We decided not to do a party for Ben this year {those of you that know me well are most likely not only gasping in disbelief but are probably relieved to find out that you weren't specifically axed from the guest list this year}.  It was a tough decision to make, but we gave the birthday boy a choice of having a party with all of his friends or going to Legoland with the family and {thankfully} he chose the latter.

Typically, I go overboard planning parties and have been known to stay up into the wee hours of the morning weeks in advance of some celebration attending to details on decorations and party favors (that will likely go unnoticed by most party goers). I have also been known to snap at my kids during the days leading up to the actual event because I've gotten myself so stressed out over making everything perfect.  I hate that.

I used to scowl at the mom that walks out of Vons at 5:30 on a Thursday night with three balloons and a box of store bought {perfectly decorated} cupcakes, now I envy her.  I wish I could do that, but for whatever reason---I just can't.

So the morning of Ben's birthday, as he came downstairs he noticed a single celebratory-looking banner hanging over our dining room table. The child turned to me and said  "You still have more decorations to do, right?"    Uh oh.  I've overdone it for so long that even my 5 year-old noticed that my decor was not up to par.  The family was coming over for chicken {his choice} and cake later that evening so he'd still get to blow out his candles and make a wish....there would still be a small party.  I didn't have much time, but I did have time for balloons--nothing says "party" like balloons, right?

So I went and bought 30 balloons--took half of them to the grocery store to be filled up with helium and the other half I filled up at home with my little balloon hand pump.   After I brought the helium balloons home, I tied one of my balloons to the end of each helium balloon {at alternating lengths} and VOILA it was an instant party!  These balloons are beautiful and dreamy as they drift over the children's heads.

I've done this little trick before for other parties and my favorite thing about it is that it enhances any celebration.  If you're having a St. Patrick's Day party--use only green balloons....Valentine's party--pinks and reds.  You get the idea.  As the hours go on, the helium balloons begin to come down and the hand blown balloons dangle along the floor.  Inexpensive, easy and fun!!!