Give your party a creative touch with these easy-to-create DIY decor ideas for birthday parties, baby showers, summer cookouts and more.

Decoration Ideas for Parties

We love a good party here at HGTV and, with so many life events worth celebrating, planning a party as well as decorating for it can seem like daunting tasks — until now. We’re taking the stress out of decorating for a party with our favorite crafty DIY decor ideas. Whether you’re on the hunt for birthday decor ideas or just throwing a summer bash, get party-ready with ideas such as a statement-making party backdrop, DIY garlands, Instagram-worthy photo booths, embellished balloons and easy table decor. Read on to discover our favorite do-it-yourself decoration ideas for parties. MORE FROM:

Party Planning 101 

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No-Sew Table Runner

Zhuzh-up your buffet table in a flash with this effortless accent: a no-sew table runner. Drape a color-coordinating scarf, throw blanket or bandana across your buffet table, with one corner cascading over the front. Secure the fabric to the table with double-sided tape, then use the same adhesive to secure 1-3 heavy coins to the cascaded fabric interior. This addition will ensure the cloth stays put and pretty even on the windiest of days.

SEE MORE PHOTOS: Easy Fourth of July Entertaining Ideas 

Photo-Op Prop

No party is complete without an on-theme photo booth station on site. Grab your pals and snap some pics with this trendy, tropical DIY prop. It’s easy to throw together with a hula hoop and your basic crafting supplies. Plus, the results are so beautiful, your friends won’t believe you made it yourself.

GET THE HOW-TO: DIY Balloon Photo Booth

Dollar Store Candlestick Upgrade

Don’t even think about splurging on over-the-top party decor when you can craft these DIY dollar store candlesticks for a fraction of the price. Grab wallet-friendly candlesticks from your local dollar store and spray-paint each a metallic gold, silver or matte black hue. Intertwine the set with fresh eucalyptus sprigs and stagger the sticks down the center of the table for an opulent look. Keep it classic with white taper candles, or go bold with a vibrant, multi-colored candle collection.

SEE MORE PHOTOS: 38 DIY Dollar Store Wedding Decor Hacks

DIY Donut Board

Have you ever met a donut board that you didn’t love? We sure haven’t. This crowd-pleasing DIY dessert display hits it out of the park every single time. Pair your donut display with a mimosa bar during warm weather months, and keep it oh-so-cozy with an Irish coffee bar when the temps drop. 

DIY Drink Bucket

Entertain on the cheap by turning an inexpensive galvanized bucket into a bright, chic drink receptacle — perfect for summer parties. To make, tape off the areas you don’t want to be painted and use large stickers to spell out your desired word. Give the entire bucket a couple of coats of spray paint, let dry and peel back the tape and stickers to reveal your party-worthy beverage chiller.

Bandana Banner

Forgo the plastic and create a pennant banner that is as unique as it is beautiful. Just fold two bandanas in half to create triangle shapes and tie them together at the corners. Add as many bandanas as you like, and when you’re all done, simply untie and repurpose or store away for your next party.

GET THE HOW-TO + MORE IDEAS: Ring in the 4th of July With 8 Budget-Friendly Party Ideas 

Statement-Making Backdrop

Create a photo-worthy focal point behind your soirée buffet or venue entryway with this whimsical DIY backdrop. The budget-friendly project calls for tissue paper flower kits, paper fans and faux greenery to create an epic, oversized display. Find the step-by-step instructions and a full materials list to get started in the link below.