Every party needs decorations, but some are greener than others. Here are a few ideas to help make your child’s party special.
Biodegradable Latex Balloons
Rubber balloons can last in landfill for decades, but biodegradable balloons will break down.
Paper “Balloons”
Cut balloon shapes out of various colors of construction paper and create a wall display. Use ribbon as the string for the balloon. Reuse again as needed.
A Recycled Paper Piñata
A piñata makes a great decoration and a fun activity for the children as well. They come in a range of popular characters. If you are handy with arts and crafts, create your own with papier mache and glue an image of their favorite character on each site.
Paper Banners
You can buy a recycled paper happy birthday or similar banner, or you can make one yourself with your printer and either greeting card software or free templates online. Save any printed items that might not have come out correctly and use the back of the paper to create the banner. Use eco-friendly inks if possible.
Paper Pom Poms
You can find paper pom poms, stars and more in a range of colors at most party supply stores. Unfold and hang. When the party is over, refold and store until the next time.
Paper Lampshades
Use inexpensive paper lampshades to add a whole new look to your room. Use on the ceiling and swap them out for your usual lampshades. Choose colored ones if your party has a certain color and/or theme, such as pink for princesses or a deep blue for Spiderman or Superman. Cut out images and glue them on to continue the theme, or draw on them if you are talented in that way.
Paper Garlands
These can add a festive touch to any party. You can also make them yourself out of construction paper.
Place Mats
Use printables and plastic protectors to make custom table mats. Print image of their favorite character, or printables from, for example, popular fairy tales. Let the children color them in neatly. When they are finished, slip them in the sheet protectors and use as place mats. You should be able to wipe them down and reuse them again in the future.
Table Runners
Using the same place mat idea above, tape several together to make a table runner to dress up the tables.
Reusable Tablecloths
Buy solid colors that will be versatile for any occasion, and dress up as needed with place mats, table runners, or artwork you can tape to the cloth and then remove when the party is over.
Create a Gorgeous Centerpiece
There are many ways to create a centerpiece that will add to the décor of the entire room. You could use dried flowers or a bowl of natural objects like acorns, pinecones or mini gourds. You can find reusable versions of these items in stores like Pier 1.
You can wrap a paper egg box in colored construction paper to use as the base for a display the guests can help themselves to. Ideas include colorful lollipops to take home as favors at the end, or an array of cake pops. Thrust the end of the stick into the cardboard to make each stand upright.
A fabulous themed cake can also make an ideal centerpiece. You can buy reuseable cake toppers in a variety of themes. Use themed picks for a three-dimensional effect. Wash them off and reuse once the party is over.
If you are good at decorating, make the design yourself. If you love baking, invest in shaped baking pans, such as a teddy bear or a train mini-cake pan and decorate these 3D cakes with frosting, sprinkles and more.
