| There are many ways a balloon artist could teach | | | | gaps between flowers and adds a touch of |
| you how to make balloon centerpieces. This is | | | | nature’s lace. Ribbons are wrapped around |
| because there are endless centerpiece designs | | | | flower stems to make them stand tall, and |
| that can be made – which is good news for | | | | sometimes little ornamental birds, teddy bears or |
| you! As a result, you can create almost any type | | | | hearts are thrown in, as well. Mirror that concept |
| of balloon centerpiece for your wedding or party. | | | | for balloon centerpieces. |
| All you need are a few good techniques and ideas | | | | For tall centerpieces, use a clear dowel centered |
| and then let your imagination run wild. | | | | and firmly attached to a square block of wood |
| First, consider the atmosphere of your event. If | | | | (your base). Wrap the wood in matching fabric or |
| it’s a wedding, you probably want something | | | | foil wrapping paper. Inflate four balloons 12” |
| elegant, beautiful, and almost serious in nature. | | | | balloons, tying off the balloons together in pairs. |
| You want something sophisticated enough to | | | | This means you’d inflate first one balloon, hold |
| represent the Four Seasons hotel and not | | | | it pinched in your fingers, blow up the second |
| something that says Motel 6. However, if | | | | balloon and then tie those two balloons together |
| you’re throwing a birthday party, serious | | | | at the neck. Do the same with the next two |
| might be reserved for parties for really serious | | | | balloons. Now, twist these two pairs of balloons |
| people but, for the most part, you want color and | | | | together at the neck and lay them flat. You’ll |
| fun and bright, shiny balloon decorations. | | | | have four balloons that are joined together. |
| Next, determine the size of your centerpiece. Do | | | | Attach this set of four balloons at the base of |
| you want something big, tall and eye-catching? | | | | your column by wrapping any two of the balloons |
| These types of centerpieces work well for buffet | | | | around the column and then twisting one balloon |
| tables but make sure you don’t use any | | | | over the other to secure it to the base. You can |
| items that might fall into food – glitter ribbon, | | | | twist again with another of the two balloons just |
| for example, might be a bad idea. | | | | to be safe. |
| You can also use tall balloon centerpieces in the | | | | Take four 5” balloons in coordinating color and |
| middle of the tables at which your guests will eat. | | | | do the same, attaching them to the base as the |
| Make these types of centerpieces bulky at the | | | | second layer. Tie a nice bow around the column |
| bottom, narrow in the line of site of folks sitting | | | | just above the 5” balloons. |
| at the table and then bulky again at the top. Think | | | | Repeat the process at the top of the column and |
| of a tree with flowers at the bottom, a trunk | | | | top the centerpiece off with a coordinating Mylar |
| (the part of the centerpiece your guests can see | | | | balloon. Mylar balloons come in great shapes and |
| around) and all the leaves on the top. | | | | themes so you’ll easily be able to find one |
| Another option for eating areas is to make short | | | | that’s perfect for your event. |
| centerpieces that your guests can easily see over | | | | For short centerpieces, find a container that will |
| and can pass food and plates over without getting | | | | be your base. You could use a short, wide basket |
| tangled in your centerpiece. The trick is to think | | | | or a small, silver pail. Put florist’s foam into |
| ahead and pretend you’re already at the | | | | the base of your container. Tie small balloons to |
| event. | | | | balloon sticks and insert the end of the stick in |
| Assuming you’ve determined whether or not | | | | the foam to make an arrangement. Wrap the |
| your balloon centerpiece needs to be one of | | | | balloons in ribbons or bows or insert other unique |
| stately elegance or one of wild fun and | | | | accessories using the balloon sticks to arrange |
| you’ve determined it’s overall shape – | | | | these in the centerpiece. |
| tall or short – it’s time to design the | | | | You’ll learn best how to make a balloon |
| centerpiece itself. | | | | centerpiece through practice. Make your first one |
| Coming up with balloon decorations is much like | | | | and then another and another and soon you’ll |
| arranging flowers. Notice how a bouquet of | | | | find new, creative ways to make each |
| flowers often has an assortment of flowers, | | | | centerpiece uniquely different and a beautiful piece |
| colors and textures? Baby’s breath fills in the | | | | of art for weddings and birthday parties. |