Birthday party ideas over $300

- Invite eight to 10 “young ladies” to a traditional tea party at La-Tea-Da’s, 1942 E. Seventh St., in Elizabeth. For $300, attendees receive a manners lesson and scavenge the dress-up trunk for the perfect outfit, hat and jewels. A full tea menu, birthday cake, printed invitations and thank-you cards included. Other party packages are available; 704-372-9599.

- Balloons Over Charlotte, 7984 Graham Road, Denver, gives thrill-seekers a bird’s-eye view of the Lake Norman area. Flights depart at sunrise and one and a half hours before sunset and last about three hours. Dan Stone is an FAA-certified pilot who has been flying balloons for more than 25 years. Flights are limited to six people, and tickets cost as little as $165 per person; 704-896-5241.

 NOTE: Last updated in July 2007. Send new ideas and updates to michelle@momscharlotte.com