Have you ever woken up the morning of a loved one's birthday with no gifts or decorations ready yet? Or found yourself scrambling for supplies an hour before a party? If so, I've been there. In fact, those of you who read my posts regularly know that that describes basically all of my parties. Which is why I put this guide together for those of you who end up in similar situations. I hope that this guide will come in handy for last-minute events. Without further ado, here are six steps to creating a stylish but cheap event at the last-minute:
1. Draw/Paint a Banner or Poster
Buy a piece of poster board at Dollar Tree or get it in bulk cheaper at Walmart. I always buy white, which is neutral and can be used for any party. You could draw calligraphy with a black marker, cut it out into a banner shape, paint a character onto the poster --be creative!
2. Make a Banner
There are countless tutorials for banners. You could create a tassel banner with tissue paper or scrap fabric, a triangle banner with card stock, cut out a banner from folded streamers...the options are limitless!
3. Buy or Pick Flowers/Plants
Flowers or succulents make a great decor addition and centerpiece, so go outside and pick some flowers, use a plant you already have, or buy a plant/bouquet.
4. Buy Balloons
Balloons are an easy way to really enhance the decor and make it more fun. Buy a $1 bag of balloons and create a balloon arch by twisting them together, buy two helium-filled Dollar Tree balloons, or buy alphabet or number balloons from Amazon in bulk.
5. Cake Stand and Dishes
You definitely will want a cake stand to exhibit your party's primary desert if you offer food, and treats make a lovely centerpiece. If you don't have a cake stand, buy one at a thrift store or create one by hot-gluing a plate to a sturdy candlestick, vase, bowl, pot or whatever you have. Use neutral platters, plates, or create more cake stands in varied sizes, then arrange them until you are satisfied.
6. Make Favors
There are countless tutorials for party favors. They could be as simple as confetti in little bags (which I've resorted to in a pinch). Fire-starters can be super easy to make, depending on the tutorial you use, plus they are really cheap. I made some with just wax and pinecones for a large event. If you are really pressed for time, though, you could also grab a bag of favors from Dollar Tree, put them in bags and add cute tags or ribbon.
These are the basic steps to creating a cheap, stylish party at the last minute. I hope my fellow procrastinators find this guide useful!
-Lauryn
6. Make Favors
There are countless tutorials for party favors. They could be as simple as confetti in little bags (which I've resorted to in a pinch). Fire-starters can be super easy to make, depending on the tutorial you use, plus they are really cheap. I made some with just wax and pinecones for a large event. If you are really pressed for time, though, you could also grab a bag of favors from Dollar Tree, put them in bags and add cute tags or ribbon.
These are the basic steps to creating a cheap, stylish party at the last minute. I hope my fellow procrastinators find this guide useful!
-Lauryn
