Green Paige

Balloons on a stick, those pre-inflated foil balloons found in floral departments, may not sound elegant, but they make a great centerpiece for a child’s birthday party.  Plus, unlike streamers, confetti, and helium balloons that are thrown out at the end of a bash, balloons on a stick are decorations that will keep for years. We know, because we bought our first balloon on a stick nine years ago and it is still fully inflated. Since then, we have added one or two balloons  to the collection whenever someone has a birthday, and except for the sticks that were used as lightsabers, all of our balloons look as pretty as the day we brought them home from the corner grocery store. 

To make an inexpensive centerpiece (a  9-inch balloon on a stick costs approximately $1.99), you’ll need:

1. A simple vase - such as a milk jug or a Mason jar. 

2. Marbles, candy, or shredded wrapping paper to jazz up your vase.  We filled  our vase with clear gems from the craft store.

3. Curly, brightly-colored ribbon to tie around the outside.

4. Five or six balloons to make a centerpiece that your children will look forward to arranging–and rearranging–each year on their special day.