10 Ways to Upgrade Disposable Party Decor
It's easier than you think to customize basic party plates, napkins + tableware.
By:
Samantha Ushiro
Show:
Lazy Entertainer
Related To:
Buy, Then DIY
Whether you're throwing a birthday bash or a dinner party with friends, it's not always easy to find fun partyware that goes with your theme. Plus, the cutest party pieces can get pricey. A better solution: DIY it by transforming basic items. We're showing you how to take all of those boring disposable plates, cups, balloons, and more, and dress them up in fun ways that you can use for your next party.
Coming Up Daisies
This '90s motif is back in a big way. We decked out this party in yellow, white and daisies, but these projects are easy to adapt to any theme.
1: DIY Cake Stand
For a fun twist on a cake stand, use super glue to attach a plastic party cup to the bottom of an inexpensive plastic plate.
1: DIY Cake Stand
Check your local party store or an online party supplier for novelty plastic cups, or sub in a patterned plastic tumbler from the dollar store.
2: Candy-Covered Drink Stirrers
DIY drink stirrers are a cute addition to any party. These are incredibly easy to make: Just stack candy pieces on a bamboo skewer. Done!
2: Candy-Covered Drink Stirrers
Color-code the candy to match the party theme. Add paper straws to complete the customized drink look.
3: Chocolate Spoons
Spice up those plastic spoons by adding two different colors of melted chocolate and swirling them together with a toothpick for a marbled effect.
3: Chocolate Spoons
We topped these with an edible candy daisy to tie in to the floral party theme. Offer them to guests with coffee or dessert, or present in a bag for a take-home favor.
4: Contact Paper Plate
Cut shapes out of contact paper and stick them to the bottom of a clear plate.
4: Contact Paper Plate
We added white and yellow daisies, but it's easy to get creative here: Try polka dots, triangles, or a half-circle for a dip-dyed look.
5: Edible Paint
Mix together 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar, 3 teaspoons of water, and two drops of food coloring to make an edible paint.
5: Edible Paint
Using a new paintbrush, paint the names of your guests on their corresponding plates for a place setting that they can eat!
5: Edible Paint
Use plain white ceramic or melamine plates to allow the washable designs to stand out.
6: Paper Plate Basket
Cut four corners of a paper plate and fold it up into a bowl shape, hot gluing the corners together.
6: Paper Plate Basket
Use fake flowers to embellish the outside of the container.
6: Paper Plate Basket
It's a quick and modern way to hold party snacks!
7: Stamped Napkins
Use stamps from the craft store and ink to create a pattern on plain paper napkins.
7: Stamped Napkins
Go for an all-over patter like we did here, or add a single, larger stamp in the corner of the each napkin, like a monogram.
8: Wrapping Paper Runner
For a patterned DIY table runner, trace shapes onto one solid color of wrapping paper and cut them out.
8: Wrapping Paper Runner
With spray adhesive, glue the cut-outs onto another color of wrapping paper.
8: Wrapping Paper Runner
This customized runner adds a focal point in the center of the table for just a few dollars.
9: Tattooed Party Cups
Buy sheets of temporary tatoos that coordiante with your party's theme. Apply them with a damp paper towel to the outside of a paper cup.
9: Tattooed Party Cups
For a more customized look, buy temporary tattoo paper (available for inkjet printers) and use a photo editing program to create your own design.
10: Embellished Balloons
Tissue paper is a great way to add some fun to a plain balloon. Cut petal shapes out of tissue paper, spray one side of the tissue paper with spray adhesive, and stick it to the balloon.
10: Embellished Balloons
Display behind the table for a fun, easy-to-make party backdrop.
