How to Decorate for a Coworker's Birthday

Decorate your coworker's office for her birthday.

Surprise your coworker on her birthday by decorating her cubicle or office. Discuss the arrangements with other coworkers beforehand so everyone pools their finances and resources for the decorations. Stick with the basics to make decorating the cubicle simple and inexpensive. Depending on personal preference, stay late on the eve of her birthday or arrive early the following day to set everything before she gets to work. Also set a time with everyone to gather around the cubicle and sing the "Happy Birthday!"

Things You'll Need

• Streamers
• Tape or thumbtacks
• Wide ribbon
• Birthday banner
• Hole puncher
• Balloons
• Confetti
• Cards
• Gifts
• Fresh flower arrangement

Instructions

1. String colored streamers in different colors along the sides of the cubicle or walls of the office. Secure the ends of the streamers to the walls using tape or thumbtacks. Also intertwine streamers in two different colors for vibrant displays of bright color that help create the festive atmosphere.

2. Drape wide ribbon around the insides of office window and door frames. Alternatively, cut numbers that represent the honoree's new age from card stock, punch a hole through the top of each and extend ribbon through the holes. Hang the strands of ribbon from the ceiling or the top of the door and window frames.

3. Hang a banner that says "Happy Birthday" near the entrance of the cubicle using tape or tacks. Purchase the banner from a craft store or make it yourself to save on costs and customize it to the birthday boy or girl's taste. For instance, write the greeting in the honoree's favorite color, include her name at the end or paste her picture in the middle.

4. Secure the ribbons attached to brightly colored balloons around different objects and equipment in the office or cubicle. For instance, wind the ribbon to desk legs, computer monitors, bulletin boards, file cabinets and chairs. Alternatively, cut the ribbons of five to seven balloons down to different heights and secure them together around an object in a corner of the office to create a staggering balloon arrangement.

5. Spread confetti over side tables, chairs and the floor of the office for instance color. Avoid sprinkling confetti over the carpet since it is difficult to remove.

6. Decorate the birthday girl's desk with cards, gifts, a fresh flower arrangement and a book with birthday messages from coworkers.

Tips & Warnings

• Help your coworker clean up the office or cubicle after the party. Keep a portable vacuum cleaner, window spray and other cleaning essentials nearby to help speed the cleaning process.

• Avoid hanging the birthday banner too low to keep people's heads from hitting it.

• Avoid raunchy birthday greeting banners or those with racy pictures or greetings.

References

• "Happy Living Magazine"; Office Decorating Tips for Birthdays; Oshetisi Okagbare
• Celebrations: Office Parties