Birthday and Theme Parties: Beads, Boas and Blow-Up Balls

Beads, boas and blow-up balls are not just for one season. They bring color and fun to a birthday, a backyard pool party, a retirement party, or a “decades” theme night. They are light, bright, and easy to hand out.

This guide covers three ways to use them: favor bags for guests, props for photos, and decorations for the room.

What should I put in a party favor bag?

A favor bag is a small thank-you that guests take home. The best ones hold a few things that match the party.

Here is an easy way to build one:

Start with beads. One or two strands in the party colors. Guests can wear them during the party, then take them home.
Add a small toy. A little plush animal, a toy, or a fun novelty item.
Add a treat or a note. A thank-you tag with the guest’s name makes it feel personal.
Match the theme. For a pirate party, pick gold and black. For a pool party, pick bright blue and green. For a princess party, pick pink, purple and pearl.

To work out how many bags you need, count your guests. Then add a few extra for siblings, late guests, and the birthday child, who will want one too. Decide what goes in each bag, then multiply each item by the number of bags.

How can I use beads and boas as photo props?

People love to dress up for a picture. A photo corner gives guests something to do and gives you great photos to keep.

Set up a spot. Pick a wall or a corner with good light. Hang a backdrop, a banner, or a curtain of bead strands.
Fill a basket. Put boas, fancy beads, hats and glasses in a basket next to the spot.
Let guests dress up. Feather boas make any photo look like a party. They come in lots of colors, so you can match your theme. See the boa section.
Give a “best dressed” prize. At the end, give a fancy strand of beads to the guest with the best photo.

Boas work for grown-up parties too. A “roaring twenties” night, a disco party, or a big birthday for Grandma all feel more fun with a few feather boas around.

How do I decorate with beads and blow-up balls?

Decorating does not need to be hard. A few bright pieces go a long way.

Blow-up balls. Inflatable balls are big, bright and light. Scatter them across a lawn or float them in the pool. Kids can play with them all day. See the blow-up balls in the store.
Bead table runner. Lay strands of beads down the middle of the food table. Pick the party colors.
Chair backs. Drape a strand over each chair. Guests can wear it later.
Door curtain. Hang many strands from the top of a doorway so guests walk through them. It makes a fun way to enter the party.
Theme pieces. Banners, cutouts and other decorations can tie the room together. Browse the store’s decorations for ideas.

Pick two or three colors and stick with them. A small number of colors looks planned and calm. Too many colors can look messy.

How do I pick colors for a theme party?

Start with the theme, then let it choose the colors for you.

Luau or pool party: bright green, blue, pink and yellow.
Pirates: gold, black and red.
Disco or 70s: silver and bright colors.
Roaring twenties: black, gold, white and pearl.
Favorite color party: use the birthday person’s favorite color and add white.

If you are not sure, gold and silver go with almost anything.

Are beads and small toys safe for little kids?

Birthday parties often include toddlers and babies. Small beads and small parts can be a choking hazard for young children. Always follow the age label on each product. For the youngest guests, pick items made for their age, such as a soft plush toy.

Where can I get party beads, boas and blow-up balls?

Mardi Gras Beads Factory has two stores in Louisiana, in Bridge City and Houma. You can order online and pick up your order at either store. That makes it easy to grab everything on the way to set up the party.