Just like that, the April birthday madness is over, but believe that I went out with a BANG! The baby of the family turned five and he simply requested a Marvel cake. He’s too young to know that “Mama don’t do simple,” and cake turned into a full spread. What’s funnier is that we weren’t expecting guests, there was no party planned, I just kept the dining area decorated for a few days.. and yes, I know I’m crazy. Using items I had on hand and only shopping for essentials, I achieved this look for only $20 (cake not included). Continue reading for all the details, where to shop, and links to purchase.
Want more tips on how to plan a party (or non party) on a budget? Click here to read!
Backdrop Cost $7
What I had on hand (HOH): A three panel presentation board from my daughter’s science fair project, construction paper, black ribbon. All can be bought at your local dollar store.
What I bought: Balloons and table cloths (red, yellow, and blue) and black paint
Instructions:
- For each colored table cloth, I cut into fourths (long ways), then attached them together using packaging tape. When you’re ready to display your piece, make sure to face the non taped side forward.
- “Happy Birthday” banner and word bubbles were FREE on this site. I printed what I needed on regular paper, glued onto construction paper so that they held up nicer, and strung black ribbon through.
- My cityscape was an easy DIY. I used this black acrylic paint on a three panel board. Once dried, I used a rule to outline different sized buildings, and carved out with a box cutter. Yellow construction paper was cut into different sized “windows” and glued on.
- Balloons were attached last and simply taped in place.
Tablespread Cost $10
HOH: letterboard, stand, leftover noise makers, platter, cake stand, gold buckets, picture frame, Hulk mask, beverage dispenser, cups & plates.
Bought: Four silly string, green cups, three different colored napkins ($1 each at Dollar Tree), Marvel 4 piece Character bath set (90% off at Walgreens), “Five” balloon ($1 Target).
Instructions:
- Turn silly string into “spiderweb” by attaching printables. There are a ton of FREE options on Pinterest, but links expire fast (including the one I used). Here are a few I found recently (click here or here).
- I’ve always loved creating popcorn funnels out of comics! I did it a few years ago with a Peanuts theme, and the Marvel version was just as great. All I did was Google “Marvel comics,” found the image I liked, and took a screen shot on my iMac. Once printed, I halved the paper (short ways), formed into a cone, and set in place with tape. NOTE: Using copyright images for personal use is fine, but is illegal when used for profit.
- While at the movie theaters a few weeks back, there was a huge Avengers cardboard cutout that I had my son take a picture in front of, knowing I would add it to my table. Dress you child in a costume or a character tee to achieve the same personalized touch!
Food Cost $3
HOH: Since we weren’t having anyone over, it didn’t make sense for me to spend money on food! I simply used items we had in our pantry that my kids could snack on throughout the day; goldfish, granola bars, Nutella (on the marshmallows), strawberries, juice.
Bought: Marshmallows, popcorn, and food coloring (99 cents each at the 99 Cent Only Store)
This was such a fun and colorful theme that my son really enjoyed! And for those that are wondering, the cake cost $21.99 from our local grocery store.. not bad right? I usually just home bake cupcakes, but he specifically asked for “cake with fresh strawberries.” When your little super hero turns five, you go for the cake!
