But I've realized the thing to do is bring some fun ideas with us to the party. Luckily the art studio venue we chose allows us to bring our own cake (homemade and decorated by moi!), and decorations too. So we'll be bringing the ubiquitous pennant banner, homemade party favors, and balloons. If I had more time, I've found some great inspiration for unique portable party decor. Hanging banners and garlands are a particularly easy way to add some personality to a bland party room. What do you think of these options?
- Floating Photos with Balloons, from Lovely Green Lifestyle
- Balloons and Gold Foil, from Kirtsy
- Pom pom curtain, from Three Nations
- Paper Scrolls Garland, from Bird's Party
- Paper Crown Cards, from Momtastic
(Images: as linked above)






Shaw's Original Fir...
The first is charming and has lasting value. As for the rest, way over the top, way too much work, and way too much much money for a child's party.
The first is using a precious, non-renewable natural resource for virtually no reason. I'm not seeing what the "lasting value" of balloons is compared with paper garland?
Please stop using helium for balloons --- it's incredibly wasteful. At least the (lovely) paper garlands can be reused or recycled.
Love that pom pom curtain. Will add lots of color! and I bet you could make it yourself too.
I suppose Griffin has a point about the helium balloons, but I have to confess, I think that floating photo "album" is kind of magical! (I envisioned preparing balloons like that ahead of time, hiding them someplace (guest room?), then sneaking them over my sleeping partner's head so he wakes up to them (floating high enough to not entangle him, of course!) Oh well, he probably wouldn't appreciate it anyhow!
@griffin, you are quite right about the balloons. I was thinking more about the charming photos.