You don’t have to spend a bundle to create a festive atmosphere! Use your imagination.

Decorating with streamers and balloons is easy and inexpensive. Visit your local “dollar store” to purchase them there, keeping in mind the theme colours of your party. Try to get at least the 10” size. You might want to purchase a balloon pump and some matching curling ribbon while you are there. If you are using the balloon sticks, you may be able to find them at the “dollar store” as well. Don’t inflate your balloons too far in advance. The morning of the event is best. Try creating a bouquet of balloons, attaching them the sticks. Hang your balloons for a creative effect. Attach them to light fixtures (not too close if the light will be on), hang them in hallway. Attach some outside near the roadway on a tree, or on your mailbox, to identify your house for your guests.

If you are using helium, don’t inflate them until the day of the party. If you order them from a store, pick them up as close to party time as you can, allowing yourself time to tie them for decorating. Consider paying a little extra for the special gel—Hi Float-- that keeps the balloons floating for an extended period. Be careful when transporting helium-filled balloons. Secure the bundle to a seat belt in your vehicle, or have a passenger hold them securely. Summer heat may cause your balloons to pop, while transporting balloons in cold weather will temporarily cause them to deflate slightly, but returning them inside will bring them back to the original size. Mark each guests chair with a balloon, or decorate the stair way with balloons spread equal distances along a banister. Create an archway by attaching the balloons several inches apart along a long piece of curling ribbon. For a stunning effect, tie them close together…. this may get costly however. Anchor the archway to the floor, using weights that you have made, or ones that you have purchased. Your party supply store will have these---the “dollar store” may as well.

Streamers are easy to work with. Decorate archways and entrances. Use them as dividers to deter guests from rooms where the party should not extend beyond. Secure one end of the streamer to the wall, and measure across to the spot where you want to end it, allowing room for it to swoop nicely in the middle. Next, carefully twist the streamer in the same direction repeatedly, to get an attractive display. You can do this in a two-tone manner by using two identical lengths of streamers. Layer one on top of the other, secure and twist. You’ll see the effect immediately. Consider securing a number of streamers from a centre or focal point in your room. Measure to the outer walls, and cut all the streamers the longest length, again leaving additional length to allow twisting. You can double up for the two-tone effect. Try hanging a bouquet of balloons from the centre for a dramatic effect.

If you are concerned about spills, be sure to use a table cover. A blanket, followed by a plastic tablecloth will work just as well. Plain plastic tablecloths are available at the “dollar store” for just a buck.

Decorate your table ahead of the party to help create the party atmosphere. You can often do this the evening before, and have the remaining meals before the party in picnic style elsewhere. Keep with your theme and incorporate small dinosaur toys, or racecars. Decorate with coloured curling ribbon placed on the table. To curl the ribbon, pull it between your thumb and a blade of safety scissors. Be creative, and keep your eyes open for fun ideas!

Consider using plain white paper, which the children can draw on, using crayons…just like some of the restaurants offer. Or, use a plain white cloth tablecloth. Have the kids write/print their names on it, using washable markers—maybe draw a picture of themselves. If you are a crafter, later, stitch or embroider over the names and hand wash when completed. You’ll have a special birthday treasure for your child. You might want to re-use it on each birthday. Use different coloured thread for each year.

Personalized placemats save confusion about where the children are to sit. It also allows you to pre-plan who will sit beside the birthday child, putting friends, siblings and older helpers in strategic spots. Have your child create the placemats ahead of time, and consider laminating them as a take-home gift at the end of the party.

For a fun and creative plate, use a Frisbee? that will double as a take-home gift. Use paper plates as liners. Mark each Frisbee? underneath, with a piece of masking tape. Use permanent marker, to mark each guests name on the tape.

If you plan ahead for your parties, consider saving those plastic cups from your kids’ meals at the restaurants. The ones with the pointed lids that allow you to insert straws are great! Use masking tape and a marker to identify each child’s cup. They don’t necessarily need to take them home, however, marking them will avoid mix-ups as drinks often get left all around the party area. You can also choose to use plastic cups, or juice boxes. It is best to label whatever the drink is, to avoid mix-ups.

How about making you own party crackers? Save the inner cores of toilet paper rolls. Look at craft supply stores for the “snapper” strips. They are often available at Christmas time, but may be in stock year round. Insert it first, followed by the treats. Snappers are not musts, but do provide some exciting sound effects. Put some small candies and toys into a snack sized plastic bag, and insert into the tubes. Wrap each in the colour- themed tissue paper, and tie off the ends using curling ribbon. To curl the ends, pull the ribbon between your thumb and a blade of safety scissors. Your child can decorate the crackers using theme appropriate stickers. Label each cracker to use as a table place card. Consider labeling the inside bag as well to avoid mix-ups.

Be sure to remember your camera. Focus on small groups, and avoid the posed looks. Try to capture the fun and laughter as it happens. Consider having one of your volunteers act as official photographer. Do try to get one large group shot at some point. Around the table, with your child is always fun.

Consider trying to get a photo of each guest with your birthday child to include along with a thank you later on.