I need some ideas for very inexpensive table decorations (10 tables) for my daughter's 17th birthday party. I already have construction paper, tissue paper, pipe cleaners, and beads.
By Judy from Fort Worth, TX
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
Why such a large party, if you need inexpensive ideas. I am a firm believer if you can't afford things like parties you do without them. They aren't a necessity.
I saw this centerpiece idea at a friend's "thrifty" wedding, years ago, and it was very attractive. She had purchased multiple pieces of the clear plastic (disposable) bowls, glasses and stemware, filled them with red and black (her colors) jelly beans and decorated each piece with red, black, gold and silver cloth ribbons.
You could buy all of the same pieces (water goblets, for example) if you want a uniform appearance or mix and match for a more eclectic look.
To take it a step further and use some of your tissue paper and beads, make small "mock" presents to anchor the plastic ware as a centerpiece. (Use empty food stuff boxes such as jello boxes, mac & cheese boxes, cake mix boxes, etc., to wrap - and use the matching ribbon and strings of beads as "bows and ribbons" for each.) I forgot to add - before wrapping, put some weight, - rocks, sand ? - in the boxes for more stability.
To carry this idea on, make "tassel" type adornments of the ribbons and beads to pin to the edges and or corners of the table cloths.
Have fun, and happy birthday to your daughter!
Go online and look for Crepe Paper Flowers. You can get instructions for some really cute flowers. You can also make beautiful roses from coffee filters.
You can also run the ribbons and/or paper down the center of the table, get or cut some designs out of shinny paper and scatter down the center of the tables. Could also use M & M candies scattered or set in small bowls, cups or glasses with a bow tied around them to decorate. Don't forget balloons to decorate with. Also, hit the Dollar Tree.
You'll do anything for your kids to try and give them good memories, but you could have a party for only her closest friends and relatives. Others won't matter anyway.
I agree with redhatterb. Plus, your daughter is going to be embarrassed to death if you make some ghetto, white trash pipe cleaner and construction paper table decoration for a 17 year old. It may fly with a 5 year old, though.
FamilyFun.go.com has a good tutorial for giant tissue paper flowers made with tissue paper and pipe cleaners. There is a video also. They can be put in a vase or hung from the ceiling. Martha Stewart has some very nice voluminous floral pom-poms. They are beautiful. Not cheap looking at all. She also made smaller ones as napkin rings, etc. You could put the beads in the vases to hold the flowers in or string them to hang flowers from.
Just because you have a low budget doesn't mean it has to be ghetto, you just need to be creative. Ask your daughter for input, show her your ideas. If she thinks it's lame, don't do it. Get her help and she'll have the pride of accomplishment. Have fun and good luck!
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
