Party Decorations: Where to Go
Search Google for “party decorations,” and you’re likely to come upon dozens of stores selling cheap, imported plastic party decorations and favors. While nothing says “classy” like paper plates, paper cups, and a paper wall hangings all in the same Mardi Gras theme design, to throw a memorable party you need to go beyond these pre-assembled suites of party decorations. This doesn’t mean you need to break your budget at boutique shops—you just need to put in a bit of time to search out hidden treasures in your area.
Thrift Stores
These low-budget stores are great for finding unique and interesting decorations to match nearly any theme. The possibilities are really only limited by your creativity and the vibe you want to create at the party. An upscale, intimate atmosphere is immediately created by mixing and matching lots of half-burned candles you can find at your nearest Goodwill, especially when paired with old black-and-white movies playing without sound on a projector or your TV. Accent your walls with monocolor drapes of fabric found at a craft store, and you’ve created a party with a cool, interesting vibe with only three main decorations.
For a more silly themed party, there are even more possibilities. For party favors for a luau or beach themed event, old books about the ocean can serve as interesting wall hangings, coffee table reading, or even as the beginning of party favor kits.
Target
Your local Target or equivalent big box store has a surprising variety of goods that can add to your next party. Here you can find strings of Christmas-type lights for $5 in a variety of colors and styles; stringing these around your home is a fast and easy way to create both a festive and intimate mood. These stores also carry large wall murals in prints like starry night and ocean swell. These can be a fun way to give your theme a needed boost.
This is also, of course, a good place to pick up other, more usual party goods, like colored tablecloths, glassware, invitations, and kids’ party favors.
Etsy
If you’re a crafty person by nature, or just need to add a bit of a personal feel to your party, this web portal of homemade goods is the place to go. You might spend a bit more money here, but you’ll get decorations that will impress your guests, not to mention that you’re supporting independent artists. Check out these beautiful, personalizable cards to use as your party’s invitations. Origami roses make a stunning centerpiece for a dinner party, and vinyl wall decals have a more classic look than decorations you’ll find off the shelf at any big box store.
If guest gift bags are going to be an integral part of your party, Etsy is an excellent place to find thoughtful, beautiful, and useful small items to use as party favors. Praying angel beeswax candles would be great favors for a baby shower, and there are so many wedding favors that they have their own category.