Even if you can't travel to a tropical locale, a little creativity
can make your party unforgettable. Try these tips for creating an
Under-the-Sea adventure complete with bubbles, sea shells and lots of
colorful fish.
- To create the atmosphere of bubbles and water, pick up latex
balloons in varying shades of blue - think everything from aqua to royal
blue, like a real ocean - and find some curling ribbon to match.
- Inflate the balloons with helium so they float around the room to
create your underwater setting. Use the Balloon Time A La Carte tank,
which comes in standard size (fills approx. 30 9" latex balloons) and
large size (fills approx. 50 9" latex balloons).
- Use sea shells from a past vacation (or pick up some plastic shells
at a craft store) to anchor each balloon to the ground. Try to place
them at varying heights to achieve the feel of real bubbles.
- To add some fish to the party, select latex balloons in bright
colors that contrast the blue bubbles and water. Yellow, orange and pink
will really stand out. Use stickers to create eyes, a mouth and a
dorsal fin for each fish. The Balloon Time Create-A-Face Sticker Kit
comes with a helium-filled tank, balloons and ribbon and nearly 200
facial feature stickers to help give each fish its own personality.
- Finish out each fish's fins by using crepe paper for the tail and
pectoral fins. Check out some pictures of fish on the Internet or in
your favorite movie to get an idea of the shape of the fins. Be sure to
use elements that are as lightweight as possible so the accessories
don't weigh down the fish and prevent them from floating.
- Finally, tie curling ribbon to the tail of the fish (where the knot
is) and pull the ribbon to the underside of the fish. Tape the ribbon
to the fish belly and anchor it with a sea shell so it floats
horizontally instead of vertically. Scatter the fish balloons throughout
the room and enjoy!
Once you've created the underwater atmosphere, get your child and the
party guests in some swim gear complete with snorkel, mask and flippers
and start the adventure.
Penny Warner has more than 25 years of experience as an author
and party planner. She has published more than 50 books, including 16
specific to parties. Additionally, Warner writes a weekly newspaper
column on family life, penned a column for Sesame Street Parents
magazine and has appeared on several regional and national TV morning
programs. Her latest book, HOW TO HOST A KILLER PARTY, debuted in
February 2010 from NAL/Penguin.
Balloon Time is the leading brand of consumer helium balloon kits
in North America. Balloon Time kits feature a helium-filled tank, latex
or foil balloons and ribbon, and are available at national retail
chains, party goods and grocery stores nationwide.