Question about balloon center pieces

So my DS's 1st b-day party is tomorrow and I am going to have a Dr. Seuss book and a bunch of latex latex balloons in the center of each table. I am not using any mylar. It is basically a cat in the hat in the hat theme so I am using the colors red, yellow, blue and white. These are also some of the colors in the cat in the hat tables cloths I am using on every other table. The other tables I am just putting red. Here is a link to the Cat in the Hat table cloth I am using:

TIAhttp://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001ZJ9YW/ilovedogscom-20?creative=327641&camp=14573&link_code=as1

I was thinking maybe 6, but I am not sure. So I have a few questions:

How many balloons should I put in the center of each table? (There are 9 tables)

Should I just put yellow, red and blue? OR

Should I put red, yellow, blue, and white?

What is your experience with picking up latex balloons the night before for a party the next day? I did this for my DS's christening and they were fine, but the lady I just spoke to scared me and said they only last for 8 hours.

Sorry for all the questions.

TIA

Re: Question about balloon center pieces

I just did balloon centerpeices for DS bday.

I would not blow them up the night before.

I rented a helium tank, and did them myself the morning of, or just order and have the store do it. They were def. going flat by evening. Mylars were fine.

Re: Question about balloon center pieces

cool theme. i would use blue,red and yellow. and remember latex balloons only last about 11 hours maximum so dont blow them up too early. Believe me i learned the hard way. LOL.

Re: Question about balloon center pieces

do all the colors--it looks better,
do odd numbers on each balloon.
Do them the night before or savethe stress and have a party place blow them up and pick them up before going.
They do not lastlong.

Re: Question about balloon center pieces

I know my balloon place always say same day but I have heard that if they use "hi-float" (or something like that- can't remember the name) that they last much longer...Not sure I would risk it though (as i sit here and look at the balloon my DS got from Friendlys yesterday drooping on the floor )