Decorating With Tulle for a Sweet 16 Party Head Table

Combine tulle with ribbon to create festive feminine bows.

Because some of your daughter's first days were likely spent in tulle tutus and underskirts, it's only fitting that tulle should help decorate the head table where she'll sit with her closest family and friends at her sweet 16 birthday party celebration. Used alone, or in combination with silk flowers or twinkle lights, tulle swags create a festive atmosphere at clothed tables and highlights the head table for the guest of honor. After the party, recycle the tulle as a bedroom decoration or use it to create an overskirt or underskirt for a graduation or prom gown.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Clear twine or nylon thread
• Sewing needle

Instructions

Tulle Draping

1. Measure the length of the head table in inches. Double the number of inches and divide by 36. Round up to the nearest yard and purchase that amount of 52-inch-wide tulle for draping into swags on the head table.

2. Place the tablecloth on the table and adjust it to the desired length in the front of the table. Add the table skirt, if applicable.

3. Gather the tulle approximately 12 inches from one end and tie a knot around it using the clear twine or thread. Tie the knotted tulle to the corner of one side of the table. If there is no spot where you can tie the knot to the table, use tape or other adhesive to adhere it.

4. Tie another piece of thread or twine around the long portion of the tulle. Slide the tied twine or thread down the tulle until, hanging it from the front edge of the table in the desired spot, it gives the desired depth of swag. Adhere the twine to the table and repeat until there are several swags of tulle draped from the front of the table.

5. Trim the ends of the tulle to the desired length. Cover the knotted twine or thread as desired using coordinating ribbon, silk flowers, or tufts of extra tulle. Add LED twinkle lights throughout the draped tulle if desired.

Tulle Centerpiece Decoration

1. Use gathered tulle as a center runner for the table, adding LED flickering tealights throughout.

2. Create tufts of tulle by cutting a large circle or square from the tulle. Find the center point of the circle or square and wire that center point to a floral pick.

3. Stick the floral picks with tufts of tulle throughout a silk or genuine floral centerpiece to create an ethereal look. Add smaller tulle tufts to coordinate in each napkin ring.

Tips & Warnings

• Utilize scraps of tulle to create favors for guests at the party. Use a 10-inch square or rectangle of tulle to contain a few wrapped chocolates, tied into a pouch with a 3-inch-long piece of 1/4-inch-wide ribbon. Add a business-card-sized tag thanking guests for their attendance. Place one pouch at each of the seats throughout the party room, as well as at the head table.

• Don't use draping tulle or tulle tufts near burning candles; an air vent could blow the lightweight fabric into the flame.

References

• "Your Guide to Creativity"; Beverly Rivers

Resources

• Birthdays Without Pressure