A Party Without Balloons?

by Brittany Michaels

Every year, we all find countless reasons to celebrate different events in our lives. Some of us may invite family members over for the 1st birthday of a child, we may plan a surprise party for our parent's 50th anniversary, or even choose to have friends over to celebrate a particular season of the year. Whatever the reason, a great deal of planning often will go into the event.

Guest lists will be written and invitations will be printed. Perhaps a dinner menu will be planned, and a bartender will be hired. The decision on whether to play music or not, and maybe even hire a band, will be made. Furniture to rearrange, cleaning to commence, and r.s.v.p.'s to be confirmed. A magician to perform tricks, a pony to ride, maybe even a clown to keep everyone entertained.

Even after all of these things are completed, the most important of all must be addressed. The theme of the occasion needs to be determined. The colors need to be coordinated and the atmosphere needs to be set. Will the vases hold fresh cut flowers, or burning candles? Will the lights be dimmed or turned brightly on? Should those invited dress for a black tie affair, or wear their more casual attire? Maybe there will be a casino theme, a Hawaiian Luau, or a Pretty Princess Party.

Whatever the event is celebrating and wherever the party is being held; whatever the chosen theme and whatever the colors are; however the guests will dress and whatever their ages, one very important decorating aspect will not be forgotten. Balloons! For what is a party without balloons?

Balloons have come a long way in the last 30 years. I remember the first time a boyfriend gave me a surprise birthday present on my doorstep. It was a box of badly needed tennis shoes and tied to it were three balloons. The gift was great, but the added touch of balloons made the occasion even more special.

Balloons may be filled with helium so that they float to the ceiling, or tied with a string so they may be bunched together in large groups or tied around a young child's wrist. Balloons may be blown up with air and dropped from above in a festive manner, or set to the cover the floor in a strewn about fashion. Ballon arches are common, too. You will find balloon arches at outdoor events, such as races.

Balloons come in every color of the rainbow, so that they may match whatever your mood and whatever the theme of a party. Balloons can be found in the shape of a heart, a banana or Elmo. These balloons are made of a unique type of material called Mylar and the balloons are called Mylar balloons. They're commonly found at grocery stores near the flowers or party stores. Balloons may have words on them, or be plainly colored.

We use balloons to not only decorate our celebratory gatherings, but to congratulate others for graduating, having children and growing another year wiser. Sometimes we use balloons to surprise someone, and other times to console someone. A balloon may be given as a gift in and of itself, or it may accompany another present. A balloon might profess one's adoring feelings to another, or apologize for committing a wrong doing.

When we see balloons, chances are, they evoke feelings of happiness within us. We recall going to the fair as a child, and visiting a new baby in the hospital. We remember birthdays and weddings, and anniversaries. So whatever the event, for a smile on the face of your guests and good memories for years to come, don't forget the balloons.