21st Birthday Decorations

by Giorgina Devereaux

If you are at a loss as to how to decorate your special event, here are some ideas to help make it memorable.

Choose a Theme

A great way to know what decorations to select is by first picking a theme. 

You can do a theme party, such as casino, fiesta, Western, rock and roll, disco, a Hawaiian luau, Mardi Gras, or any other idea you have in mind.  Be creative.   

After choosing a theme, you are ready to shop for your 21^st birthday decorations.

Balloons

Balloons add color to any party and help fill in an empty ceiling, especially one with a lot of height. 

You can opt for different balloon arrangements in the colors of your choice. 

This will bring the wow factor to your party.

Types of Balloon Arrangements

Arch:  You can arrange a single row of helium latex balloons to form an attractive archway. 

More elaborate balloon arch arrangements include a heart arch, leaping arches, a spiral arch, and a star arch.

A heart arch is an arrangement of balloons in the shape of a heart.  It looks absolutely beautiful and may be appropriate if throwing a party for a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend.

A leaping arch consists of long rows of balloons that overlap one another.  

A spiral arch is a full twisted arch that consists of balloons filled with helium. 

These balloons are attached to decorated brick weights.  

A star arch will make you the star of the night. 

It is an arch that features a series of balloons sculpted into a star. 

Consider alternating colors for added variety.  An arch can be used to decorate the area above your table, over the entrance, over the cake table, or to accent an area that you’d like to be the focal point of your 21st birthday decorations.

Double Bubble Bouquets:  This is where a smaller colored latex balloon is inflated inside a larger and clear latex balloon.  Double bubble balloons are generally used as the top balloon in a bouquet.  Use it in the center, along with a collar of smaller balloons underneath each double bubble balloon. 

Fantasy Clouds:  Fantasy clouds look as though they are floating in the air.  It is a popular balloon arrangement for 21st birthday decorations that is commonly used in the area above the tables and also makes a great accent when displayed in a row of three (spaced accordingly) behind the main table.  

Heart Sculpture:  A heart sculpture makes a fabulous photo backdrop.  It is comprised of smaller balloons in the colors of your choice arranged in a heart shaped pattern. 

Spiral Columns:  These are balloons that are arranged in the shape of a column and topped with a large latex or foil balloon. 

Topiary Balls:  This is a fabulous alternative to a fantasy cloud balloon arrangement.  It is arranged in a round shape using 12 latex balloons and then attached to a line decorated with draping tulle. 
 

Ceiling Decor

In addition to ceiling decor, including an assortment of multi-colored balloon arrangements, you can also decorate the ceiling with streamers, Happy Birthday dangles, and a Happy Birthday cascade.

Floral arrangements

Floral arrangements are a nice way to add a decorative touch to your 21st birthday decorations while bringing fragrance to your party.  You can decorate your tables with a floral centerpiece. 

A great way to save on fresh cut floral arrangements is by purchasing silk flowers.  These flowers are reusable and you don’t have to worry about them wilting.

Cake Table Decor

The cake table is one of the focal points of the party.  To spruce up your cake table, consider incorporating a nice table cloth.  For added drama, sprinkle some decorative confetti around the birthday cake and attach a colorful bow to the front of the table. 
 

Table Decor

First and foremost, a table cloth will be a must-have as part of your table decor. 

There are many colors to choose from and you can go with either linen or a paper table cloth. 

You can find a coordinating set of paper plates and napkins to brighten up the table, along with a colorful set of cutlery. 

For the lighting, consider a light up martini glass, a flashing margarita glass, or flashing shot glasses on each table. 

Sprinkle confetti around the lighting for that extra effect. 
 

You can also opt for a tea candle displayed in a nice candle holder or LED tea candle lights that flicker. 

The back of each chair can be dressed up with a lovely bow that is attached to colorful tulle.  Don't limit yourself to ordinary 21st birthday decorations.

Signature Mat and Portrait Display:  A fabulous way to make your birthday memorable is to display a portrait of yourself and have all the guests sign the mat with a nice message. 

This is something that you will look back on for many years to come.

Party Favors:  There are many different colors, styles, and types of favor filler candy to choose from for your 21st birthday decorations. 

It’s a great way to remember this important event and your guests will have a little treasure to bring home with them.