Making party decorations is not only cheap, quick and easy, but there’s something really satisfying having done it yourself. Plus the savings will give you all the more reason to celebrate. The only thing you have to watch out for is the glue – you don’t want your new streamers following you around all day.

Balloons and streamers

These old party favourites are always a great place to start because they are loud, proud and come at a low cost.

Choose one colour of balloon, or a few matching shades, and attach to a wall with double-sided tape to make giant shapes, letters or numbers.

Crepe paper streamer chandeliers are great for rooms with high ceilings or the outdoors. Cut strips to varying lengths. Fix them to a circular cardboard ring, then attach the ring to the ceiling.

If you are tired of looking at a bathtub full of boring ice – then add in a few water-balloon ice cubes to your ice bucket for a splash of colour (you’ll need to start freezing them a day or two in advance).

If you aren’t done with glamourising your party with colour then twist two or three different-coloured streamers around poles or posts for a maypole effect.

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Lighting

Forget the club scene – glowsticks are a home party planner’s best friend. Hand them out to guests on arrival. Loop a few together and drape them over the fence, toss a handful into the pool, or insert mini glowsticks into balloons before inflating and hang them from trees or the ceiling.

Dust off your Christmas lights early this year and punch holes in the bottom of paper cups and poke each light through to create a string of lanterns. If you have time, you can cover the cups in coloured or patterned paper to suit the theme of your party.

Bunting, garlands and banners

There are limitless options here. Hang them from fences, trees, walls and ceiling or door frames to raise eyebrows – and spirits!

Cut coloured cardboard or paper into circles or triangles and join them together using a needle to thread a piece of string through them all. Alternatively, cut letters out instead to spell words such as ‘Happy Xmas’ – (best not to spell out C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S – you might be late for your own party). Print or photocopy patterns or images onto the paper first for an added effect, or add stickers later for more colour.

Tissue-paper pom-poms are an easy way to add explosions of colour to a room. Simple instructions on making them can be found online. You can easily adjust the size and colour to suit your needs.

With your decorations done so quickly and affordably, you’ll have more time and money to invest in the catering and other party supplies that will make your party a roaring success.