If you've never done it before, decorating for a birthday party can be difficult.Picking a theme will help you narrow down your décor options and create a cohesive look for the party.If you're planning on having a party at a restaurant or party room, make sure to ask the management what their policies are on decorations.Don't forget to bring tables and chairs if you're holding a party outdoors.
Step 1: When choosing decorations, pay attention to the person's age.
You can use this theme for any birthday, but it works well for first birthdays and other milestone birthdays like turning 16, 30, or 40.Make sure that the age number is visible throughout the décor by using banners, balloons, and party favors that announce the person's age.For a first birthday, the décor and party favors can have the number 1 on them.The Mylar balloons can be shaped like the number 1 as well.You can base color choices on the age.A Sweet 16 party can be decorated in shades of pink.40th birthday parties with a "Over The Hill" theme are popular with black and gold decorations.
Step 2: It's easy to base the theme around the season.
Seasonal themes never go out of style.You should be able to find decorations quickly and easily at your local craft store or online.If you don't have a lot of time to plan, consider a seasonal theme.A tropical color scheme and beach themed decorations can be used at a summer birthday party.If the party is in the fall, you could have a burgundy, brown, and orange color scheme and use autumn-themed decorations featuring leaves, pumpkins, cornucopias and pinecones.Activities for the party can be affected by the season.Pumpkin carving or pumpkin painting can be done at a kids autumn themed party.Another fun idea is bobbing for apples.
Step 3: It's a good idea to feature a favorite animal, sports team, or other interest in the décor.
If you aren't close to them, you can ask someone who is, but you should be able to point them to one of their favorite hobbies or interests.It is not possible to find decorations that match a specific interest at your local craft store.A child who loves unicorns might enjoy a party with a depiction of the mythical animal.If the person is a fan of Harry Potter or Star Wars, you can use decorations that reflect those interests.A football or hockey themed party would be great for a sports lover and you can even use the team colors for your color scheme.Disney characters and settings are included in the decorations for the party.
Step 4: A location-based theme can be used for a creative solution.
The party space can be transformed by creating an atmosphere based on a location.If you have plenty of time for planning and have a creative streak, consider making a big splash with this approach.You should go to a location that the person really loves.A carnival-themed party with brightly colored or striped décor, carousel imagery, tents, clowns, and lollipops is a good example.A garden, castle, or zoo theme is possible.Outside space themes are very popular.
Step 5: The venue has a policy on decorations.
If you're on a budget, inquire about decorations for birthday parties in some spaces.Before buying anything, make sure you know what they allow.Wall decorations like balloons, banners, and other items are usually fine with most venues.Don't forget to use tape to hang your decorations.
Step 6: Birthday messages can be written on banners.
Birthday banners can be simple or elaborate.There is a banner that says "Happy Sweet 16 Tara!" in purple and silver lettering.For a royal-themed party, you can create a scroll-shaped banner with a message like, "Hear ye, hear ye!"For a disco-themed party, you could have a banner with a famous disco quote like, "Let's get down tonight!", or "Stayin' Alive".
Step 7: Garland can be used to emphasize the party theme.
To spell out a birthday message or the person's name, string together cardboard letters.Paper or cardboard cutouts can be used to create themed garlands.For a garden party, you can use flower-shaped cutouts, a string of cardboard crown cutouts or a T-rex cutout.A very personal garland is created by stringing together photos.For an 80s themed dance party, string together paper cutouts of boomboxes and stereo speakers.
Step 8: Liven up the space with colorful balloons.
You can find balloons in a wide variety of colors, shapes and materials at most party stores and they're a classic go-to for creating a festive atmosphere.Depending on how much time you have and what you want to do, balloon solutions can be simple or elaborate.For an easy option, blow the balloons up yourself with an air pump and scatter them around the room.You can either tie the balloons to objects in the room or let them float along the ceiling.If you want a quick option, go with Mylar balloons in different shapes and colors and have the party store fill them with helium for you.Make a balloon arch.
Step 9: For a personalized solution, create and hang a photo-collage.
To create a sentimental vibe, use images of the birthday person at different ages and do a variety of things.It's a great idea to have pictures of their friends and family in attendance at the party.It is possible to print the images from digital files to prevent the original photographs from getting damaged.You could include pictures from their very first birthday party, a summer vacation, and dancing at prom.The blank space for the party goers to write birthday messages and well-wishes can be included in the Collage.
Step 10: If you need a quick solution, spread out the tablecloths in eye-catching colors.
If you're renting a space, it's usually a good idea to cover your tables.You can keep things simple and use plastic table coverings that match the party's color scheme.It is possible to use on-theme printed tablecloths, like galaxy prints for an outer space theme, or colorful stripes for a carnival theme.You can buy printed tablecloths for almost any theme you want, or you can make them yourself using butcher paper, printed images, and glue.If you want a ruffled look, buy several tablecloths in a few different sizes and layer them on each table.A photo can be printed on craft paper.
Step 11: For a quick solution, scatter confetti in fun shapes.
In a hurry, scatter colorful confetti across the tables.Plain confetti or star-shaped confetti can be used for an outer space theme.If you are doing a disco or carnival theme, you can use glitter on the tables to create a similar effect.
Step 12: Rent or bring your own chairs and tables.
There isn't enough seating to comfortably accommodate the number of guests you're expecting at most outdoor places.Make sure you have enough space for everyone.You might want to have a separate table for the gifts and larger tables where guests can eat and chat.Simple folding chairs are great for seating outdoors.If you're expecting a crowd, you may want to rent them.
Step 13: Guests can be guided by balloons to the party area.
To create a path from the parking area to the outdoor party area, fill colorful balloons with helium and tie them to objects along the way.Helium balloons are very light, so you can tie them to almost anything.Guests can walk up to the party area without having to answer the front door if there is a backyard party.You can post colorful signs with messages like "Party this way!"The party color scheme is important when choosing balloons.
Step 14: To illuminate the area, drape string lights between trees.
If you expect the party to continue into the night, this is a great solution.If you have trees that are close together, drape the lights around them.You can thread the lights through the foliage by wrapping them around tree trunks.White and colored lights can be used to match the party's theme.If you don't have access to electricity, you can find delicate fairy lights that come with battery packs.Attach lightweight Chinese paper lanterns to the string in between the lights.
Step 15: If you want a homemade vibe, cover the tables with craft paper.
Party goers can write messages and draw pictures if they scatter crayons and markers across the surface of a large piece of white craft paper.It works well for children's parties and the covers can be saved as a souvenir.It is possible for the paper to be blown away by the wind.
Step 16: A simple and fun solution is to hang up a piata.
A big, colorful piata is a great decoration.You can either buy an empty piata that is already filled with goodies or you can fill it with your own treats.Pick a shape that matches your party theme or go with anything that catches your eye.Make sure there's plenty of space for the guests to swing at the piata and find a sturdy tree branch to hang it from.