Party Planning - Decorations & Party Supplies

I try to reuse as many of the decorations and supplies as possible.  It helps the environment, cuts down on the cost, and (a huge factor for me) saves on time.  We have learned to keep our events simple.  A few well placed decorations have been much more effective for us then decking out the entire apartment.  Here are a few of the highlights:

• A Vinal Tablecloth - These can be found on clearance or at stores like the Christmas Tree Shop for just about the same price as the plastic tablecloths.  We bought a floral one for Princess' 1st birthday and were able to reuse it for her princess party and Mother's Day.  It would've lasted even longer but at some point, much to my disappointment, it got used as a cutting board. 
• Dollar Store Balloons - We easily spent over $20 in balloons for Princess' 1st birthday.  If only I knew then that the Dollar Tree had helium filled balloons.  The selection is not as large as at a party store, but it really doesn't make a difference to my kids.  They are just so excited to be getting balloons.  I was excited that this time I was able to get all the balloons we needed for under $5!  They last just as well as the party store balloons too.  We have had these balloons for a week now and they are still full of helium (even with the kids playing with them).
• Streamers - For Buddy's party we just used left over streamers from another party.  I try to use neutral colors as much as possible so that we can use them for as many events as possible.  For Princess' party this year we used tulle for streamers.  It gave it a very girly feel and again they can be reused.
• Paper plates, etc. - This is one of my splurges.  For this trucker's wife and mom of a toddler and preschooler, I feel it's more of a necessity.  There is enough to clean up after a party without adding a massive amount of dishes.  I use coupons and sales to buy regular paper plates ahead of time.  I buy a step above the cheap ones and try to get something that has a solid color or a nice neutral edge.  The character/party ones are great, but they are really expensive just to put food on and throw away.  We buy neutral plastic cups, napkins, and white or clear plastic ware.  Any left overs are used at the next event.

How do you save time and money decorating for your parties and events?

Read about how we save money on invitations here.