Get the party started with paper tubes

There are two key elements to successful party decorating:
1. Coordinating pieces
2. A lot of them

But you don't have to break the bank to achieve maximum decorating bliss, so go on, put your wallet away. All you need is a ream of paper, double sided tape, some string, and a bit of time - the perfect ingredients for the perfect party decorating diva, the paper tube! Uh, huh. Paper tube. It can solve any decorating dilemma.

Let's start with coordinating pieces.
You've got a color scheme (if you don't have one yet, I'll wait a moment while you get one)...OK, so you've got a color scheme. Transfer this to a sheet of translucent vellum via your ink jet or with markers or whatever you're handy with. Then, measure the height and the circumference of a votive candle holder, cut the vellum to size, wrap around your votive, secure with double sided tape and you're done! Instant ambiance!

Decorate an entire sheet of paper, roll up and attach string in 3 places, forming a triangle. Gather the strings in the middle and you've got an instant paper lantern. Carry the tube theme throughout your party - even your napkins. Cut short strips of paper, long enough to wrap around a rolled napkin and secure with double sided tape. Go through every detail of your party in your mind and ask yourself, "What can I wrap a paper tube around?" You can wrap vases, silverware, invitations, bowls, plates, cups - it's infinite. And you don't have to decorate your own paper. Save time buy purchasing some funky wrapping paper or scrapbook paper.

Let's focus on the "a lot of them" part of decorating.
Multiples of anything in coordinating colors makes an impact and give parties the "wow" factor you're looking for. Don't just add one small pot of flowers in the center of the table (with your paper tube around the base of the pot). Add 5 or 6 or more - add one to each place setting. Don't just hang a few paper lanterns here and there, hang tons of them. Fill the sky (or your living room ceiling) with paper lanterns, all at different lengths to create interest and drama.

What's neat about paper tubes is they're inexpensive to make, easy to make, and make you look like the hostess with the mostest. You'd better get started...you've got about 50 more paper lanterns to make!

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Info and images provided by the paper-peeps at Anna Bella Stationery.