Party Spot - Party Style: Decorate It Your Way

Streamers and balloons? Sure. But if you're feeling your party needs that extra something special, decorations are one area where you can really wow your crowd. But where to begin? Right here, with our list of what's what, plus cool ideas for each one.

Entryways
Make the entrance grand and everyone will be in the mood to party as soon as they're in the door. Just be sure you check with your location beforehand (if it's not your home) to be sure that they're okay with your plans.

Hang a beaded curtain -- they come with beads in all kinds of different shapes and colors. Or layer two for a funkier effect.

Sheer curtains (so you get just a hint of the party inside) are another cool option.

Lay down a carpet (red or otherwise) to lead revelers inside. You don't need to unroll an actual carpet -- get several yards of inexpensive fabric, trim it to fit, and use heavy-duty double-sided tape to keep it in place.

Tablecloths
How can you possibly make tablecloths cool? Simple.

Don't settle for basic white. If you're renting linens, ask about your other options (or bug your parents till they ask) that fit your theme and colors.

If you have to keep it simple, consider using an overlay -- it's a way smaller tablecloth that sits on top of the main one as an accent. Using a sheer overlay (so you can see the other color beneath it) can also create a pretty effect.

An easy (and cool looking) way to dress up plain cloths? Use colorful ribbons or strips of lace in varying lengths laid parallel to each other (like stripes) or all running through the center of the table (to create a giant star shape). Sticky tac or a few well-placed safety pins are all it takes to keep your creation in place.

Place Settings
Everyone gets a fork, knife, and spoon, but there's plenty of other fun stuff you can add to spice up your tables (and get your guests gabbing).

If you're giving out favors, pack them up in cute bags or boxes and tie 'em up with matching ribbon. Leave one at the center of each plate to dress up your tables and surprise your friends.

Go crazy with color. If you're renting tableware, ask about your options -- funky colored glasses, plates, even napkins will brighten up your tables and give your party some extra pop.

Other cool table add-ons? Consider giving each table a disposable camera (or even one of the new disposable video cameras) to capture some of the action. Just make sure one of your friends or family members remembers to collect them at the end of the night. You'll wind up with tons of great candid party pics.

Centerpieces
Another way to prettify your tables is with centerpieces. The right ones can up your party's chic factor immeasurably. Whatever you choose, just be sure your guests can see (and reach) around it -- you don't want them impeding the conversation flow.

Flowers are always in fashion, but you don't have to pick blooms for your tables. If flowers aren't your thing, consider other options -- whether jars of candy, piles of "gifts" wrapped in papers and ribbons that match your theme, vases or bottles filled with colored water (sans flowers), or your monogram spelled out with a stack of giant letter blocks. Practically anything can be a centerpiece.

Another cute idea: Get inexpensive frames that match your theme and colors, and fill them with photos of your guests. Each table can have a cluster of pics of the peeps sitting there (and you, of course!).

If you're not having a seated meal, you might still want a few centerpiece-style elements to dress up a cake table or the gift area. Another option: Spice up those plain tabletops with a few handfuls of confetti or sequins.

Dance Floor
It's where you'll spend most of the night anyway, right? Make it the perfect setting for dancing (and drama -- hey, you never know!).

A little lighting goes a long way. Ask your band or DJ if they can provide colored spotlights, or improvise your own with colored bulbs. You can stick to hues that match your theme or go crazy with wild washes of color -- it's your call. The super-pricy option? Get a spotlight with your monogram in it.

Make it the center of attention by decorating what's above it. Inexpensive paper lanterns, strings of Christmas lights, or billowing swags of tulle all make it clear where the action is.

Set up some chairs or a bench to create a space next to the dance floor where people can take a break without totally leaving the action -- crucial when you're having this much fun.

-- Kate Wood
photo: Michael Grand