How to Decorate for an Elegant Black and White Ball

Black and white themed parties provide a host of decoration options that are dramatic, stylish and relatively easy to arrange. Set the tone for the ball with the invitations and carry it through in the decorations, dress code, beverages and refreshments. Give both the colors equal prominence when decorating the venue so everything falls into place perfectly and creates a harmonious, well-balanced look. Begin assembling or creating handmade decorations weeks before the ball.

Things You'll Need

• Black and white helium balloons
• Black and white ribbons
• Scissors
• Black and white construction paper
• Star-shaped stencils
• Glue
• Black and white glitter
• Tape
• Hole puncher
• Fishing line
• Black and white party lights
• Black and white slipcovers
• 2- to 3-foot-wide black and white tulle
• White linen
• Long-stemmed white roses or carnations
• Black vases or shallow containers

Instructions

1. Tie a length of black ribbon to the end of a white helium balloon. Let the balloon float to the ceiling, with the ribbon trailing behind it on the floor. Clip off the ribbon at a point slightly above your head. Repeat the procedure of securing lengths of black ribbons to white balloons, and also lengths of white ribbon to black balloons, to create an eye-catching balloon arrangement.

2. Stencil an assortment of large and small stars on black and white construction paper, or outline them by hand. Cut over the outlines with sharp scissors. Apply a bead of glue along the edges of each star, and sprinkle black glitter over white stars, and white or silver glitter or black stars. Allow the glue to dry before taping the stars to walls or strategic spots throughout the venue. You can also punch a hole through the top of each star and extend fishing ling through it and hang the decoration from the ceiling, arch, tree branch or post.

3. Wind black and white party lights around columns, pillars, tree branches or the entrance for subtle illumination. Group strands of lights and extend them from one corner of the ceiling to another.

4. Spread white silk slipcovers on half the chairs in the venue, and black silk slipcovers on the other half to balance the color. Wind 2- to 3-foot wide black tulle around the back of a seat covered in a white slipcover. Join the ends of the tulle, extend them to the back and knot them in a large decorative bow. Create bows from white tulle for seats covered in black slipcovers.

5. Spread fresh white linen on the table. Create attractive centerpiece arrangements for the tables using white roses or carnations. Pour water into a tall black vase until halfway full. Insert an odd number of white long-stemmed flowers into the vase to create an attractive arrangement. Alternatively, create a floating arrangement for each table by clipping each floral stem down to 1/2-inch and lowering it into a shallow black container half-filled with water.

References

• Birthday Party Ideas 101: Black and White Party Decorations to Adorn and Transform Your Venue!
• Birthday Party Ideas 101: Black and White Party Ideas to Help You Host the Event of the Season!
• Celebrations: Black and White Party Decorations
• Invitation Consultants: How to Throw An Unforgettable Theme Party