40 Party Decorations You Should Try in 2025
Planning a party can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to decorations.
So, in this article I’ll share 40 fantastic party decoration ideas that are easy to create and guaranteed to impress your guests.
Let’s begin!
40 Party Decorations You Must Have
1. Balloon Garlands
To create a balloon garland, you need balloons in various colors and sizes, fishing line or balloon tape, and a hand pump.
Inflate the balloons and tie them to the fishing line or attach them to the balloon tape, alternating sizes and colors for a fuller look.
Hang the garland above a dessert table, along a staircase, or as a photo booth backdrop. This decoration adds volume and color to your event space.
2. DIY Photo Booth
You should set up a designated area with a themed backdrop, props, and a camera or smartphone on a tripod. You can use streamers, balloons, or a custom banner as the backdrop.
Provide props like hats, glasses, and signs that match your party theme. Encourage guests to take photos and share them on social media.
3. Fairy Light Canopy
Creating a fairy light canopy adds a magical touch to your party. Use string lights to drape across the ceiling or in trees if you’re hosting an outdoor event.
Secure the lights with hooks or tape, ensuring they are evenly spaced. For an indoor setup, you can use a hula hoop as the center point and drape the lights outward.
This creates a soft, twinkling effect that enhances the ambiance, making the space feel cozy and enchanting.
4. Themed Table Settings
Choose tableware, napkins, and centerpieces that match your party theme. For example, if you’re hosting a beach-themed party, use blue and white tablecloths, shell centerpieces, and nautical napkin rings.
Arrange the table settings neatly, ensuring everything is color-coordinated. Adding personalized name cards or themed placeholders can make each guest feel special.
5. Personalized Banners
Personalized banners add a special touch to any celebration. Order a custom banner with the guest of honor’s name or a special message.
You can choose from various materials like fabric, paper, or vinyl. Hang the banner at the entrance, behind the dessert table, or as part of a photo booth backdrop.
Personalized banners enhance the decor and create a sense of celebration and acknowledgment of the guest of honor.
6. Sustainable Decorations
You should also use biodegradable balloons and confetti made from natural materials that decompose quickly.
Decorate with reusable items like fabric banners, LED lights, and natural elements such as plants and flowers.
These choices reduce waste and environmental impact. Recycled paper products for invitations and table decor are also great options.
7. Interactive LED Displays
Interactive LED displays add a modern and engaging element to your party. Set up LED screens or panels that can display dynamic lighting effects, images, or videos.
These displays can be customized to fit the theme of your party, such as showing a slideshow of photos or creating a dance floor with changing colors.
Interactive elements like touch screens or motion sensors can make the experience even more immersive for guests.
8. Vintage Props
Incorporate vintage props to give your party a nostalgic feel. Search for items like old suitcases, typewriters, and gramophones to use as decorations.
Arrange these props in key areas, such as the entrance, dessert table, or photo booth. Adding vintage-inspired floral arrangements or candles can enhance the look.
Vintage props create a unique and charming atmosphere, transporting guests to a different era and making your event memorable.
9. Giant Lawn Games
Giant lawn games are perfect for outdoor parties and keep guests entertained. Set up games like giant Jenga, cornhole, or bocce ball in your yard or event space.
These oversized games are easy to play and fun for all ages. Make sure to have enough space for each game and provide clear instructions for guests.
10. Candy Buffet
Set up a table with various candies displayed in glass jars. Include scoops and bags so guests can help themselves.
To create a cohesive look, choose candies in colors that match your party theme. Label each jar with fun tags and add decorative elements like ribbon or flowers.
A candy buffet looks beautiful and provides a delightful treat for guests to enjoy during the party and take home.
11. Polaroid Memory Wall
You should provide guests with Polaroid cameras and a station with film and pens. As guests take photos, have them write a short message on the bottom of the photo.
Use strings and clothespins to hang these photos on a designated wall or board. This creates a live, evolving memory wall that guests can contribute to throughout the event.
12. Donut Wall
To create this, get a pegboard and paint it to match your party’s theme. Insert wooden dowels or hooks into the pegboard at regular intervals.
Then, hang a variety of donuts on these pegs. You can arrange the donuts by color, type, or even spell out words with them.
The donut wall serves as a unique focal point and a convenient way for guests to grab a sweet treat.
13. Light Bulb Decorations
To create these, you can use old or decorative light bulbs. Clean them out and fill them with small flowers, fairy lights, or even colorful sand.
Hang these light bulbs from strings or place them on tables as centerpieces. For hanging light bulbs, secure the tops with string or wire and suspend them at varying heights.
This decoration idea is not only stylish but also versatile, fitting well with modern, rustic, or whimsical themes.
14. Taco Bar
You should start with a table covered in a festive cloth, then arrange all the taco fixings in bowls.
Include a variety of meats like seasoned beef, chicken, and pork, as well as vegetarian options like beans and grilled veggies.
Add toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapenos. Provide both soft and hard taco shells.
15. S’mores Station
A DIY s’mores station adds a cozy, interactive element to your party, especially for outdoor events. Set up a table with all the essentials: graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows.
Include long skewers or roasting sticks. If you have an outdoor fire pit, that’s ideal. Otherwise, small tabletop s’mores makers or even Sterno cans can work.
Arrange the ingredients attractively in jars or baskets. Provide napkins and wet wipes for sticky fingers. Guests will enjoy making their own s’mores.
16. DIY Flower Arrangements
Set up a table with a variety of fresh flowers, greenery, and filler plants. Provide scissors, floral tape, and small vases or jars.
Guests can select their favorite blooms and arrange their own bouquets. This station can also include ribbon and gift tags for those who want to take their creations home as party favors.
It’s a hands-on activity that adds a personal and beautiful touch to the event, allowing guests to create something unique.
17. Inflatable Serving Bar
Inflate the bar and fill it with ice, then add a variety of beverages like soda, water, and juice. Place the bar on a blanket or table for easy access.
This setup is especially great for outdoor parties, as it keeps drinks cool and prevents constant trips to the fridge.
It also encourages guests to help themselves, which can streamline the hosting duties.
18. Chalkboard Signs
Buy or make mini chalkboards and use chalk or chalk markers to write on them. You can label dishes on the buffet, assign seats, or provide fun messages and directions for guests.
These signs can be easily erased and reused for different events. They add a rustic and charming touch to the décor and are especially handy for keeping everything organized and clearly labeled.
19. Themed Napkins and Plates
You should choose tableware that matches your party’s color scheme or features relevant graphics. For example, for a beach-themed party, opt for napkins with seashell designs and plates with ocean colors.
These small details can elevate the overall aesthetic and make the theme more cohesive. It’s an easy upgrade that enhances the dining experience and adds to the visual appeal.
20. Outdoor Lanterns
Choose lanterns that suit your theme, whether they are paper lanterns for a festive look, glass lanterns for a rustic vibe, or LED lanterns for modern simplicity.
Hang them from tree branches, pergolas, or along fences. For added ambiance, consider using lanterns of different sizes and colors.
These lights not only illuminate the space but also add a decorative element that makes outdoor gatherings more enchanting and enjoyable for guests.
21. Mason Jar Centerpieces
To make these, gather several mason jars and fill them with a mix of flowers, candles, or fairy lights. For flowers, choose seasonal blooms or a mix of wildflowers for a natural look.
Simply place the stems in water-filled jars. If using candles, place tea lights or small pillar candles inside the jars, ensuring they are secure.
For a whimsical touch, fill jars with battery-operated fairy lights. These centerpieces are easy to assemble and can be customized to match your party theme or color scheme.
22. Photo Collage Wall
Start by collecting photos from different stages of their life, from childhood to the present. Arrange these photos in a visually pleasing layout on a large board or directly on a wall.
Use double-sided tape or photo corners to secure the pictures. You can also add decorative elements like string lights, colorful paper frames, or themed stickers to enhance the display.
23. Sports Memorabilia Display
You can gather items like jerseys, trophies, medals, and equipment related to the guest of honor’s favorite sport.
Arrange these items on a display table or create a backdrop using a pegboard to hang the items. Use stands or frames for jerseys and a shadow box for smaller items like medals.
Adding photos of the guest playing the sport or attending games can make the display even more special.
24. Pop-Up Tents
These tents are easy to set up and can be placed over seating areas, buffet tables, or drink stations. Choose tents that match your party’s color scheme or decorate them with banners, lights, and flowers.
To secure the tents, use weights or stakes, especially if it’s windy. Pop-up tents help create designated areas for eating and socializing, protecting guests from the elements.
25. Graduation Cap Balloons
You should first inflate balloons in your chosen colors. Then, create mini graduation caps using black construction paper or cardstock.
Cut squares for the top of the caps and strips for the bands. Glue the pieces together and attach them to the balloons with double-sided tape.
You can also add tassels made from string or yarn. These decorated balloons can be used in centerpieces, tied to chairs, or grouped together in balloon bouquets.
26. DIY Gift Bags
You should first choose plain gift bags in colors that match your party theme. Decorate the bags with stickers, ribbons, and personalized tags.
Fill the bags with small gifts such as candies, mini bottles of hand sanitizer, custom keychains, or other themed items.
You can also include a thank-you note or a photo of the guest of honor. DIY gift bags are easy to assemble and provide a personal touch.
27. Friends-Themed Decor
Start by incorporating iconic colors like purple, yellow, and teal, reminiscent of the characters’ apartments.
Decorate with replicas of famous props such as the Central Perk sign, Monica’s door frame, and Joey’s stuffed penguin, Hugsy.
Create themed food and drink stations with items like “Ross’s Sandwich” and “Phoebe’s Cookies.” Set up a photo booth with props like oversized coffee cups and ‘90s fashion accessories.
28. Advice Jar
To set this up, place a decorative jar or box on a table with a sign inviting guests to write their advice or wishes. Provide small pieces of paper or cards and pens.
Decorate the jar with ribbons, stickers, or a personalized label. This activity not only engages guests but also creates a meaningful keepsake for the guest of honor to cherish.
29. Blackboard Backdrop
To create this, use a large blackboard or cover a section of the wall with blackboard paint or black paper. Write quotes, messages, or doodles with chalk or chalk markers.
You can also add a balloon arch or floral arrangements around the board to frame it beautifully.
This backdrop works well for photos and adds a personal touch to the party decor, making it both functional and visually appealing.
30. Yearbook Photo Display
You should collect yearbook photos from different school years and arrange them in chronological order on a display board or wall.
Use colorful frames or mount the photos on decorative paper to enhance the display. You can add captions with memorable quotes or funny moments from each year.
Incorporate string lights or garlands to add a festive touch. This display honors the guest of honor’s journey and provides a nostalgic decoration.
31. Metal Drink Bins
To set up, choose large metal bins or galvanized tubs that can hold a variety of beverages. Fill the bins with ice and place them in accessible locations around the party area.
You can separate bins by drink type, such as one for sodas, one for beers, and another for bottled water.
Add decorative touches like ribbons or tags to label each bin for a cohesive look. This setup ensures guests can help themselves to a cold drink throughout the event.
32. Popcorn Bar
You should set up a table with large bowls or dispensers filled with freshly popped popcorn. Provide an array of toppings and seasonings, such as melted butter, cheese powder, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, and various spices.
Include small scoops and individual serving containers like paper bags or cups for guests to mix and match their favorite flavors.
33. Fruit and Cheese Platters
To create these platters, select a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavors, such as cheddar, brie, and goat cheese.
Pair them with fresh fruits like grapes, berries, and apple slices. Arrange the items on wooden boards or large serving trays.
Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of elegance. This setup provides a balanced snack option that caters to various tastes and dietary preferences.
34. Vintage Photo Props
You should gather items like old-fashioned hats, glasses, feather boas, and vintage suitcases. You can find these props at thrift stores or online shops specializing in vintage items.
Set up a photo booth area with a backdrop that complements the vintage theme, such as a patterned fabric or a rustic wooden wall.
Provide a table or basket to hold the props, and encourage guests to use them while taking photos.
35. Glitter Balloons
First, you should fill clear balloons with a small amount of glitter using a funnel. After adding the glitter, inflate the balloons with helium or air.
Shake the balloons gently to distribute the glitter evenly inside. You can also tie the balloons with shiny ribbons to enhance the glitter effect.
Arrange the balloons in clusters or create a balloon arch for a dazzling display. When popped, the balloons release a shower of glitter.
36. Monochromatic Decor
Choose a color that matches the theme or mood of your event, and use various shades and tones of that color for a dynamic effect.
Decorate with matching tablecloths, balloons, flowers, and tableware. Add texture by incorporating different materials like fabrics, paper, and glass.
This cohesive approach creates a visually striking and elegant atmosphere, making your event feel polished and well-coordinated.
37. Eco-Friendly Confetti
To set up, choose confetti made from recycled paper, dried flowers, or plantable seed paper. Distribute the confetti in small bags or cones, and place them around the party area for guests to use during celebrations.
This type of confetti decomposes naturally, reducing environmental impact while still adding a festive touch.
38. Rustic Wooden Signs
To create these signs, use reclaimed wood or buy pre-cut wooden plaques from a craft store. Paint or stencil inspirational messages, directional information, or labels onto the wood.
You can distress the wood for a more vintage look by sanding the edges or using a weathering technique.
Place the signs around the party area, such as at the entrance, on food tables, or near photo booths.
39. Customized Cupcakes
Bake cupcakes in flavors that match your party theme. Decorate the cupcakes with frosting in your chosen colors and add custom toppers, such as letters, numbers, or themed shapes.
Arrange the cupcakes on tiered stands to create a visually appealing display. You can spell out messages or form shapes with the cupcakes for added impact.
40. Themed Drink Stations
You can choose a theme, such as a mimosa bar, lemonade stand, or tropical tiki bar. Set up a table with all the necessary ingredients and equipment, like glasses, mixers, and garnishes.
For a mimosa bar, provide champagne, a variety of fruit juices, and fresh fruit slices. For a lemonade stand, offer different flavors of lemonade and various add-ins like mint or berries.
