2. A cake topper.  I'm not great at decorating cakes so I'm all about bunting and other non icing related cake toppers.  I first saw this in an issue of Martha Stewart Living and vowed to copy it one day. In case you're interested this mint chocolate chip cake was DELICIOUS.  I used this recipe for the icing and ganache, (my cake was a box mix). 

3. Gift wrap embellishment.  I've discussed my affection for wrapping gifts before.  I loved adding balloons + real ribbon to spice up an otherwise ordinary wrapping job.  

4. Balloon Banner.  My graphic design skills aren't exactly top notch so I tend toward handmade banners.  It doesn't get cheaper or easier than this one!  I used 5 of these mini balloon banners for Nadia's book party.  I added photos but it would be super cute without!  One word of caution: If you make them ahead of time hang them carefully.  I may or may not have spent more time untangling them than it actually took to make them!  [photo by captured nh and a peek of Nadia's party!]

All of the balloons were purchased from the Dollar Tree. They come in packs of 100 (one color).  Stock up! 

Happy Celebrating!