Imagine walking into a party, looking around and seeing beautiful colors all around. As you look closer, you see lots of balloons, streamers, banners, and more. Now, think about designing your own party.  You hope to create an event that your friends and family will remember! You want to make a big impact for your guests. One way this can be achieved is by creating an effective focal point.

Many people think that the more you decorate, the more visual impact your party will have. This can be true…However, you can also and create a single focal point, which can attract just as much attention from your party guests. Let me tell you how!

First, let’s talk about what a focal point is. A focal point is the area where you want to draw the attention of your guests. Normally, it will be the first thing that guests notice as they enter your party space. Also, the focal point tends to be the backdrop for your party activities and photos.

Throughout this article, I will use one of my drawings as an example to give some easy tips for creating your focal point. Here it is:

 

Right away, you can see how this pop of color, against the plain wall, really grabs your attention. Now, I will break this down into 5 smaller, easy-to-do tips for creating your own focal point.

 

1. Balloons

Balloons come in almost every color, therefore can easily be matched to your party’s theme. In this example, they are helium filled and act as a frame to the overall focal point. However, you can fill them with normal air (AKA your breath) and attach them to the corners of the table for a similar effect. This will still help to frame the area, but can save you the cost of purchasing a helium tank.

 

2. Backdrop

Backdrops can be made from nearly anything. I prefer to use disposable table cloths (which also come in a huge variety of colors). You can use a single color, like shown in the drawing, or choose 2 or 3 colors to match your party’s theme. Using a backdrop behind your main table draws your guests in. It creates an interesting visual effect by inexpensively covering a large space, in an otherwise plain room.

 

3. Table Decorations

The ways to decorate your table has unending options. First, start with a table cloth (or two, for the layered look). Then, I like to “fancy it up” by adding a few more decorating details. In the example drawing, I have shown streamers draped across the front. However as mentioned above, you could use balloons on the corners or a row across the top to create a sort of balloon table skirt. If you are having a themed party, you can decorate the table to match your theme…use banners, fringe, character cut-outs,…whatever you like, can be attached to the front and sides of the table to be used as decorations. See some more examples HERE.

 

4. Contrasting background

This item is one that you can do without, but it really brings the eye in…right where you want it! Creating a contrast to your background can be as simple as shown in the drawing: A plain white circle, square, oval, etc. This is a super easy way to create a strong focal point. Plus, it sets the background to make your centerpiece really stand out!

 

5. Centerpiece

In the drawing, you notice the centerpiece right away. All of the above components, drastically help to make the centerpiece a “true centerpiece”! Many people use a cake for their main attraction, but if you are not having cake at your party, there are tons of options. Another popular choice for centerpieces are flowers. Click HERE to see some other unique centerpiece ideas.

 

Also, one extra thing I want to add. If you are in a large party area, you can create multiple focal points. When I throw a party in a bigger space, I usually have at least three or four of these focal areas (ex: cake table, gift table, game and activity area, and food /snack table).  Now go get your party set up and be prepared for your guest to be wowed! The “oohs” and “aahs” that you hear (not to mention all the smiles that you see) will definitely make your day!