Trends come and go. Some are good and we want them to stay longer. Others are bad, and then you have those that should have never been an idea in the first place. All trends, the good, bad, and oh-no-you-didn’t, live on Pinterest. Remember, Pinterest is a search engine so you could be looking for one thing and find something else from 20 years ago. If you can’t update it to look fresh and new, let it stay right where you found it!
There are some trends that are ageless and can be repurposed or re-inspired with the right designer and imagination. Today we are going to look at eight different party trends that stand the test of time and will take you through 2021 and into 2022 with a lot of new ways to spin them.
Trend 1: Organic Balloon Garlands
First, organic balloon garlands are naturally flowing and stylish sculptures that set the mood of the party. This is different from a classic balloon garland that uses clusters of the same size throughout to create a defined frame or structure. Dress up an organic balloon garland with flowers and pampas grass or use them as an outline to a backdrop.
GIRLFRIEND TIP: I do not recommend using a balloon garland as a table runner. First of all, it takes up so much space on the table that you’ll have little space left for your place settings and the height of the balloons cuts down on kids being able to see each other over the balloons. PLUS…let’s get real…what kid isn’t going to be tempted to pick up and play with a bunch of balloons that are blocking their view.
Trend 2: Pampas Arrangements
Pampas grass is a tall reed-like structure that blends well in floral arrangements and gives a very boho style or safari vibe to the party. It has a natural flow and can be used in low table settings or teepee parties. Because pampas grass looks different depending on the place it comes from, you get endless opportunities to make it work in any arrangement you need.
GIRLFRIEND TIP: DO NOT display pampas grass too close to an open flame as it is very flammable and will ignite quickly. Any candles should be spaced out so the flame doesn’t get too close or blow towards the grass in the wind.
Trend 3: Printed Backdrops & Floor Decals
A printed backdrop will add such a personalized touch to the party space. Consider the theme of the party and incorporate the backdrop as a background for the guest of honor or as its own photo spot. If you prefer a floor decal, make it something fun and imaginative that will entertain the kids and also dress up the space.
GIRLFRIEND TIP: Be sure to get your venue’s approval first before including a floor decal in your party’s décor plan. When ordering a printed backdrop, the most popular are made of vinyl, but be aware that you will have glare. Consider a paper backdrop but you will have to have a flat wall to hang it on as opposed to a backdrop stand used for most vinyl backdrops.
Trend 4: Personalized Treat Favors
Personalizing desserts, cakes, and other treats has been around for a while and is one that will undoubtedly last. Clients love to see their theme or their names written creatively on treat favors! Check with your local baker and see if you can bring in a photo or design idea to personalize your cake, cupcakes, or cookies or even pre-packaged cotton candy with personalized labels! You can order them HERE.
GIRLFRIEND TIP: Wow your client and order a personalized treat for all RSVP’d guests and place one at each guest’s place setting as a placecard! This is a way to cut down on the mad dash for who sits where that ALWAYS happens at kids parties! Y’all know what I’m talking about!
Trend 5: Teepee Slumber Parties
For the ultimate slumber party, jump on this new trend today and add personalized teepee sleepovers to your list of party packages! Get everything you need to make the party a magical experience. Once you have the teepee set, you can theme the party any way you want to go – from the trendy TikTok, girls glamping or safari party. Use Etsy and find a professional who can help you or rent out their materials or sell them to you.
GIRLFRIEND TIP: There are many vendors who are selling these teepees now so you can easily add them to your inventory as well as pillows, blankets, mattresses, etc. No need to buy a bunch additional themed décor for these as teepee sleepover parties can be used with almost any theme.
Trend 6: Food & Treat Stations
Candy tables have been around for a while now and instead of a trend…it has become a staple in party planning. A more recent twist has been interactive food and treat stations that are kid-friendly and allows your guests to serve themselves. Make the food/treat stations part of the experience during the party. Food/treat stations with churros, cotton candy, snow cones and even a mocktail bar will definitely draw attention.
GIRLFRIEND TIP: Consider the theme of the party to guide you on the types of food/treat stations that will enhance the theme. For example…a cotton candy station would be perfect for a circus or carnival themed party.
Trend 7: Balloon Mosaics
Balloon mosaics is a super popular party design trend created by Lilly Jimenez of The Creative Heart Studio. Now, you see them everywhere! This trend expands on the balloon garlands and takes it to another level. A balloon mosaic can include numbers, letters, and lighting. It is up to you and your imagination!
GIRLFRIEND TIP: DO NOT go small here. Balloon mosaics are meant to be a statement piece and stand out on their own. Use the mosaic to highlight a focal point like an entryway or display table or photo spot.
Trend 8: Jumbo Marquee Letters
Another great statement piece are marquee letters. Go simple with one word or number, or create an entire phrase and sentence. These signs light up and can also be used as table numbers. Make sure your inventory is diverse enough to use these letters at multiple parties on the same day. Some popular phrases for kids’ parties include: O-N-E, B-A-B-Y, P-A-R-T-Y. You can also keep in your inventory multiple kids milestone numbers such as 1, 15 and 16.
GIRLFRIEND TIP: DO NOT forget your storage needs. These letters are large, so you will need a large enough space to store all the letters/numbers and still be easily accessible. Keep them sorted and organized so you can pull them out quickly if you plan to rent them as well.
Trends can be good and bad. Some have staying power, while others should never exist from the beginning. Be aware of your market and know what works best for you. Always use the inspiration available and customize any trend to work with your style.
Be The Next Trendsetter!
Trends are usually started by us…party planners coming up with new, innovative and creative party decor to enhance a theme or solve a problem. After the trend takes off, you will typically see the trend show up for sale in big box stores, but almost always, the idea originated from a small business owner who saw the need for something new. Etsy is a great place to look for these customized pieces. When you shop on Etsy as opposed to other mass retailers, you are supporting the small businesses who helped create the original idea. BE THAT PERSON!
Download the Kids Party Trend Guide to keep all the latest trends on your radar. The guide highlights the trends we discussed and provides additional tips that you should keep in mind when including some of these trends in your next party. Download it here.
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