old posts like this frequently. If you have requests for printables or PDFs, please email me directly at [email protected] to ensure I see it. For the 70 things poster, the file was made in Adobe Illustrator, so unless you have that program, I will need to customize your file for you and send you the print-ready PDF. In that case, I will need the name of your loved one as you like it listed on the sign, the age (70, etc.) for the number of bubbles, and the date of your party. I do my best to get it to you quickly, but can't guarantee I have time to or access to my laptop and software to create custom files if the turnaround time is limited.
Barun Kumar says
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Tania says
Love your ideas. Can you please send me pdf for bubble. My email address [email protected] or [email protected]
Olivia says
Do you have template for the invitation with the baby picture? I love that idea.
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
Thanks! Unfortunately I don’t have the template. I made it myself.
Eliana Jimenez says
Hello Ramona Ruby, I LOVE the 70 collage of pictures and I am going to make one for my husband’s 70th next month. My question is how tall were the numbers? Did you have to put several poster boards together to make each number? Thank you! You did a phenomenal job with his party planning! I hope I can pull the surprise party for him (just a few family members but I want to make it very special).
Thanks!
Eliana
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
The party will be so special! Each number was just a little larger than a piece of standard poster board. I used as much as I could of the board to create the number shape, then with the images layered on it ended up being a little bigger on all sides. I hope this helps! Best of luck with your husband’s special day.
Eliana Jimenez says
Thank you so much! 🙂
Dee says
Hi There,
I came across your page while searching for ideas for my father’s 70th bday. You did an awesome job and have such great ideas. I know this is several years later but do you still have a template for the 70 years of ray and the 70 things we love about you? My email address is [email protected]
Thanks!
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
Hi Dee! I’ll send you an email.
Nina says
Great ideas! I’m throwing my moms 70th. I was wondering how many and what size photos you used for the “70” photo collages. Thanks!
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
Thank you, and happy early birthday to your mom! I used 3.5″x5″ pictures. I don’t remember exactly how many I used, but I remember that I printed so many that I had to make 2 “70” collages with them. It worked so that I had a slightly smaller one to place in another spot at the party.
Rhonda Castaneda says
Hi There!
It’s 2021 and these ideas are still going into my dad’s 70th birthday party (his name is Ray too!). I would so appreciate it if you could please forward me the PDF for the 70 things we love about you, it’s still super neat!
Thanks so much,
Rhonda ([email protected])
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
How perfect that his name is Ray, too! I’ll send you an email with the PDF for the sign.
Deb Fox says
My husband’s 70th birthday is next month and you’ve given me great inspiration. Thanks!
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
I am so happy to hear that! Happy birthday to him, and best of luck with your party!
Katherine says
My Dad’s surprise 70th birthday party is in a couple weeks and I would love to make the speech bubble poster. What size poster did you use and do you happen to have a template you could email me?
Love all your ideas!
Thank you,
Katherine ([email protected])
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
Hi Katherine! Thank you for the kind words! I printed the speech bubble sign at 24″x36″. I made the poster in Adobe Illustrator, so unless you have that program and the fonts I used, I don’t really have a template. However, if you send me an email with your dad’s name as you’d like it listed on the poster I can see about editing it for you. My email is [email protected].
Patrice Argel says
Hi Ramona 🙂 Just want to say THANK YOU for your creative and budget friendly ideas! I’m planning my husband’s 70th birthday and these are sooo helpful 🙂 May I ask what type of food fare did you go with? I’m in the decision process of heavy appetizers with dessert or serving lunch/dinner. What worked for you?
Thank you again and happy to have found your ideas in 2022!
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
I’m so glad these ideas are helpful! Personally, for this event, we made a Puerto Rican food feast, as that’s what we do when we get a big group of family together. That being said, when otherwise entertaining I’m a big fan of heavy appetizers and individually portioned desserts. Here are a few articles with inspiration that might be helpful (my food ideas also tend to be quick, easy, and budget friendly):
* https://fabeveryday.com/2019/02/quick-and-easy-low-carb-party-appetizers-all-with-four-ingredients-or-less.html
* https://fabeveryday.com/2021/11/cranberry-brie-bites.html
* https://fabeveryday.com/2021/05/mini-chocolate-pies-individual-chocolate-cream-pie-recipe.html
* https://fabeveryday.com/2021/06/mini-air-fryer-cherry-hand-pies.html
* https://fabeveryday.com/recipe/instant-pot-mini-cheesecake-bites
Patrice Argel says
Oh thank you soooo much Ramona! Super helpful and much appreciated 🙂
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
Best of luck with the party!!
Ellen says
Hi Ramona! I’m planning a 70th birthday party for my love. Could you email the 70 things I love pdf to me as well? I love your ideas! My email is [email protected]
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
Hi Ellen! Thank you! The PDF isn’t in an editable template (I made it in Adobe Illustrator). But depending on the timing of your party, if you email me your loved one’s name I can see about editing the file for you and sending it to you as a print-ready PDF. Please email me at [email protected] with the name of your loved one as you’d like it listed on the sign. Good luck with your party!