30+ Cheap Party Decorations and Ideas for Halloween, Christmas, and More

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Planning an event doesn’t have to be expensive when you have the right cheap party decorations and ideas to work with. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, baby shower, or casual dinner party, there are plenty of simple ways to decorate without spending too much.

This list includes a variety of DIY party decorations and homemade party decorations that are easy to make and look great. You’ll find ideas using everyday items like paper, balloons, string lights, and a few craft supplies. Most of them are quick to put together and work for all types of occasions.

If you’re trying to save money while still making your party look special, these ideas are a great place to start. They’re creative, budget-friendly, and easy to personalize for any celebration.

DIY Party decorations for Adults 

1. Giant Crepe Paper Flowers

These oversized crepe paper blooms make a stunning visual statement without blowing your budget. You can use them as a whimsical photo backdrop, table centerpiece, or wall accent, depending on your theme.

The materials are inexpensive, and the results look like they came straight from a designer. They’re a perfect example of how DIY party decorations can add major flair to any celebration.

2. Banner Photo

A personalized photo banner adds charm and nostalgia to your party setup. You can string together favorite snapshots using twine and mini clothespins or have them printed with themed designs for a professional touch.

It’s a great way to celebrate milestones while keeping the decor meaningful. Guests will love reminiscing as they walk by this simple but thoughtful addition.

3. DIY Painted Candle Sticks

Transform plain candlesticks into eye-catching decor with a little paint and creativity. Use party colors, pastels, or metallics to match your setup, then arrange them down the table or around the food area for a chic touch.

These work beautifully for both indoor and outdoor parties. Plus, they double as homemade party decorations that you can reuse for future gatherings.

4. Color-Themed Balloon Display

Create a dreamy photo spot or party entrance with a soft, color-coordinated balloon arrangement like this. Stick to a palette of blush, ivory, and metallics to keep things stylish and cohesive, then add mini bows or florals for texture.

Whether for a bridal shower, birthday, or outdoor celebration, this display brings instant sophistication without overspending.

5. DIY Fringe Backdrop with Tissue Paper

Layered fringe made of tissue paper creates texture and color that instantly livens up any party wall.

Hang it behind your dessert table or use it as a selfie station. It’s lightweight, low-cost, and easy to customize. Choose ombré, rainbow, or solid tones depending on the vibe.

6. Simple Polaroid Photo Booth Corner

Create a playful photo booth with a giant Polaroid-style frame like the one in this outdoor setup. All you need is a lightweight board cut into a square, some markers for names or dates, and sticks or poles to prop it up.

Guests can step behind the frame and snap memorable photos that look like real Polaroids.

7. DIY Table Runner

You don’t have to buy expensive linens when you can craft a table runner that fits your theme perfectly. Use kraft paper, fabric scraps, or even old maps to create a bold centerpiece runner.

Add simple lettering, drawn designs, or stamps for extra flair. This is a subtle yet stylish way to dress up your table without breaking the bank.

8. Painted Glass Bottles

Painted glass bottles are one of the easiest ways to bring color and elegance to your setup. Use recycled bottles and coat them in pastel, gold, or chalk paint to match the party vibe.

Fill them with single-stem flowers, fairy lights, or colored water for a beautiful table or shelf accent. They’re charming, eco-friendly, and practically free.

9. Welcome Chalkboard Sign

A small chalkboard can serve as a welcome sign, menu board, or party game station. You can repurpose old frames with chalkboard paint or use black cardstock in a pinch.

Handwritten messages make everything feel more personal and warm. It’s a thoughtful and functional decoration that adds character without much cost.

Affordable Birthday Party Ideas

10. Cheap Cupcake Tower

Turn cupcakes into a showstopping centerpiece with a simple tiered stand like this. Whether you use a store-bought stand or DIY one with trays and spacers, stacking treats in layers adds instant height and charm to your dessert table.

Mix flavors and frosting styles for a bakery-style look without bakery prices. It’s a beautiful and affordable way to serve sweets that guests will love to admire and devour.

11. Healthy Birthday Snack Table

Create a birthday snack table filled with fresh fruit skewers, popcorn cups, veggie sticks, and low-sugar treats. Use colorful platters and fun labels to make everything inviting without adding processed snacks.

It’s perfect for health-conscious families and picky eaters alike. Everyone will appreciate the balance of flavor, variety, and presentation.

12. Candy Bar Ideas

A candy bar is a sweet way to let guests mix and match their favorite treats. Use glass jars, bowls, or clear containers to display candy in your theme colors.

Add scoops, small bags, and a fun label sign to complete the setup. It’s simple, stylish, and works for birthdays, weddings, or holiday parties on any budget.

13. Outdoor Cinema

Turn your backyard into a movie night dream with a white sheet or portable screen, some cozy seating, and string lights overhead. Add blankets, bean bags, and a popcorn station to make things feel extra special.

It’s an easy way to entertain a group and create a laid-back vibe that feels magical. Plus, it costs less than taking everyone to the theater.

14. Birthday Backdrop

A statement backdrop instantly makes your party photos pop. Use streamers, fringe curtains, balloons, or fabric to frame the dessert table or photo area.

You can match your theme colors or go bold with patterns and props. It’s an affordable way to pull your whole party look together while giving guests a fun spot for pictures.

Cheap Christmas Party Decorations

15. Christmas Wreath Made with Candy Canes

This festive wreath uses candy canes shaped into hearts or circles for a sweet and charming door accent. Hot glue, ribbon, and a touch of greenery are all you need to make it look polished.

Hang it on your front door or use it as a centerpiece. It’s low-cost, playful, and brings a seasonal twist to your holiday décor.

16. Paper Snowflake Garland

Create a dreamy winter vibe with handmade snowflake garlands hung across windows, walls, or tables. Fold and cut paper into intricate snowflake shapes, then string them together with twine or thread.

It’s an easy activity to do with kids or friends and adds that classic snowy feel indoors. The best part? It only takes a few sheets of paper.

17. DIY Clear Christmas Ornaments

Clear fillable ornaments are the perfect blank canvas for your creativity. Add glitter, tiny messages, faux snow, or colorful confetti to personalize each one.

You can hang them on the tree or give them out as party favors. It’s a relaxing, hands-on craft that makes your holiday decor feel more thoughtful and unique.

18. Christmas Tree Napkin Fold

A folded napkin in the shape of a tree instantly adds holiday flair to your table. Use green cloth napkins and finish with a decorative topper like a tiny star or cinnamon stick.

It’s a simple detail that guests will notice and love. You don’t need fancy tableware when small creative touches do the trick.

19. DIY Hot Cocoa Bar

Turn a basic Santa hat into a cheerful holiday door piece by filling it with faux greenery, ribbon, candy canes, and a playful elf figure.

Hang it upside down so the brim becomes a festive “vase” and secure everything with floral foam or hot glue. This fun twist on a wreath adds personality and charm while staying budget-friendly.

20. Santa Hat Door DIY

Turn a basic Santa hat into a cheerful holiday door piece by filling it with faux greenery, ribbon, candy canes, and a playful elf figure.

Hang it upside down so the brim becomes a festive “vase” and secure everything with floral foam or hot glue. This fun twist on a wreath adds personality and charm while staying budget-friendly.

21. Gingerbread Cookie wreath

Bake or buy gingerbread cookies and arrange them in a circle to create a sweet-smelling wreath centerpiece.

Use frosting to hold them in place, then decorate with candies and ribbon. This doubles as decor and a treat your guests can nibble on. It brings warmth and fun to the table with minimal effort.

22. Christmas Stockings DIY

Personalized stockings add charm and functionality to your celebration. Use fabric, felt, or even old sweaters to stitch or glue your own festive designs.

Add names or initials to make each stocking feel special. Hang them on the wall, fireplace, or gift table to instantly bring in the holiday spirit.

Affordable Halloween Party Decorations

23. Cheesecloth Ghosts

These floating ghosts are spooky, cute, and super easy to make. Drape cheesecloth over balloons or cups, spray with starch, and let dry to form ghostly shapes.

Add eyes and hang them from the ceiling or trees for an eerie touch. Perfect for indoor or backyard Halloween parties without the cost of big props.

24. Twisted Halloween Candle

These squiggly ghost candles bring a playful yet eerie touch to any Halloween setup. Use bendable taper candles and draw simple ghost faces with a black marker to create this fun floating effect.

Pair them with black candle holders and fuzzy spider accents for extra creep factor. They’re eye-catching on a mantel, shelf, or snack table and make a big impact using just a few affordable materials.

25. Mummy Toilet Paper Roll

This fun craft turns a toilet paper roll into a mini mummy using gauze, googly eyes, and a bit of glue. Place them on tables, gift bags, or even string them together for a themed garland.

It’s cheap, easy, and great for kids’ parties or quick Halloween accents. Plus, you probably already have the materials at home.

26. Mini Cauldron Candy Holders

Mini plastic cauldrons filled with candy or treats make the cutest party favors. Line them up on your snack table or hand them out as take-home goodies.

Fill with jellybeans, chocolates, or spooky gummies to match your theme. They’re inexpensive and help tie everything together.

27. “BOO” Halloween Sign

This charming Halloween sign brings instant personality to your space with a simple ghost design and friendly “BOO y’all” message.

Use a mini chalkboard or wooden plaque and paint on your favorite spooky phrase with white acrylic or chalk paint. It’s perfect for mantels, entry tables, or even a snack bar accent.

28. DIY Felt Mini Witch Hat

Use black felt, hot glue, and ribbon to create mini witch hats for cupcakes, party favors, or table decor. They’re quick to assemble and can be customized with glitter, tiny buckles, or themed colors.

Whether you’re hosting a kids’ party or adults-only bash, these little accents bring in the spooky charm without a big price tag.

29. Halloween Balloon Stand

This fun balloon display brings a burst of spooky charm to any room with a mix of black, white, lavender, and pale blue balloons.

Add paper cutouts of ghosts, skeletons, witches, and speech bubbles for a kid-friendly look that feels festive without being scary. Arrange the balloons in a corner, doorway, or backdrop wall to create a statement piece for photos or party entrances.

30. DIY Spider Web Using Sticks

Take a few small sticks, glue them into a star shape, and wrap with white yarn or string to mimic a spiderweb.

Add a toy spider on top to complete the look. It’s rustic, creative, and makes a great wall or tabletop decoration. You can gather all the supplies right from your backyard.

31. DIY Halloween Door

Make your front door scream spooky with nothing more than caution tape and a little imagination.

Wrap bright yellow “Do Not Enter” tape across the surface for a bold and eerie message guests won’t miss. Pair it with pumpkins, skeletons, or spider webs to complete the haunted scene.

32. Dollar Store Skeletons

Grab plastic skeletons at the dollar store and pose them around your party scene for laughs and spooks. Dress them up in costumes, seat them at the snack table, or hang them by the entrance.

They’re lightweight, reusable, and perfect for setting a playful tone. All it takes is a little imagination to make them stand out.

Conclusion

These cheap party decorations and ideas show that you can make any event feel festive without spending a lot. With just a few materials and a bit of effort, you can pull together something that looks thoughtful and fun.

Try one or two of these ideas at your next party and see how easy it is to decorate on a budget. Simple touches can go a long way in creating a warm and welcoming space.