- It inspires me and gets the creative juices flowing.
- It reminds me what things I already have and how I can reuse them or use them differently.
When doing events I find that it's easier to focus on matching colors than buying everything according to the theme. You get more options that way and I think it looks less tacky too! :)
Decorations: I bought most of my decorations from Target or Wal-Mart, most of the time they're much cheaper than Party City. I designed all the Sesame Street labels on Photoshop and attached them to ribbon to tie them around the jars and drink dispensers. I bought the banners (on the buffet table and fireplace) from Target. The chairs I found at Wal-Mart, as well as the tablecloths and tableskirts--although I think the bright blue tableskirt may have been from Party City. I already had the kids table and chairs (hand-me-down from Vinny's older cousins), I had the orange rug and pillow, and I bought the red and yellow pillows from Ikea. I find so many good (and cheap) party supplies at Ikea!!
Photobooth: The fabric for the photobooth was from Joanne Fabrics. I made the Polaroid-inspired frame out of foam board and an Xacto knife (thanks to my dad who's an artist and has all these things on hand!) I hung the frame from the ceiling using tape--alot of tape! However, for my events now, I like to use Command Strip hooks since they don't put holes in the wall and provide a sturdy hold. The backdrop is fabric draped over a large flattened cardboard box and it's leaning in a doorway. We also bought funny props and made mustache sticks for people to use in their photos. Credit to my dad for setting my friend up with the California State Penitentiary sign! :p
Party Favors: When choosing favors, I like to give kids things they may actually use and not just small toys that end up all over the floor for their parents to step on. :p Vinny's birthday is in May so the favors were things that kids can use over the summer. The buckets and bags were only a dollar each from Target (bags) and Party City (buckets)! The bags were for the infants and included soft bath books, a Sesame Street snack cup, and a bath toy. The buckets were for the toddlers and older kids and included a Sesame Street coloring book, snack cup, bubble wand, crayons, and a crazy straw. Everything was $1 or less from the Target dollar section.
Now off to plan Vinny's 5th Birthday party! Yes--I always start planning months in advance! :)
