No matter what the occasion, organizing a party can be equally exciting and demanding. Making a guest list, sending invitations, determining the budget, planning the menu and the music, or choosing a theme are just some of the items on the party planning checklist. You already have enough on your plate with these tasks, so why make your life even harder by stressing out about party decorations as well?
Whether you’re planning on throwing an epic birthday party, or you just want to celebrate a special event in your life with your family and a close group of friends, we’ve got some great decoration ideas that you can do yourself, with minimum time and money investment. Apart from being extremely fun and simple, these DIY décor ideas will help you set the right tone for your event and give your guests something to remember long after the party is over.
So, get ready to put your creativity to work and throw the best party ever!
Colorful lanterns
Table of Contents
Everyone knows that lighting is one of the most important aspects to consider when setting the right party ambiance. While most people tend to equate party lighting with festoon lights and other similar lighting fixtures, they’re not exactly the most budget-friendly options out there.
So, if you want something less expensive but equally eye-catching and impactful, jar lanterns are a great alternative. They will look absolutely fabulous hanging around the party venue and it will take you no time at all to make them.
The best thing about them is you probably already have the necessary materials at home, so you won’t have to spend a dime. All you need is a few empty jars, some glue, colored tissue paper, and tea light candles. Cover the jars in a thin layer of glue and then stick the colored tissue paper onto them. Let them dry completely and then place the teal light candles inside. They’ll give off a soft-colored light and create a warm and lively atmosphere for your party.
Lots of balloons
It’s not a party until you add balloons! Balloons have become such a staple for parties, that it would be a shame not to include them in your décor scheme. However, you might want to do a bit more than hanging a few balloons here and there. We suggest you use your imagination and make special balloon decorations.
The options are virtually endless: you can put your painting skills to good use and draw all sorts of shapes and motives on the balloons, you can create balloon arches or other types of arrangements, use confetti-filled balloons, mix and match different balloon colors, and so on. The only rule to keep in mind when using balloons as a party decoration is the more the merrier.
Ribbon chandelier
Now for something a bit fancier, you can enhance the décor of your party venue with a chandelier. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about a crystal chandelier, but about something a lot more fun than you can make with your own hands, and won’t leave a hole in your budget: a ribbon chandelier.
For this DIY project, you’ll need a variety of cheap ribbons, scissors, a hot glue gun, and a wire wreath frame. Cut the ribbons in different lengths and then, using the hot glue gun, stick them onto the wire wreath frame. The more ribbons you’ll use, the better your chandelier will look. Choose different ribbon colors for a livelier and whimsical look, and you’ll be sure to impress your guests with your décor ideas.
Creative flower arrangements
Apart from making beautiful gifts, flowers are also lovely as a party decoration. The only issue with floral decorations is that they tend to be more on the expensive side. However, you can include flowers in your party décor without spending a fortune on them. If they’re in season, you can pick wildflowers and create delicate bouquets that you can place on the tables to brighten up the atmosphere.
If this is not an option, you can buy simple supermarket flowers and turn them into pretty arrangements. You don’t need any special skills or follow any rules to craft beautiful floral decorations. You just have to let your creativity run free and have fun with it.
Photo display
This one is an amazing idea for birthday parties, that works great for both children and grownups. You can print out a series of black and white photos of the birthday boy or girl and place them on a poster board in the shape of the birthday age, or any other shape you want. You can stick the photos on the board with glue or double-sided tape. This is not only a beautiful party decoration, but it’s also a gesture full of meaning, and it will make the person celebrating his or her birthday feel very special.
Paper-chain garlands
You might remember making paper-chain garlands as a child, and now you can revisit these childhood memories by making DIY party decorations. You probably already know the steps that you have to follow: cut strips of paper in different colors, tape or glue them to make a loop, then insert another strip of paper into the loop you’ve created to make another one, and so on until you form a garland. Then all you have to do is decide where you’re going to hang the garlands.
Painted bottle centerpieces
Got some empty bottles lying around the house and you don’t know what to do with them? Why not turn them into beautiful centerpieces for your next party? It’s as easy as painting the bottles in some bright colors (or some leftover paint from other DIY projects that you did in the past). If you want to be a bit extra, you can place some mini string lights inside to provide ambient lighting, or you can place flowers in the bottles and use them as table centerpieces. Either way, they’ll look absolutely stunning and you’ll have a great time crafting them.
