The one thing I can say for not having money right now is that I have become more creative.
My first tip for party decorating on a budget is to decorate one room only. For Ammon’s birthday, it was the dining area.
Second, pick a color for your theme. It’s usually pretty easy to find a lot of things the same color around your house. The inspiration for Ammon’s party was his soccer shirt. I brought in the gate piece, from the hall, to hang his shirt and balloons on.
Third, this is an obvious one. Use what you have. I used Scrabble tiles to spell out “Happy Birthday Ammon”, old Cracker Jack boxes for height and a blue block from Ammon’s room for more height for the tiles (the block says “trucks” on it, so I just turned it around).
Forth, use decorations meant for other holidays or celebrations. The flags are from our “4th of July” decorations. I added beans to the bucket to help them stand up.
The pinwheels are also from our “4th of July” decorations. I hung them from the chandelier with twine and small clothespins.
Fifth, make something similar but less expensive. Ammon really wanted to go to Red Robin for his birthday, but it wasn’t going to happen, so I recreated his favorite food from Red Robin at home. I wrote the Menu in chalk and used it as part of the centerpiece.
I also made the food presentation similar to Red Robin’s. He was so excited! All his favorite Red Robin food for everyone to eat. He liked it so much he’s already planning his Red Robin menu for his next birthday.
I was going to make the cupcakes or cake but these were only $2.30 so I splurged and saved myself some time.
A sparkler shaped as a “7” is way more fun than regular candles. The kids even came out clapping and singing “happy birthday” like they do at Red Robin.
Pretending to blow out the sparkler candle.
The birthday boy, proud of the Star Wars lego birthday present he just got done making.
The total cost for decorations was $4.80 for balloons and sparkler. The total cost for the dinner and dessert was $14.20 for 8 people.
His birthday decorations look great! His Red Robin meal looks perfect.
What an awesome mother you are to make his birthday so very special!
This is one of my FAVORITE posts that you’ve done!! It made me smile the entire way though. It turned out just PERFECT and I am amazed at your ideas!! You did an incredible and tasteful job. I just love the Red Robin re-creation at home. This post is a 10!! 🙂
(Wish I could remember how I got here….It’s been a high-click morning 🙂
I love your practical ideas. And I want one of those black chalkboard plates for MY birthday. Where did you get it?
We do the restaurant meal re-creation around here, too – but the menu on a black plate would certainly make everything taste better.
Too cute! We just used one of those sparkler candles too!
Great post!!! No matter what our financial situation is at the time, I can never get myself to spend oodles on our son’s birthday parties. I just don’t think it’s necessary. Congrats on pinching those pennies and still having a cute party! Little ones are happy with such simple things! He’s so cute.