Ideas needed for decorating the party venue...

[chipandbiff]

I'm holding a party for my daughters birthday next month and have just confirmed the venue arrangements (think old style village hall!)

I'd like to make the hall look nice and partyish. makes up words to suit but I'm on a budget...oh, and I'm not that creative...!! I'd love to be like Martha Stewart but my efforts just aren't as good!

Do you have any suggestions??

Home made bunting. Get scraps of pretty patterned fabric, lots of different patterns but in a similar colour theme. Cut out large triangle shapes (use a template so they're all the same size) you don't even have to hem them, using pinking shears and you'll get a pretty zigzag pattern on them. Stitch them to a lenth of ribbon. (doesn't have to be perfect stitching as it'll barely be seen)

We got balloons, and some sticks from ebay. Cut some of the sticks a bit so different heights and stick them either in a decorated jam jar, or we put celophane to hide the jam jar tied with ribbon. I put playdough in bottom because lost the blu tack for support, they recommend sand, but didn't have any and thought might get spilt. Being on sticks they were cheaper than helium, didn't float away and could do them a day or two before party. Each child took a balloon and I gathered up any left over sticks for next party . Google balloon decorations for more Martha Stuart type ideas.

We had some bunting which I had made for party at home, I think you'd need quite a bit to make an impact in a hall, depending on size of hall. Our hall was big, so it went on the side and was lost. A smaller hall where you could string 4 lengths across would look great though. I am pleased with the bunting, and when we get the girls bunk bed I'm planning to hang it on that. I cut up old napkins and used iron on inkjet paper to put pictures of fairies on each one. It wasn't too tricky, borrowed a friend's sewing machine and it was done in 20 mins (though another time I might put ribbon round edges rather than pinking shears - mine are a bit old and the material seems to fray anyway)

Thankyou!! Will have a look at balloon ideas- had originally thought of buying canister of helium and doing our own balloons as this would be cheaper then getting them made up- but I like the idea of balloons on sticks so will google that!!

And bunting- you make it sound easy and straightforward....I'm inspired!! I think I need to go and have a focussed look at the hall and determine how much bunting I would need.... And get some pinking shears too!! I've having a Martha moment!!

ooh I also saw some easier to make bunting that was super easy to make - was a bit like a kite's tail, scraps of fabric knotted over a length of upholstery piping. do not google Martha's site tis v addictive
Also (still exhasted voice of recent experience last weekend) bear in mind how much time you will need to set up the party, getting all the kit in from the car, being up stepladders pinning/tying bunting etc which you will then have to remove and presumably leave pristine for them to return a deposit? when you also presumably need to be thinking a little bit about party food???
HTH and happy birthday party to your DD

Oooh I like the idea of the kite style bunting Olivia, appeals to my lazy creative self, do you have to starch the little tails so they stand straight? I would have thought they'd droop a bit otherwise. Can't have droopy bunting

Hmmmmmm yes will google your alternative bunting ideas Olivia, thank you..... actually had visions of my mother being tasked with this particular job and, er, yes...party food is next on my stress list agenda...surely, but surely this is a job for DH??? Wouldn't want him to feel left out? I see myself as party planner they don't know about mumsnet helpers I can take all the credit for the good ideas, then sit back and drink wine coffee....

Btw, is there a link to the bunting? and any other party things I should be aware of and can take credit for??

try here

Thankyou!! secretly delighted with a new blog to obsess over this hall will be like Martha's own by the time my plan comes to fruition... just need to delegate most of the tasks to the more creative types in my family!!