Quick Tip: A candy buffet does triple duty as decor, dessert, and party favors
Making stuff = cheaper, but more time consuming
Every component of a party costs you, either in time or money (or both). Some homemade things are worth the time and effort, and some are not. For me personally, a homemade cake is worth the several hours it takes to make and decorate. It might be a different story for you! If you are short on cash, making as much of your decor, food, and favors is a great way to save money but still have a great party.
If you are short on time, spending a little more cash will help you get the look you want and alleviate some of the stress of making everything.
If you are short on both time and money, choose a few strategic items and repeat them as many times as possible. Repetition is a core element of art and design; more always makes a bigger statement.
Quick Tip: Ribbon and labels are a cheap and pretty way to add layers of detail to your party
Spending Money: Shelley bought some of her party decor items from Chickabug’s Etsy shop. This is a great sub-point: if you are going to spend money on special party items, consider going to the little guy before you go to Wal-mart. I know this blog is about shopping at the dollar store, but I am a huge fan of indie business. If you have twenty bucks to drop at Target, how much would that twenty bucks bless an independent shopkeeper?
But back to repetition and strategic items
10 Comments
Sarah
Loved this post!!
Jen M
Great post, and thanks for the link-up! :) It’s so funny because I’m working on the munchkin’s first birthday party now and despite all my “heck no!” rhetoric, I’m still finding myself going crazy making cute party favors. Oh well, at least they’re dollar-store friendly. :) Stay tuned.
Cheryl
Can I just say THANK YOU!!!! My baby girl’s first birthday is next month & I wanted to make a stylish, themed party like the gorgeous one you showed here, but my skills at throwing together party decor are a bit pathetic and I’ve been overwhelmed/intimidated by all the blog party phenoms out there. Thanks to your tips I’ve got some good & cheap ideas that aren’t going to take years or boost the stress level. Yay!!
Alison@howdoesshe
YAY!!! Thanks for posting this. I will show Shelley and she will be so excited to be featured here. I went to the party and her girls had a blast. They were loving all the attention. Thanks again!!!
Shelley@howdoesshe
Yes I am totally honored to be featured here!!! :) Thanks for showing off my girls! ;)
Sophia
I am currently planning my son’s 2nd birthday party. Here are a few of the projects I have going:
It’s Dr. Seuss themed. I have been collecting Dr.Seuss books and stuffed animals (Kohl’s had cute one’s for $5 each a few months ago), plus Dr.Seuss anything will never go out of style in my house. (I’m a big fan myself) The books and stuffed animals will be part of the party decor. For party favors- I found a pack of 50 bookmarks on ebay for $3. Pencils, erasers, and stickers (all Dr.Seuss) found in a $1 section at a certain big box store. A great online source also- oriental trading company. I found enough Cat in the Hat wearable paper hats for all the party guests for just $12. They also have great prices on whimsical candy. I did purchase a few Seuss party items online, but am supplementing with primary colored streamers, balloons, etc (from the Dollar Store!)Making my own cake (but that’s what I do anyway =)) And making cupcakes too. Red cupcake liners, blue frosting (for Thing 1 & Thing 2) The party is in our backyard, and we have a large sliding glass door that I will be decorating with my own Seuss artwork using Crayola Window crayons. I downloaded a Dr. Seuss font, so I will make my own party banner, gift tags and labels, keeping with the theme. Oh, and the food I am making- snacks and drinks from the Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham cookbook!
heather
@Sophia: Fun ideas!!
I saw some Dr. Seuss stuff at Target’s dollar spot recently. Maybe you will find some good things there. Also, I did a Dr. Seuss craft roundup at my other blog: http://croqzine.com/?p=1290
Thanks for the great comment!
Kim
Great post! It’s so try to stay focused, plan & remember to have fun! Another great tip is to look for things around your house to incorporate, don’t just buy more!
hugs! Kim @ Love you better
Lora Anne M
There are some great ideas on this party tutorial! Looking forward to planning my son’s first birthday. I was sent over from mycraftchannelblog.
Mindy
Great ideas!
Wondering where I can get those fonts that you used on the bunting?? Do you know, by chance?
Thanks so much!
Mindy