Decided on a real backdrop for virtual birthday parties after finding this gem among the ‘South American River’ company’s offerings:

Many theatre curtain style backdrops offered were variations in red. As some photos on this website show my costuming has lots of red so this blue one in blue contrasts nicely. Separates me distinctly from the background (I hope!).

Had been experimenting with ‘green screen’ backdrops but, for an online home party, they can be a distraction, especially if you have props or garments with a hint of green in them. Clever for some situations but one more thing to worry about when you should be concentrating on doing the best possible show. Also, based on some of the Zoom events I’ve attended such backdrops can be distracting. At a recent magician’s lecture I attended via Zoom one of the attendees had a tank of fish swimming behind him for over 2 hours! Oy! Or, should I say Koi!