Packaged party decorations are a thing of the past. Decorate for a kids’ party with the child in mind. Integrate favorite colors, characters, themes or activities of your child’s choice. Whether you plan a fanciful affair with an elaborate decor or a simple garden party, the decorations should create a focal point. Brainstorm your child’s party themes with your child, but also look through storybooks and illustrations for nontraditional themes and inspiration.
Types
Decor for a kids’ party runs the gamut of simple themes, such as princesses and transportation, to elaborate settings involving lighting design, rented equipment and personalized signage. Popular themes often integrate popular characters from cartoons and movies, but consider storybook characters, such as Harry Potter and fairytale favorites.
Function
Party decorations ramp up the fun in a child’s party rather than merely serving as a backdrop. A circus theme could include a stage area and a bright big top. A carnival theme must have a series of booths with games and prizes. An Alice in Wonderland party should center around a Mad Hatter-style tea table, while a beach party may include Tiki torches, totem poles, flowered leis and a limbo area.
Features
Decorate multiple areas for your child’s party. Frame the doorway with balloons or streamers, or set up an automatic bubble-blower to greet guests with a cascade of soap bubbles. Adorn the main table and chairs with ribbons and flowers or, to set a silly tone, whoopie cushions and silly string. Outdoor parties may feature a frame of party lights or an impromptu canopy, set up with clothesline and lightweight fabric. An indoor party should have bright cushions, blankets or rugs designating different spaces for games.
Misconceptions
You need not spend a lot of money on trendy party decorations. In fact, some people leave the space rather simple and have the guests create the decorations. Have a friend dress as a magician and create animal balloons for children. Kids enjoy unwinding streamers, setting off party poppers or scattering sequins around tables and chairs. Set up a sheet or a large piece of butcher paper for children to customize and sign a birthday banner for the guest of honor.
Warning
Decorations, lights and balloons delight many children, but too much of a good thing overwhelms younger guests. Try scattering large beach balls instead of using many balloons. Avoid scary images, such as monsters and dragons, at young children’s parties. Outdoor parties often feel less intimidating and stimulating than indoor parties.
Comments