Four Ingenious Ideas to Help You Host the Ultimate Summer Soiree

Party Bowls 

Step 1: Gather Your Materials 

The first idea I experimented with was creating my very own party bowls. Realizing that I’m always short on plates and dishes when I decide to entertain, I thought it would be handy to create something inexpensive but useful so that it didn’t matter if they ended up being dropped by clumsy guests. 

To make these, I gathered together:

• Balloons
• A jar
• Mod Podge
• Confetti
• A needle
• Scissors

Step 2: Glue Dots and Confetti to Balloon 

Want to give it a go? Okay! To start making your bowls, you’ll need to blow up a balloon. It’s a good idea to use a jar to balance this on, as it’s easier to do if it’s anchored in place. Taking your Mod Podge (or another suitable glue) apply a liberal layer onto the top half of the balloon.

Once you've covered the surface, grab your confetti and sprinkle it onto the glue. It’s entirely up to you what sort of confetti you use, so simply choose an option that takes your fancy and is in keeping with the theme and/or occasion. 

When you’ve fully covered the top half of the balloon, apply a second layer of Mod Podge over the top of the confetti. 

Step 3: Pop the Balloon and Remove the Bowl 

Once you’ve given the glue long enough to dry, the next step is to take your needle and pop the balloon. Removing this from your newly created bowl, trim around the edges to create a neat and even finish.

Step 4: Enjoy 

With your bowl complete, fill it full of tasty treats, sit back, and enjoy the slew of compliments you’re about to receive! 

Outdoor Lanterns 

Step 1: Gather Your Materials 

Once you have a set of beautiful bowls to display at your party, why not try your hand at making some pretty outdoor lanterns too? To do this, you’ll need:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 tsp of salt
• Flowers
• Paper
• A jar
• A balloon
• Glue
• A pin
• Scissors
• An artificial candle

To begin creating your lantern, you’re first going to need to papier mache your balloon. Mix a cup of water, a cup of flour, and a teaspoon of salt, stirring these until your mixture has a consistent texture throughout.

Step 2: Attach Papier Mache to the Balloon

Taking a piece of paper, tear it into strips, before soaking these in the mixture. Wipe off any excess moisture and apply across the surface of the balloon (which you can balance in your jar) until it’s fully covered, before leaving to dry. 

Step 3: Decorate with Flowers and Leaves

With that done, it’s time to take your flowers and remove the stems from the heads. It’s entirely up to you what colour and type of bloom you choose, so feel free to opt for something you like the look of. Dab some Mod Podge onto your now-dry balloon and stick your petals to the surface, spreading them around to create a pretty floral design.  

Step 4: Remove the Balloon and Fill with Lights 

Next up, take your pin and use it to pop the balloon, before removing it from the interior of your lantern. With this done, use the scissors to trim any excess from around the rim, to create a neat and professional finish. Add an artificial candle, switch it to ‘on’, and voila! A gorgeous floral lantern! 

Easy Clean Up Ice

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

This next one is super easy, but it’s a great hack for making your ice easier to clean up. All you’ll need to get started is some balloons. 

Step 2: Fill with Water and Freeze 

Taking your balloons, fill them slightly (roughly to the size of a water balloon) before tying the ends. Place these in your freezer for approximately four hours, before removing just in time for your guests to arrive. 

Step 3: Fill a Bowl with Balloons and Add Drinks 

Last but not least, take a bowl and fill it to the brim with your now-frozen balloons. Insert any drinks you want to keep cool for a DIY ice bucket that doesn’t leave any mess. 

DIY Bug Repellent Candles 

Step 1: Gather Your Materials 

Assuming you’re hosting outside, you might also want to try your hand at creating some DIY bug repellent candles, especially if your event is scheduled for the summer months. To make this, you’ll need:

• A glass
• A wick
• Glue
• A pencil
• Citronella oil
• Wax
• A balloon
• Scissors

Step 2: Attach Wick

To get started, you’ll need to attach your wick to the base of your glass. You can do this using a glue gun or any suitable adhesive. Once it’s attached, take your pencil and wrap the wick around it, resting the pencil across the top of your glass. This is to stop your wick from being covered over by wax once you begin making the candle.  

Step 3: Melt Wax and Add Citronella Oil

Once you have your wick and glass ready, take your wax and pour this into your saucepan, heating until it melts. Add in a few drops of citronella oil and mix the two liquids together.  

Step 4: Pour 

With your mixing completed, pour the liquid into your glass, being careful not to get any on the wick. Leave this to dry before removing the pencil and trimming the wick down to the correct height. 

Step 5: Decorate with Balloons 

Last but not least, take a balloon and snip the bottom off. Place this around the glass to add a super cute and party-appropriate pop of color.  

When it comes to creating sweet but cheap party decorations, I’ve discovered there are plenty of DIY hacks to keep expenses to a minimum. Why not give these four ingenious ideas a try the next time you’re entertaining?

For another party décor idea read this guide on How to Make a Balloon Garland!