reusable decorations for birthday party

[LaFlaca1226]

Hi mamas!

I just found an earlier thread about birthday parties, but my focus is on decorations. One mama had a GREAT idea about a felt birthday banner that can be used every year. I'm totally doing that.

What about a reusable substitute for streamers and balloons? I'd prefer to just forgo them altogether, but DH's family is really into birthdays and I think he would feel like we were shortchanging DD if all we did for decorations was make a banner.

Thanks!
Bethany

[peypeymama]

I made up some pennant style "streamers" for dd. like these

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43065576/eco-friendly-party-banner-by-silly-goat?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=pennants&ga_ search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

a few of these crossing the room would be super-festive and not cheating him out of any decorations.

I have been collecting Holiday fabrics to make a couple for Christmas too.

[LaFlaca1226]

Originally Posted by peypeymama

I made up some pennant style "streamers" for dd. like these

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43065576/eco-friendly-party-banner-by-silly-goat?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=pennants&ga_ search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

a few of these crossing the room would be super-festive and not cheating him out of any decorations.

I have been collecting Holiday fabrics to make a couple for Christmas too.

OMG this is exactly the type of idea I was looking for! Thank you!

[ChetMC]

My Mom

My mom still has the Happy Birthday banner from when my brother and I were little. It's only cardboard, but it's lasted thirty years. We had it up at our DDs 6th birthday party this year.

To replace balloons you could use something like Chinese lanterns or those tissue people rosettes that fold up.

[Callimom]

Take a look at some of the waldorf birthday traditions - a felt crown, a wreath decorated from ribbons hanging over the table, a birthday ring Add in some banners, a decoration on the birthday child's chair

It will definitely feel like a birthday party.

Good luck
Karen

[LaughingHyena]

Not quite decorations but we bought a bubble machine which we put on as guests are arriving. It shows where the party is and it's always fun to play with bubbles.

[rhiandmoi]

Originally Posted by ChetMC

My mom still has the Happy Birthday banner from when my brother and I were little. It's only cardboard, but it's lasted thirty years.

Our family has had ours for about 20 years. And it says Happy Birtdhay! We can't get rid of it and have to very gentle with it when we take it out so we don't ruin it.

[ChristyMarie]

I don't really decorate. I made a sign for the front door (telling everyone to come on in and to the back yard) that is reused. I have picnic style serving pieces I reuse. I put out balloons and colored tableclothes. I do buy disposable plates/cups/napkins/silverware - seems easiest for this party and for lots of little kids. It is the only time of the year I use it. That's about it.

Can someone try reposting the etsy link? It isn't working for me and I'm very interested in it. Thanks!

[LaFlaca1226]

Originally Posted by ChristyMarie

Can someone try reposting the etsy link? It isn't working for me and I'm very interested in it. Thanks!

Does this work?

[Olives]

Making re-useable birthday decorations was really important for me as well... I just celebrated my DD's birthday this past weekend. I made her 3 pendant banners that I think will work wonderfully each year rather than streamers. I also sewed her a wish big wall quilt thing... Hope that helps, you can see the photo's on my blog if you'd like.

[LaFlaca1226]

Originally Posted by Olives

Making re-useable birthday decorations was really important for me as well... I just celebrated my DD's birthday this past weekend. I made her 3 pendant banners that I think will work wonderfully each year rather than streamers. I also sewed her a wish big wall quilt thing... Hope that helps, you can see the photo's on my blog if you'd like.

I did check your blog, and your pendant banners look great! I have all the materials, but the party's tomorrow, so I don't know if I'll have time. If I do, I'll post pics.

I did make her a felt banner that says Happy Birthday Katy!

[Coconut Chronicles]

I made a birthday wreath using old balloons for my sons birthday coming up: CLICK and CLICK. Very easy and inexpensive.

Also you can make pom poms out of old tissue paper.

[kittynurse]

Mylar balloons are resuable. They don't last forever but if you are careful with them you can get several uses. Which is way better than latex balloons!

What you have to do is carefully untie the string or ribbon then stick a straw into the opening until the helium starts coming out. You have to stick it in a lot farther than you would expect. There is a valve that the straw needs to go through. Next, you need to gently squeeze all of the helium out. I usually lay it on a soft but firm surface (like the couch) and flatten the balloon until it is empty. It's important to get as much as possible out in order for it to inflate properly next time. Fold the balloon up gently and store somewhere safe until the next time.

For refilling, most places that sell the balloons will refill for a fee. Our grocery store does it for $3 a balloon. Last time the lady complimented me on what a good job I did emptying them!

We have mylar balloons that have been filled at least 3 or 4 times. Eventually they break down and don't fill properly (or someone cuts them with scissors ).

I have found that many birthday items that seem to be one use are actually reusuable. We have several plastic table cloths that I washed on the handwash cycle on my washer and they have been reused several times. We have banners that were handed down to us and they are holding up. Even the plastic cutlery can go in the dishwasher and be reused if it is the sturdier type.

Hope that helps!

Martha