When preparing for a child's birthday there are often lots of good ideas around; but they can prove to be expensive.
The aim is to provide amusements which are fun and original but which don't cost the earth.
A space party could be the solution.
It is possible to achieve great results using simple and inexpensive materials such as aluminum foil and colored cardboard.
Invitations to the world of space Keep invitations simple.
Cut out some space shapes in silver or colored cardboard and write on the time, date and place of the party.
These can look very effective if silver ink is used on a dark background.
The space shapes can be planets, stars or rockets.
It is advisable to begin by making a stencil from stiff cardboard which you can then use a template to draw round.
If you are feeling a little more artistic, then, you can fold the invitations into three-dimensional silver stars.
These can be purchased from craft stores.
Changing your living room into outer space The first thing that you will need is aluminum foil.
Wrapping tin foil around a variety of household objects can bring all manner of ordinary items to an instant shine.
It could be the lamp above the dining table, the cake tray or a vase of flowers - just use your imagination.
Blankets, of the sort found in first aid survival kits can be used to cover large objects.
They also make very practical tablecloths.
To make the rest of the living room appear more space-like cover chairs, sofas and cabinets in old white sheets.
The next stage is to cut out some planet and star shapes from cardboard and suspend them from the ceiling.
The atmosphere can be made particularly atmospheric by keeping the room in semi-darkness by using fairy lights instead of normal lighting.
Feeding the little astronauts There are many possibilities for a space themed party buffet.
Jelly is always popular with children.
A round cake can be made which has been frosted and the top pressed so that it resembles the bumps and craters of the moon.
To complete the effect you can have some little Lego characters running around in space suits.
You can make star sandwiches by cutting the bread and filling: cheese, meat and vegetables etc.
into star shapes.
You can add to the space effect for donuts, sandwiches and burgers by sticking a couple of toothpicks into them for antennae.
A small sweet (for donuts) or small piece of vegetable (for savories) can then be impaled on to the end of the toothpick to complete the effect.
An easy option is to serve ready made mini-pizzas.
These are also popular with children and resemble UFOs.
Dressing up the children A good idea is to purchase some disposable decorators' overalls from a DIY store.
They are inexpensive and will turn each child into an instant astronaut.
An added bonus is that any spillages will be on the overalls not down their best party clothes! Another great idea is to use blue or black rubbish bags and cut out holes for the head and arms and then make some helmets using tinfoil.
Letting the children make their own funny hats, helmets and antennae is also a great party game.
Space Games To keep the young astronauts entertained you can buy some cardboard from a craft shop and let them make their own aliens.
Or, alternatively, you can all draw some aliens together.
To play this game, each child is given a piece of paper and asked to draw the head of an alien.
When every child has finished the paper is folded so that the head is not visible.
The paper is then passed to the next child so that he or she can then draw the body.
The paper is folded again and passed onto the next child to draw the next body part.
You can fold and pass the paper round as many times as you like.
The more times it is folded and passed around then the stranger the creatures you will create.
For older children, and if you have the time, you could devise a space quiz with questions about the universe.
This is instructive as well as entertaining.
The aim is to provide amusements which are fun and original but which don't cost the earth.
A space party could be the solution.
It is possible to achieve great results using simple and inexpensive materials such as aluminum foil and colored cardboard.
Invitations to the world of space Keep invitations simple.
Cut out some space shapes in silver or colored cardboard and write on the time, date and place of the party.
These can look very effective if silver ink is used on a dark background.
The space shapes can be planets, stars or rockets.
It is advisable to begin by making a stencil from stiff cardboard which you can then use a template to draw round.
If you are feeling a little more artistic, then, you can fold the invitations into three-dimensional silver stars.
These can be purchased from craft stores.
Changing your living room into outer space The first thing that you will need is aluminum foil.
Wrapping tin foil around a variety of household objects can bring all manner of ordinary items to an instant shine.
It could be the lamp above the dining table, the cake tray or a vase of flowers - just use your imagination.
Blankets, of the sort found in first aid survival kits can be used to cover large objects.
They also make very practical tablecloths.
To make the rest of the living room appear more space-like cover chairs, sofas and cabinets in old white sheets.
The next stage is to cut out some planet and star shapes from cardboard and suspend them from the ceiling.
The atmosphere can be made particularly atmospheric by keeping the room in semi-darkness by using fairy lights instead of normal lighting.
Feeding the little astronauts There are many possibilities for a space themed party buffet.
Jelly is always popular with children.
A round cake can be made which has been frosted and the top pressed so that it resembles the bumps and craters of the moon.
To complete the effect you can have some little Lego characters running around in space suits.
You can make star sandwiches by cutting the bread and filling: cheese, meat and vegetables etc.
into star shapes.
You can add to the space effect for donuts, sandwiches and burgers by sticking a couple of toothpicks into them for antennae.
A small sweet (for donuts) or small piece of vegetable (for savories) can then be impaled on to the end of the toothpick to complete the effect.
An easy option is to serve ready made mini-pizzas.
These are also popular with children and resemble UFOs.
Dressing up the children A good idea is to purchase some disposable decorators' overalls from a DIY store.
They are inexpensive and will turn each child into an instant astronaut.
An added bonus is that any spillages will be on the overalls not down their best party clothes! Another great idea is to use blue or black rubbish bags and cut out holes for the head and arms and then make some helmets using tinfoil.
Letting the children make their own funny hats, helmets and antennae is also a great party game.
Space Games To keep the young astronauts entertained you can buy some cardboard from a craft shop and let them make their own aliens.
Or, alternatively, you can all draw some aliens together.
To play this game, each child is given a piece of paper and asked to draw the head of an alien.
When every child has finished the paper is folded so that the head is not visible.
The paper is then passed to the next child so that he or she can then draw the body.
The paper is folded again and passed onto the next child to draw the next body part.
You can fold and pass the paper round as many times as you like.
The more times it is folded and passed around then the stranger the creatures you will create.
For older children, and if you have the time, you could devise a space quiz with questions about the universe.
This is instructive as well as entertaining.