Birthday decorations do not have to cost a great deal of money. You can make homemade decorations from inexpensive items to adorn walls, tables, and ceilings to make the birthday venue festive. The decorations should match the theme of the party, if there is one, or be the favorite color of the birthday celebrant. Choose decorations that match the celebrant’s personality. A dramatic personality enjoys large and elaborate decorations while someone who is demure may prefer just a few simple decorations.
Table Settings
Use tablecloths to set off the tables in a festive manner. Fabric tablecloths are suitable for adult parties, but stick to plastic for a child’s party. This will eliminate the possibility of stains and makes for easy clean up by just rolling up the garbage and throwing it away. For an outdoor barbeque party cover tables with brown or white butcher paper. Use this paper with a supply of crayons for a kid’s party and let them draw pictures on the table. Place streamers of crepe paper or ribbon down the center of the tables or sprinkle brightly colored confetti in the center. If using paper plates and plastic utensils, coordinate them with the colors and theme of the party.
Centerpieces
Keep centerpieces on tables low so that guests can look across the table with an unobstructed view. Place a bouquet of flowers in a mason jar, or use a plant in a pretty pot. Make your own pot by painting a terra cotta container with acrylic paint and seal it with acrylic spray. Put water in a clear bowl, add some food coloring and float a flower on top. Fill a mason jar with glass beads, pebbles or shells that almost reach to the top. Set a votive candle on top and light it. If the celebrant isn’t a flowery kind of person use photos of the celebrant as a centerpiece by encasing them in CD jewel cases. Cut out foam board to fit inside the case and glue the photos on. Insert the foam with the photo side against the case. Place it open on the table. Put a piece of Styrofoam in the bottom of a miniature pail and insert lollipops in it so they stand up. Hide the Styrofoam with beads, confetti, cotton balls, and other candy.
Walls and Ceilings
Hang paper chains made from strips of construction paper taped together. Wind silk or paper flowers together with green florist tape to make a garland to hang on the wall or over doors and windows. Stretch chicken wire across a window frame securing it with tacks or strong tape. Use colorful paper clips to fasten photos of the birthday celebrant to the wire to make a life montage.
Decorations should not overpower the entire table or room. Be careful of using things that are small and can choke a small child. The party should be an enjoyable time for everyone including the smallest guests. Keep birthday decorations festive and safe.
