Alongside decorating my home and studio, hosting small get-togethers has become one of my favorite activities. I enjoy developing party themes, hunting for distinctive tableware, and devising DIY decorations—from photo booth backdrops to handmade centerpieces.
I’m excited to be working with ASTROBRIGHTS® Papers this year as a Bright Life Ambassador, sharing colorful, budget-friendly party ideas that use their bold, vivid color palette.
I’ve partnered with Astrobrights for years (see my dayglo Christmas party and neon Thanksgiving ideas for other ways I use their paper). When I need saturated, vibrant color, Astrobrights is my go-to. It’s available in multiple weights, which helps when projects require different paper thicknesses.
For this first post in the series, I challenged myself to use a single material for nearly every element of the party: paper. Using paper keeps the projects accessible, easy to recreate, and very budget-friendly.
Below are step-by-step descriptions and tips for recreating each of the DIY projects featured in this colorful party.
DIY Basketweave Photo Booth Backdrop
Photo booth backdrops make instant visual impact and double as a focal piece for the room. I follow two simple rules when making backdrops: it must be quick and easy, and it should match the party’s color scheme so it feels cohesive.
This basketweave-style backdrop took under 30 minutes and uses only scissors, tape, and colorful paper. I used Astrobrights in Pulsar Pink, Fireball Fuchsia, Cosmic Orange, and Sunburst Yellow.
Instructions: Cut strips of paper 2 inches wide by 10 inches long. Fold a small tab at each end, and tape those folded tabs to the wall so the folds sit inside each loop. Continue creating loops in a staggered, woven pattern until you’ve covered the desired area. Vary the color placement for a lively, dynamic effect.
Geometric DIY Centerpiece
Rather than a traditional floral arrangement, I created a geometric centerpiece by wrapping wooden blocks with bright paper. For a birthday, you can use wrapped gifts stacked in the center for a similar layered look. I mixed wrapped blocks with some unwrapped geometric wood pieces to introduce texture and contrast.
Colors used for the wrapped blocks matched the backdrop and included additional shades like Venus Violet and Terrestrial Teal for depth.
3D Paper Shapes
To enhance the centerpiece, I made three-dimensional paper shapes by folding and taping 1-inch strips of Astrobrights paper into polygons and loops. These small sculptural elements are simple to make and add visual interest and height to the table.
Colorful Paper Chargers
To create contrast between white plates and a white tablecloth, I cut paper chargers by tracing a bowl slightly larger than each plate and cutting out the circles. These quick, inexpensive chargers add color and help define each place setting.
Josef Albers–Inspired Party Favors
For party favors, I wrapped small chocolate boxes in bright paper and glued layered squares on top to echo Josef Albers’ color studies. Placed at each setting, these favors serve as both a gift and a mini artwork—easy to assemble and visually cohesive with the rest of the décor.
Photography by Amelia Tatnall
Styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
For more ideas and inspiration to colorize your life, check Astrobrights’ social channels or their product offerings—their bright palette is ideal for DIY party projects.
What paper projects do you enjoy creating? If you had to pick one DIY from this post, which would you choose? I’d love to hear your favorites and any variations you try.
—
This post is in partnership with Astrobrights, a brand I’ve used and love. Thanks for supporting the companies that help keep Paper & Stitch going.