how to decorate a birthday table for less than $10
Updated August 2020
It's my birthday. And I'll blog if I want to. But only to brag about my awesome mother and her ability to transform an ordinary table into an ode to birthday extravaganza. While she possesses a special talent for decorating, there are five inexpensive items you can buy to deck out a table for the birthday boy or girl (or guy or gal).
The decorating essentials
- Plastic table cover or tablecloth you already own
- Balloons
- Birthday cake (the centerpiece)
- Confetti
- Curly ribbon
Tip: To add a little class when designing an adult's table, use any cloth napkins you might have and those napkin rings you got at your wedding that are collecting dust.
All of these items can be purchased at any DollarTree or similar discount store. For my older son's birthday last year I DECKED out his table in a matter of 10 minutes. For a total of $7 and change. I'm a real mom with real kids and a real job. And not interested in spending my late-night hours designing and creating elaborate themed displays to post on Pinterest. To no one's surprise, I'd rather decorate a cake.
Ready, set, decorate
Tie the curly ribbon to the backs of chairs or any lamp fixture over the table. Sprinkle confetti all around and tie a set of Mylar balloons to the back of the birthday peep's chair. If you're up for scratch baking the cake here's a great classic recipe for a crowd-pleaser. Or do what my mother does, and bake it from a box. It's still cute as can be!
As you can see, my mom tends to exceed expectations with fancy place settings, decorative flowers, a candelabra and too many presents. But all pieces she already owned. The key to keeping your decor creatively cohesive (as opposed to party store cookie cutter) is to pick a color palate with the person in mind. A few colors, then coordinate your items. I happen to have a thing for purple and yellow...
And while any recognition of a loved one's birthday is usually appreciated, careful thought can make the birthday boy or girl feel extra special on their special day. Whether they're turning 13, 93 or even 31.
Yours in special moments,
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