Centerpieces can enhance the tables at a birthday party.
If the birthday party you're planning will have people sitting at small tables, adding a centerpiece can be a good conversation starter. It doesn't have to be limited to just standard flower settings or balloons -- make things more interesting using original ideas. Does this Spark an idea?
Fish Bowl
Use a fishbowl as a centerpiece with aquarium gravel that's the birthday boy or girl's favorite color, a couple of decorative plants and one beta fish. Just one, because two male beta fish in a bowl may fight each other! Beta fish are usually available in vibrant colors, are affordable and easy to take care of. They can be found at a local pet store or even at Wal-Mart. Fishbowls can also be used for water plants, which have blossoms that can float at the top of the water, and empty ones can be used for scavenger hunts. Clues can be written on individual strips of paper, and each person at the table grabs one. From there, each table works together as a team to find the object (a few red herrings can be thrown in for fun), and the table/team that wins gets a prize such as goodie bags.
Framed Photos
Consider either purchasing or creating a picture frame with a picture of the birthday girl and one of the friends from that party. Creating a picture frame can be simple -- for a child's party, popsicle sticks that have been painted or colored with markers can be glued together to make a colorful setting, and for adults, a lively but sophisticated frame can be used. For those, you can also use candids of the birthday girl having fun, making silly faces or doing random things.
Spin the Wheel
Stimulate conversation among guests by using a small spinning wheel, like those found in board games. Whoever the arrow lands on at the table has to share a tidbit, like what they're favorite thing about the birthday boy is, the craziest thing they've ever done together, or something else to that effect. It's a good way to learn more about everyone and helps people relax and have fun.
Edible Arrangements
Edible fruit arrangements are just as nice to look at as floral arrangements, but with a twist. While flowers are nice to look at, everyone will be tempted to take a bite of fresh fruit that's been so artfully displayed and can nibble on it during the party -- even after everyone's left their tables for other activities.
Tags: birthday girl, beta fish, birthday party, nice look, picture frame