For their Balloon Time Party on a Dime challenge, Anders Ruff definitely pulled out all the (budget-friendly) stops! To name just a few of them: scouring discount store dollar sections, making paper elements go a REALLY long way, personalizing things with stickers, and using paint to transform soda bottles and mason jars into lovely decor. The result? A dreamy Monogram Birthday Slumber Party for Adria Ruff’s daughter, Brynne, and several of her friends. Having such a resourceful mom is definitely the icing on the party cake, right Brynne?! ;)

Check out all of the Party on a Dime contestant features here.

PARTY HIGHLIGHTS to look out for:

• Festive Balloon Decor (from fringe tassel embellishments to mini balloon bouquets)
• Simple and inexpensive desserts + DIY cake and cupcake toppers
• Recycled bottles & jars, painted and turned into adorable party decor
• DIY party favors like gold glitter dotted favor bags, & monogrammed eye masks

PARTY DETAILS as told by Adria…

When we were asked to participate in this challenge, it happened to be right in time for Brynne’s 12th birthday. We created a tween teen slumber party birthday party with pastel colors and gold glitter accents, themed with monogram letters and modern chevron, polka dot & stripe patterns. See the invitations and matching printables in our shop.

We added a gold glitter background to the printable invite for extra sparkle! We also added gold glitter patterned papers, tapes & ribbons throughout the entire party!

We put wrapping paper on cabinet doors and also used it for wrapped boxes on shelves to give extra pops of color.

Empty boxes were used as “presents” to fill the shelf space and match the party… easy & fun way to make it feel like a party!

We used water balloons and paper straws to create balloon bouquets and put them in recycled (painted) bottles. Add pops of glitter paper on wooden skewers for easy bling! (This is way more fun than flower bouquets, less expensive and lasts longer!)

We put chocolate covered popcorn in printable cone holders along with Monogram cookies provided by the amazing Nicole Lee Confections.

We put gold glitter tape (polka dots) on inexpensive plastic utensils using a hole punch to create the dots. We also added party logos to plain inexpensive cups for added detail. Mixing and matching different colors in paper plates, cups, straws & napkins makes everything look so cute without spending a lot of money!

Easy & inexpensive desserts such as stacked donuts, candy bars and gum in printable wraps make a bold statement. Add wrapping paper to plain white dishes and these simple desserts look impressive!

We used recycled (painted) mason jars to hold party supplies such as straws, utensils & napkins. Add a printable party logo and it creates a customized look!

We showcased several inexpensive party favors such as a monogrammed hairbrush ($2.99), flip flops ($1.00), eye mask (I made them with supplies I had in the house, so it cost $0.00) and canvas tote ($1-2) and embellished them with printable monogram stickers, ribbons & gold glitter tape. Stop back later in the next two weeks to learn how to make the monogram flip flops and eye masks!

We created our own matching pink & aqua mini kiss chocolates in our trail mix – easy and inexpensive to do with melting chocolates!

We decorated store bought cupcakes and cake, with printable wraps and cake toppers. Great way to make inexpensive desserts look professional and customized!

We hung the printable banner with gold glitter ribbon along the table edge and backdrop. Adds lots of color, patterns & sparkle! Tissue paper tassels were added to the balloons for a more sophisticated display. For the backdrop, we wrapped a large board with wrapping paper, and added (painted) wooden monogram letters in various sizes.

We designed printable bag toppers to put on inexpensive polkadot goodie bags – you can find these party bags in most party sections in discount stores!

Key factors which helped us maintain this party for under $100:

• We sourced every dollar section, dollar store and clearance section for all store bought items!
• DIY favors with inexpensive goods (canvas favor bags, flip flops, eye masks & hair brush) make for an adorable personalized take-home.
• Customization was added to everything with printable monogram stickers – from cups & plates to goodie bags and party favors
• We got creative with inexpensive wrapping papers (to decorate shelves, backdrop, and dish ware)
• We embellished our balloons with tissue tassels, paper straws, and gold glitter papers to create professional displays
• Recycling pop bottles and mason jars were so easy to do… then spray painted them, and added ribbon & printable monogram details
• The girls had such a great time at Brynne’s Monogram Slumber Birthday Party, and had even more taking pics… here are a few more photos from our fabulous photographer, Valerie Lawrence.