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How can I decorate my party fast?

By: Author Color With Leo

Throwing a great party doesn’t have to take forever! With some planning and preparation, you can decorate your party space quickly and easily. Here are some tips to help you decorate fast for your upcoming celebration:

What are some quick and easy party decorations?

Some of the fastest, simplest party decorations include:

  • Balloons – Get a bunch in your party colors and tie or scatter them around the room. Fill some with helium for floating accents.
  • Streamers – Hang long strands across the ceiling or twist and tape them to the walls. Streamers instantly liven up any space.
  • Festive tablecloths – Choose ones in your theme color or pattern to instantly decorate tables.
  • Confetti – Just toss handfuls on tables or sprinkle on the floor for a colorful, festive look.
  • Fairy or string lights – Outline windows, doorways, ceilings or tables for a sparkling glow.
  • Tassels – Use tape to hang them from ceilings or walls. Choose your party colors.
  • Crepe paper – Twist it into spirals, fringe it, or gather it into pom poms to decorate.
  • Scene setters – These large plastic sheets act as instant backdrops and come in various themes.

Most dollar stores have big selections of simple party decorations like these that you can use to dress up your space fast and cheaply.

How can I DIY quick decorations?

With a little creativity, you can make some easy DIY decorations in no time:

  • Photo backdrop – Use a clothespin line to hang ribbons or custom photo props for a fun selfie station.
  • Tissue pom poms – Make these fluffy decorations by accordion folding tissue paper, tying the center, then fluffing up the folds.
  • Signs – Print or hand letter cute signs to match your theme and hang or prop them up.
  • Vases – Spray paint terra cotta pots or vases in bright colors to use as decor.
  • Garland – Make a quick garland by stringing curling ribbon or streamers together and hanging up.
  • Confetti jars – Fill jars with shredded paper, confetti or fake flowers for table or shelf accents.
  • Washi tape – Use rolls of colorful tape to create geometric designs on tables, walls or backdrops.

Craft stores offer tons of party decoration supplies that you can use for easy DIY projects. Tap your creativity to make custom pieces that match your party style!

What are fast ideas for decorating party tables?

Party tables are a great spot to focus your decoration efforts. Some quick table decor ideas include:

  • Themed tablecloths – Choose solid colors or prints to match your party style.
  • runners & accent fabrics – Layer different patterns down table centers for a bold look.
  • Centerpieces – Gather flowers from your yard or create quick DIY centerpieces using stuff on hand like candles, seashells, lanterns, etc.
  • Confetti/sequins – Sprinkle these sparkly accents down the center of tables before topping with any centerpieces.
  • Balloons – Tie them to chairs or weigh them down to cluster in the table centers.
  • Table scatter – Fill tables with themed plastic figurines, fake flower petals, or other coordinating sprinkles.
  • Place cards/favors – Use neat tags, containers or topper accents to decorate place settings.
  • Candles – Place pillars, votives, or different sized candles in bold arrangements down table centers.

Pick 1-3 statement decor techniques like these to use on each party table for a pulled together, festive look in minutes.

What are fast ways to decorate party entryways?

Welcome guests in style by quickly decorating and dressing up your party entryway. Ideas include:

  • Hanging décor – Use command hooks to hang wreaths, swags, garlands, balloons or signage outside or around doorways.
  • Welcome sign – Prop up a cute “Welcome” message sign to greet guests.
  • Doormat – Set out a bright, patterned doormat to lead the way.
  • Flowers – Line entry steps or porch with potted blooms or vases of fresh flowers.
  • Lighting – Wrap string lights around columns and railings to instantly light up your entry.
  • Balloon column – Secure helium balloons in a column shape to either side of your doorway.
  • Bell chandelier – Suspend a wire chandelier shape from the ceiling and decorate with bells or pom poms.
  • Photo op sign – Provide a themed sign or props for a fun guest photo booth.

Use one or more of these quick porch or entryway decoration ideas to delight guests as soon as they arrive.

How can I decorate fast on a budget?

You don’t have to spend a lot to decorate quickly for your party. Affordable ideas include:

  • Discount store supplies – Shop dollar stores, discount departments and wholesale clubs for cheap party décor.
  • Reuse & repurpose – Turn stuff on hand like fabric scraps, jars, and boxes into decorations.
  • Crepe paper – Just a few rolls go a long way when making pom poms, tassels, garlands and other frilly décor.
  • Sales & coupons – Take advantage of sales, coupons and seasonal markdowns when buying supplies.
  • Make your own – Craft decorations from inexpensive materials you already have at home.
  • Borrow – Ask friends if they have any party decorations you can borrow for the event.
  • Outside elements – Use free items from nature like leaves, pinecones, flowers, etc.
  • Bulk order online – Buy masses of inexpensive balloons, streamers, confetti, etc. online.

With a little resourcefulness, you can decorate any party scene beautifully on a tight budget.

What decorations can I prepare ahead of time?

Make your day-of decorating go faster by preparing some elements in advance:

  • Centerpieces – Assemble centerpiece containers and non-perishable decorative elements up to 2 days before.
  • Garlands/swags – Craft garlands and other hanging décor up to 5 days in advance, then just hang the day of.
  • Signs/banners – Print or paint signs, banners and artwork up to 2 weeks before the party.
  • Party favors – Prepare favors like bags, bottles, jars, etc. a week ahead then quickly fill with treats day-of.
  • Photo booth – Set up backdrop stand and curtains up to 3 days before then add props day-of.
  • Table runners – Sew or assemble any custom runners in advance then quickly lay them out the day of.
  • Balloon columns & arches – Prepare needed bases/supports up to 3 days in advance then add balloons day-of.

Doing as much prep work in advance as possible allows you to swiftly put the finishing touches on your party décor when the big day arrives.

What areas should I focus on decorating?

To make the biggest impact, prioritize decorating these high-traffic party areas:

  • Entryway – Greet guests with an eyecatching porch or foyer decorated with wreaths, garlands, signage, etc.
  • Main party room – Lavishly decorate the central party venue with elements like hanging décor, wall accents, table decorations, etc.
  • Dining table – For dinner parties, showcase the main dining table with candles, centerpieces, runners, etc.
  • Dessert/gift table – Spruce up table presentations with tiered platters, signage and accents.
  • Bar area – Decorate the drink station using tassels, signage, lighting, etc.
  • Photobooth space – Set up festive backdrops and props in one spot for Instagrammable guest photos.

Focus your time and budget on decorating these high-impact zones to make decorating fast and effective.

How can I save time decorating large spaces?

Decorating large venues quickly can feel daunting. Strategies to save time include:

  • Add height – Hang long strands of garlands, pom poms or other décor high on walls to decorate large expanses faster.
  • Work in sections – Divide the space into manageable sections and fully decorate each.
  • Reuse décor – Repurpose any decorations you have leftover from previous parties. Every little bit helps in big spaces.
  • Keep it simple – Focus on a few eye-catching focal points rather than hundreds of small details.
  • Use large-scale décor – Oversized decor makes a big impact – try extra-large balloons, super long streamers, jumbo signs, etc.
  • Stick to one or two colors – Decorating in a tight color palette pulls the whole space together.
  • Use lighting – Strategically place strings of lights to illuminate and accentuate key areas.
  • Enlist help – Ask trusted friends or family to pitch in decorating, especially for high or hard-to-reach areas.

Preparation and smart decorating choices allow you to transform even the largest party venues with style in very little time.

What decorating supplies should I have on hand?

These basic party decoration supplies are handy to keep in your craft stash for easy decorating anytime:

  • Streamers
  • Crepe paper
  • Tissue paper
  • Party balloons
  • Ribbons & curling ribbon
  • Command hooks
  • Fishing line/string
  • Double-sided tape
  • Scissors
  • Glue gun + glue sticks
  • Blank signs + paint/markers
  • Votive candles
  • String lights
  • Washi tape

Keep these versatile basics on hand so you can create a variety of quick, pretty decorations for any party or event on short notice.

Conclusion

With smart planning and easy decoration ideas, you can stylishly decorate for your party in record time. Focus on high-impact spots like entryways and dining tables. Use quick-to-make decorations like balloons, streamers, lighting, and signage. Prep decor elements ahead of time when possible. And don’t be afraid to take shortcuts – even simple touches go a long way! With these tips, you can throw a fabulously festive bash on a busy schedule and budget.