For children the priority is contrast and character. Bright fashion colours, cartoon supershapes, airwalkers that move around the room and confetti balloons all read instantly to a young guest. Near toddlers we lean on foil rather than latex, because a burst latex balloon leaves fragments that a small child may put in their mouth, and a foil number simply cannot be bitten apart.
Adult celebrations work the other way. A tight palette of two or three shades, chrome or metallic finishes, giant latex with tassels and a large foil number usually looks more expensive than a rainbow of colours. Arches, garlands and organic clusters give the room structure without turning it into a nursery.
The mixed case, a family party with guests of every age, is best handled by keeping the low-level decor foil and safe to touch, and placing latex clusters higher up where children cannot reach them.
- Children: bright fashion shades, characters, airwalkers, confetti balloons
- Toddlers: prefer foil shapes and numbers, keep ribbons short
- Adults: chrome, metallic and pastel palettes with a limited number of colours
- Adults: giant latex, large foil numbers, arches and organic garlands
- Mixed ages: foil at child height, latex clusters placed higher up
Themed sets for both audiences are in the catalogue.