Editor’s Note: To see our 2015 guide to NYC’s best birthday party venues, click HERE!
DIY Party Hack #1: Washi Tape
Washi Tape comes in so many colors and patterns—and is available at most craft stores like Michael’s or the Paper Source—that it’s easy to find some that fits with any theme. And the best part is that it can be used in so many ways!
Invitations & Thank-You Notes: If you’re making your own invitations, use stripes of Washi Tape to add an easy pop of decorative flare; ditto goes for thank-you cards to guests after the party.
Marking Cups: Let guests decorate their own cups with Washi Tape so there are no mix-ups. Plus, they make for a fun take-home favor.
Décor: Washi Tape can be easily peeled off without leaving any sticky residue—making it perfect for temporary decorating. Make patterns on a wall or table, or use it to spell out signage (to indicate where the bathroom is or where guests should hang coats or place gifts).
DIY Party Hack #2: Mini Plastic Animals
Most craft stores (like Michael’s) or party supply stores (like Party City in Union Square) sell diminutive plastic animals of all kinds for bargain prices. These little guys can be used with tons of fun themes (from jungle to dinosaur to under the sea) in a number of ways.
Cake Toppers: Arrange the animals on top of any cake or cupcakes as a festive surprise amongst the candles. They can even be used as candle holders if you melt wax from the bottom of a birthday candle onto the top of the animal’s back, and then hold the candle in place (upright) until the wax solidifies.
Favors: Let each guest pick out their favorite animal to take home as a favor—or put them as a surprise in your goody bags!
Glitter: To really make a statement, cover the animals completely with Mod Podge adhesive and then roll them in a bowl of glitter. Let them set for an hour, and then set them around your party as sparkling décor pieces. They work well as place markers at a table or as a glam centerpiece.
DIY Party Hack #3: Crepe Paper Crepe paper is best known as the material of choice for making streamers to decorate with. However, there’s so much more you do! Pick up your favorite colors and get started!
Surprise Ball: For this fun party feature, first gather up a selection of small candies and trinkets (one or two for each guest). Make the surprise ball by wrapping each item, one-by-one, in crepe paper (it’s fun to use a different color for each layer) around the wrapped item before it until you have a sizeable ball. The only way to get to the favors is by unwrapping each crepe paper layer individually—so kids can pass the ball around in a circle until each prize has been claimed.
Piñata Swag: Piñatas are a treat in and of themselves, but there’s no reason not to dress them for a theme with strategic layers of crepe paper. Create fringed collars, bright stripes to fit your theme colors, or even a mini tuxedo for a sophisticated soiree. Crepe paper is easy to twist, fold, and mold, and can easily be affixed to a piñata with double-sided tape or a light layer of craft glue.
