Every party season, people fall into the same trap. They spend way too much on decor that gets tossed out the next morning.
It doesn’t have to be that way, lol! There are so many cute party decor cheap ideas out there that look just as good in photos as the pricey things.
I scrolled through hundreds of pins to put this list together. Only the ones that were actually doable made it in, no fancy tools or design degree required.
Some of these use things from the dollar store. Others repurpose things you probably already have sitting in a drawer somewhere.
Below you’ll find sixteen ideas for garlands, backdrops, table setups and more. Under each one is a quick note on what to grab and how to pull it off.
Ready to throw a party that looks expensive but wasn’t? Let’s get into it!
CUTE PARTY DECOR CHEAP IDEAS
Dollar Store Balloon Garland Arch
A balloon garland arch sounds fancy but it’s honestly one of the cheapest tricks in the book. Grab a few bags of latex balloons in mismatched sizes and colors from the dollar store.
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Tie them onto a string or fishing line and twist as you go. Hang the whole thing over a doorway or dessert table and watch it become the star of every photo, haha!
Budget Fringe Backdrop Wall
This fringe backdrop is proof that tissue paper can do a lot of heavy lifting. Cut long strips, tape them to a big sheet of craft paper and let them hang loose.
It catches the light in a way that plain streamers just don’t. Set it up behind a chair or table and suddenly every photo looks like it belongs in a magazine.
Paper Fan Table Centerpiece
Paper fans are one of those crafts that looks way harder than it actually is. Fold sheets of colored paper accordion style, secure the middle and fan them open.
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Cluster a few different sizes together as a centerpiece and you’ve got instant charm on the table.
Easy DIY Confetti Balloons
Confetti balloons are that little upgrade that makes a plain balloon look intentional. Drop a handful of small paper confetti pieces inside a clear balloon before you blow it up.
It takes maybe an extra minute per balloon, tops. The payoff is a bunch of balloons that look like they came from a fancy party shop instead of a plastic bag.
Cheap Streamer Ceiling Decor
Streamers are the most underrated decor item out there, lol! Twist two or three colors together and drape them across the ceiling in loose swoops.
This one takes almost no effort but transforms a plain room instantly. Add a few balloons tucked into the swoops for extra pop.
Printable Party Banner Ideas
Printable banners are a lifesaver when you need something personal without hiring a designer. Plenty of free templates online let you type in a name or age and print at home.
String it up with twine and clothespins for a handmade look. This is the one I’d copy first if I only had an hour to spare before guests arrived.
Budget Balloon Number Display
How cute are these balloon numbers? They’re basically a giant number shape stuffed with smaller balloons in coordinating colors.
You can buy the cardboard number frames for just a couple dollars at most craft stores. Stuffing them takes some patience but the finished display could pass for a real showpiece.
DIY Photo Booth Props
Photo booth props never go out of style, no matter the occasion. Cut out mustaches, glasses and speech bubbles from cardstock and glue them onto wooden sticks.
They keep guests entertained while everyone waits for cake to come out. Not that I’m biased, but these are always the first thing people grab at the table, haha!
Colorful Paper Chain Garland
Paper chains take me straight back to elementary school art class. Loop strips of colored paper into rings and link them together for a garland that costs basically nothing.
Drape it along a wall or wrap it around a table for instant color. It’s a little old school, sure, but that’s exactly why it still works.
Budget Dessert Table Setup
Building a dessert table on a budget comes down to layering, not spending. Use books or boxes under a tablecloth to create height, then fill in with cupcakes, cookies and one bigger cake as the anchor.
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Thrift store cake stands and mismatched plates actually look more charming than a matching set. Fair warning, the tray in the middle never survives past the first hour.
Balloon Arch Doorway Decor
A balloon arch over the doorway sets the tone before guests even step inside. This one uses the same twist technique as the garland version but shaped into an arch frame.
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Command hooks on either side of the door hold the whole thing up without any damage to the wall. It’s such a simple detail but it makes an entrance reads as an event.
Cute Cupcake Topper Ideas
Cupcake toppers are such a small detail but they change the entire look of a dessert table. Print little flags or shapes, tape them to toothpicks and stick one in each cupcake.
Coordinate the colors to match your other decor for a pulled together look. This is one of those tiny touches guests always comment on.
Repurposed Jar Candle Holders
Don’t toss those empty jars from the pantry! Wash them out, wrap a bit of twine or lace around the rim and drop a tea light inside.
Cluster a few different sizes down the center of the table for soft, flickering light. Zero dollars spent if you’ve got jars lying around already.
Simple String Light Backdrop
String lights turn any blank wall into a backdrop worth photographing. Pin them in loose waves across a plain sheet or curtain and plug them in once the sun goes down.
It’s soft, it’s pretty and it costs way less than renting an actual backdrop setup. Add a few paper stars or tassels for extra charm.
Affordable Balloon Ceiling Cloud
This balloon ceiling cloud is a total showstopper for the price. Group white and pastel balloons together in a cluster and anchor them to the ceiling with clear tape.
From below it could pass for a fluffy cloud floating over the party. Kids at the party always end up staring straight up at it, lol!
Homemade Table Runner Idea
Last but definitely not least, we have this homemade table runner. Old fabric scraps or even wrapping paper cut into a long strip do the job perfectly.
Lay it down the center of the table and build your centerpiece right on top. It’s such an easy way to tie the entire table together without buying a single new item.