Guest post by Molly Suedbeck from Suburban Events (Read her bio below.)

My husband was turning 30 years old and I wanted to do something a little different than our annual BBQ with friends and family. One of Jeff’s hobbies is brewing his own beer, so I came up with the idea of a beer tasting party! Guests were mailed The Big 3-0 Birthday Party Invitations (sample shown below) and were asked to bring a 6-pack of chilled specialty beer within particular categories that the birthday boy prefers.
30th Birthday Party Invitations -- The Big 3-0
Beer Tasting Party Ideas
The menu consisted of your standard and yummy bar food. Most of my best beer tasting party ideas involved creative ways to display it. I used brown kraft bags to hold the soft pretzel bites, and mini clothespins to close the bags and add some detail. Another great tip is to use small chalk board signs to indicate different dips or food. I’ve found that guests love this because they don’t have to ask you what everything is. Using an apothecary jar, I filled up peanuts and added a pop of color with the bright red popcorn boxes. The best thing you can do when planning a party is utilize all the space you have available (including the drawers)! Of course the table wouldn’t be complete without a great sign and a beer growler filled with wheat stalks.
Beer Tasting Party Ideas
Beer party ideas
With the help of crafty friend Jodi, we cut out large letters from cardboard boxes spelling “CHEERS,” spray painted them a burnt red and hung with clear fishing line. Hanging in the corner was a chalk board sign with the steps on how to proceed with the beer tasting. This was probably one of my favorite items of the entire party! Little details such as coasters attached to the beer glasses saying, “Bottoms Up” and signage for each type of beer helped me stay organized throughout the event.
Beer Tasting Party Ideas
Beer Tasting Party Ideas
Beer Tasting Party Ideas
Lastly, what party would be complete without some dessert! Cupcakes with liners added another pop of color, and cake pops with flag toppers added the detail. I made the cake pops my “easy” way and created a tutorial here. Seriously, you will thank me later!
Beer Tasting Party Ideas
Hope you all enjoy the beer tasting party ideas and maybe you can incorporate them into your own parties! More pictures of this beer tasting party can be seen on Suburban Events blog.

MollyMolly Suedbeck is the creator of the party planning and DIY blog Suburban Events.  Molly loves to provide party planning inspiration, tips and details to help others plan their own events. Molly and her husband have a dog named Lily and keep busy with their three nieces. In her free time, she enjoys helping others plan their parties, working on DIY projects, and researching new ideas on Pinterest.