Last year, Abby was really into Curious George so we had a Curious George themed birthday party. This year, while still likes that trouble causing monkey, she is very into princess things. So far, even though we’ve kept things mostly frugal, we’ve been able to go more “all out” on birthday parties due to extra income in March. This year we did not get that extra income. That combined with my surgery recovery made for a much simpler birthday party.
However, I tend to think birthdays should be a big deal so I wanted to not go too simple. I took to the internet and found some great ways to throw a princess birthday party on a budget.
Plastic tablecloths
I used two plastic tablecloths to make a fun entrance to the party. I followed this pin but only used two tablecloths, not three. Since each one was 97 cents, I did this for $1.94. I used clear push pins to attach it to the ceiling. I also found a princess themed one for the food table, also for 97 cents.
Paper streamers
These were also 97 cents a piece. I didn’t use much so I wish I could have purchased half a roll. I’ve never used a whole roll of paper streamers. I am kicking myself a little because after I purchased them, I found a roll of pink streamers in the basement. Now I have two rolls of pink. I guess I will be taking to the internet once again to find crafts for paper streamers. 😉
Colored tissue paper
For Christmas, I use white tissue paper to make snowflakes. Then I take watered down craft or school glue, brush on the back, and stick to the window. It holds great but comes off with window cleaner. (I also use a little plastic dish scraper just as it gets the big chunks of paper off faster but not necessary.) For Abby’s party, I found a flower shape online that I used as a stencil and managed to make my own butterfly stencil. I then traced them on to pink and purple tissue paper, cut them out, and stuck them to the sliding door in the kitchen with the same method I used for the snowflakes.
Ribbon
My Walmart has a $1 a spool for ribbon section in their sewing department. I have a little girl who loves purple so a little purple ribbon to decorate the plastic utensil cups was a great investment. I know we will be using that ribbon over and over.
Balloons
We did one helium balloon that I bought with a coupon that was princess themed. Then I had my husband blow up a bunch of pink and purple latex balloons that we just threw on the floor for the kids to play with.
Easy food
The past two birthdays, I made: baked macaroni and cheese, pigs in a blanket, a veggie platter, chips and salsa, fruit salad, and I even did my “famous” maple baked beans. This year I went much simpler. I did homemade pizza (three varieties), a veggie platter, and chips. I used the same ranch dip for both the veggies and the chips. Much easier, much less time, and much cheaper. My mom also wanted to help in some way so she brought the veggies for the veggie platter.
Overall, the party itself (not counting Abby’s gift), was about $40. With her gift, we were still under $100. While we did a princess theme, these ideas would work well for other parties as well.
Amanda says
What a pretty princess party for your girl. I, too, love that table cloth entrance idea. When my daughter turns five I plan to use it to disguise our stairwell or put it over her bedroom door in the middle of the night so she wakes up “like a princess”! I pinned your picture to her birthday idea board!
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Tiffany | A Touch of Grace says
Wow that’s fantastic! I’m a go all out kind of lady when it comes to birthdays. I love to entertain.
Love that you did a full princess theme!
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Julie says
Ooh I really like your table cloth curtain idea. Cute!
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