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Learn how to make the easiest DIY party backdrop. This is a cheap and easy backdrop that can be prepared for an indoor or outdoor party.
Made using budget plastic tablecloths, it can be prepared the day before the party saving you time on the day.
Style with colors according to the birthday party theme and it will look amazing every single time. If you want to know how to make DIY backdrops for a party, this is it!
Style with colors according to the birthday party theme and it will look amazing every single time. If you want to know how to make DIY backdrops for a party, this is it!
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Have you ever wondered how to make a plastic tablecloth backdrop?
You know, the ones you see all over Pinterest looking amazing, but also looking slightly tricky to put together.
Well, what if I told you that YOU CAN make that backdrop and this birthday party backdrop design will be one that you use over and over again.
This is the easiest party backdrop you will ever come across and the bonus is that it actually looks pretty amazing each and every time.
What Can I Use As A Backdrop?
The great thing about DIY backdrops is that they are cheap AND easy. We all love the words “cheap” and “easy” don’t we!
Busy mom’s don’t have the time to be messing around with tricky party backdrops. This one can be created with little fuss. It doesn’t even matter if you create it looking a bit rough around the edges. You don’t even need to worry about it sitting on a very smooth surface. This is a basic backdrop that has maximum impact.
Whilst it would be great to have a party table backdrop, one of the biggest things that put people off seems to be answering the question “what can I use as a backdrop?”
The great thing about this backdrop is that it is something that every mom can make, without needing DIY skills or particular crafting supplies.
All you need to make this backdrop is PLASTIC TABLECLOTHS. This is one of the easiest birthday party supplies that can come across, which means this can be made by anyone!
Yes you did hear that correctly. All you need are budget plastic tablecloths. There are SO many plastic tablecloth decorations that look amazing and THIS is one of them!
The party backdrop can be prepared the day before the party saving you extra time on the day, so you can concentrate on completing other party needs.
Simply style the party backdrop with colors according to the birthday party theme and it will look amazing every single time.
Once you have tried a tablecloth backdrop you will never look back!
The Best Birthday Party Backdrop Design
One of the easiest ways to create a HUGE impact with your party table is to create a party backdrop that is really going to stand out.
It may seem like mission impossible, but it really is easier (and cheaper) than you might think. Let’s face it, party backdrops are scene setters. They instantly give a vibe for a party.
But for this backdrop, you don’t need a degree in design.
You certainly don’t need to be artistically creative.
Finally, you don’t need to spend a lot of money.
It can be very easy to spend up big on party supplies, but plastic tablecloths definitely don’t cost much.
One of the things I love about plastic tablecloths is the amazing ways that they can be used in decoration at parties. With a little bit of no-how, a plastic tablecloth can turn into a pretty spectacular party decoration.
If you tried to buy a party backdrop to cover a large area, it would cost a fortune.
This little tutorial however helps keep the price down, whilst also providing the kind of birthday decoration that everyone is going to wish they had thought of.
Sound good?
What you do need is a little bit of patience, some cheap plastic tablecloths and a stapler.
Seriously, you are going to wonder why you have not made this diy party backdrop sooner!
If that wasn’t awesome enough already, the even better thing is that you can switch this party backdrop up simply by changing the colors.
I love using a dessert table backdrop to help create a focal point. I like to use my pergola to hang the backdrop from, but if you don’t have anything already available, it is still possible to create your own DIY party backdrop stand.
Otherwise, if you don’t want to build a frame, you can simply use this as a cheap way to cover walls for a party. Either way, it will look fab. The great thing is that if you have something to attach the tablecloths too then you don’t need to worry about any backdrop stands, which also saves more time and money.
When you spend a lot of money on party supplies, the temptation is to store it for potential future use. Which let’s face it never happens because no two parties are ever the same! But this party backdrop doesn’t need an easy storage solution, because you won’t be keeping it! It will have been made specifically for the event theme and when the party is over you can simply throw it away. It’s totally hassle free!
So, are you ready to get started with the best party backdrop you have ever made?
You don’t need to be spending money on a high quality backdrop. DIY backdrops will change your party set up’s forever!
Is A Photo Backdrop The Same As A Party Backdrop?
A backdrop is a backdrop. Whether you choose to use it as a party backdrop or a photo backdrop is entirely up to you.
The party backdrop in the tutorial below, was used to sit behind a food table at a party. There is however nothing stopping you from using it as a photo backdrop. In fact it would be the perfect backdrop. If you do wish to use it as a photo backdrop, don’t forget to grab some party props to make the photos more exciting and fun.
I generally hold my kids parties before their birthday’s and then leave the backdrop up for a week or two. The backdrop then serves as a wonderful photo backdrop on their actual birthday and we sit the kids in front of it with their birthday cake. It looks great in the photos!
This backdrop can be used behind a food table or as photography backdrops at so many different events such as a baby shower, bridal showers, mother’s day, fathers day or even as a photo wedding backdrop.
Simply change the colors to suit your needs and use it as you wish. Your party guests will love it.
How To Make A Tablecloth Backdrop In 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Pick 3 plastic table cloth colors, unfold them and lay them on top of each other. It doesn’t matter what order the colors go in, as they will get mixed up later.
If however you use more table cloth’s to cover a larger area, keep the colors in the same order.
Step 2: Fix the tablecloths together with staples.
I put them about 30 cm apart, but you can put them wherever you feel comfortable.
Step 3: Hang the tablecloths where you wish to have your party backdrop and fix to the wall. The method you use to fix this up will depend on what you are attaching it to.
My party backdrop was outside, so I simply used sticky table, but you might want to use removable hooks if inside.
Start cutting the tablecloth from the bottom all the way up the length stopping approximately 30 cm from the top.
Tip: Cut all 3 tablecloths at once, and simply slice (rather than cut) with the scissors. Don’t get too hung up on the cut being straight or if a few minor tears happen.
Trust me – it won’t notice at the end!
Step 4: With each section you have cut, take the 3 pieces of tablecloth and start braiding.
You can braid as far down as you like, but I found just a simple small braid at the top was sufficient.
Step 5: (Optional depending on the length of your backdrop). The area I needed to cover for my party backdrop was very large, so I used three sets of tablecloths.
In the middle of the sets, I placed some simple strands of tablecloth simply to fill in the gap and add a bit more character.
Step 6: Stand back and admire the most awesome but super easy party backdrop you have ever made.
If you didn’t want to use this behind your party table, it would also make a great backdrop for a photo booth.
I styled this for my daughter’s princess party and it worked a treat.
The Perfect DIY Party Backdrop Every Single Time
That’s it. You know know how to make a party backdrop the super easy way. Exciting isn’t it.
This is the kind of DIY backdrop that is going to look amazing with any party theme you choose. Once you have tried it you will be using it over and over again and it will be a super easy way to capture those memorable moments.
It’s quick. easy and best of all it’s cheap. In fact if you could actually ‘buy’ this backdrop, it would probably be one of the most best selling backdrops on the market. It’s amazing how many times I’ve been asked where I purchased the backdrop from. It really does look that good!
This party backdrop is an absolute win win.
See This Party Backdrop In Action
Would you love to see how this amazing backdrop can be used for literally ANY PARTY THEME?I have tried and tested it for numerous parties now. By simply changing up the colors, it gives a completely different look.
Check out these following DIY backdrops examples to give you that extra kick of inspiration.
- The Best Every Trolls Themed Birthday Party
- The Most Amazing Rock Star Party For Kids
- Easy Little Monster Birthday Party The Kids Will Love
- The Best Easy DIY Paw Patrol Birthday Party
How To Make An Easy DIY Party Backdrop
Learn how to make the easiest DIY party backdrop. This is a cheap and easy backdrop that can be prepared for an indoor or outdoor party.
Made using budget plastic tablecloths, it can be prepared the day before the party saving you time on the day.
Materials
- Plastic Tablecloths in 3 different colors to cerate one section.
- The number of tablecloths required will depend on the area to be covered. Each section will require 3 tablecloths.
- Stapler
- Scissors
Instructions
- Lay the 3 colored tablecloths on top of each other.
- Fix together at the top with staples, approximately 30cm apart.
- Hang the tablecloths to the wall and fix in place. Ensure that the stapled sections are at the top.
- Cut the tablecloth into strips starting from the bottom and working towards the top. Stop approximately 30cm from the top. (Ensure that all 3 tablecloths are cut at the same time).
- Take each section and start braiding from the top. Fix the braid in place with a staple.
Notes
Don't worry if the cutting of he tablecloths gets a bit messy or uneven. It wont notice once the backdrop is finished.
The above tutorial is for one section of the backdrop. Repeat the process to increase the size of the backdrop.
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Do you staple on the width, or the length?
Hi Stacey
You want to staple together the top of the tablecloths, so depending on the area that you are wanting to cover and how your tablecloth’s fit to this area, it would depend on whether it’s the width or the length.
For the purposes of my backdrop I needed the length in the tablecloth to cover the entire area to the floor as it was quite large. I therefore stapled the width’s together, and used three sets of tablecloths to cover the entire width of the backdrop.
I hope that makes sense?
What did you use to secure the end of the braid on the stands to keep it from unwinding?
Hi Tammy. I used 1 staple through the braid and that was sufficient to stop if from unwinding. You can see an example in the picture under step 4. You only notice the staple in the picture because it’s close up. As a whole, you wouldn’t even know they were there 🙂
Thank you so much! I didn’t even notice until you said something! Now I see it! 🙂
Not a problem Tammy. I’m always here to help answer any questions 😊
Hi Catherine,
Thanks an awesome idea. I’m planning to celebrate my daughter’s 1st bbq bday party at a park. I’m just wondering what you do in the bottom to prevent them from moving from the wind?
That’s a good question Liz. I put the backdrop against a blind I already had there. You could put it up against a wall?
I’m not sure how to really stop it from blowing in the wind though if you are choosing to place it in an open area. Unless you ensure the lengths touch the ground and then tape the bottom to the floor (on the back of the backdrop so you can’t see it from the front). Otherwise i’m not really sure you really can stop it from blowing in the wind.
Have you had any other ideas?
ive had balloon anchors to secure in the past
Great ideas Oshia 🙂
Perhaps you could use some wooden dowels or an old curtain rod, and loop the bottoms around it, securing it with another staple?
If you want to ensure that the ends do not move then this would certainly be a good option Kelly. I generally leave the end loose to fall as they please but if you want it to be more structured, then this could definitely work. Are you going to give it a try?
Dollar Tree sells bags of clear glass gems that could be glued to the bottom of each strip or set of strips. Even cheaper would be attaching zipper bags to the bottom of the strips and adding anything with weight, such as water, rocks, or anything rather flat.
That’s a great idea Bev 🙂 Just make sure that the lengths of the strips are longer than they need to be, otherwise it would cause the strips to snap. If there is plenty of give, then having weights on the bottom would work perfectly 🙂
The last party I held was super windy, so I literally put some sticky tape on the bottom of each strip and tapped to the floor! You couldn’t see the tape because of the table infront 🙂
I imagine you could simply tape a couple pennies or other coins to the bottom of each strip too. I did something like that ages ago, for a party for one of my adult sons.
That would definitely work Edwina. Great idea 🙂
Or you could use some fishing weights. It’s just another idea, and a little heavier than coins.
What’s the size ( in inches ) are the strips cut ? Awesome and great looking idea. Thanks so much !
Hi Cindy. To be honest, I did not measure this at all. That’s the beauty of it, you can literally just cut it up really quick and it still looks great. I just cut where I thought looked about right.
But, I would have cut each strip to be roughly 6-8 inches in size.
Hope that helps 🙂
What did you hang this on if you were outside?
Hi Sarah. We have a pergola outside, so I hung it to the top of that. I basically stuck it up with tape and some staples into the wood!
Thanks an awesome idea.
So pleased you like it. It’s definitely one of my favorite backdrops 🙂
I love it! Id like to make this at home before taking it to the party venue place. Any tips on how to transport without getting too tangled?
Also could this stay up using painter’s tape to attach to wall?
Thank you!
How would you stick it to a wall indoors? Clear packing tape doesn’t seem to cut it. Please help! Thank you!
Hi Jenn
I have never actually hung it indoors, but if I was I would use some removable hooks. That way you won’t damage your wall or leave any marks. Hang enough of them to take the weight and to avoid the tablecloths from tearing. Then I’d punch some small holes in the top of the tablecloths (once all stapled together) and hook over the hooks. Once the party is finished simply remove the hooks from the wall.
I hope that helps 😀
It does! Thank you so much
Excellent. I’d love to see the final product 🙂
I really loved this idea. My daughter’s first birthday is coming in Aug and plan to use this backdrop.
A quick question, how does the pictures come when you are behind the table for cake cutting? Do you have pictures to share so I can get an idea?
And again thank you so much for sharing this amazing idea.
That’s great, I’d love to see a photo of your backdrop in use 🙂
I have never stood directly infront of the backdrop when I use it as we don’t ever move the food table. We always bring the cake forward and then have the whole table behind us. I can’t upload pictures in the comment section here, but if you view this post and scroll to the end you will see what I mean.
https://smartpartyplanning.com/how-to-throw-a-princess-birthday-party/
Does that help at all?
Hello, I have to tell you our party went awesome and everyone just loved the backdrop 🙂 .. I will share pictures soon as well.
Thank you for such a great idea and sharing it. I would love to follow you and any other ideas for my daughter’s next birthday 😀 ..
Thanks again. 🙂
That’s fantastic, I’m so pleased to hear the backdrop worked for you. I would love to see pictures, thanks for sharing. You can either tag @smartpartyplanning on Instagram or share on our Facebook page 🙂
This is a great idea for “fun” parties! I wish I could see a big picture, but in your opinion, could this be used as a wedding reception back drop & not look too “Kiddy”?
Absolutely it could Ruby. Just change the colors to what is appropriate for the wedding and it would look great. In fact, I recently did this for my daughter’s tropical party. I used the colors gold, pink and white. A friend actually mentioned that it would make the perfect wedding backdrop 🙂
Thank you for sharing! I love this idea. It looks amazing!
Hi Catherine!
I am planning a 50th wedding anniversary party and plan to use two gold tablecloths with one white tablecloth in the middle. Do you think this will look okay or do you have suggestions? I am trying to stay with the color theme for 50th anniversary. I tried to complete one already and my braids did not all look the same and had to remove the staples from the tablecloth in order to braid the strips. Can you please tell me what I should be doing different? The space we are using for the party has 6 garage doors which I would like to cover. Do you think decorating 6 garage doors is too much. I am not that crafty and would really appreciate your feedback. Thanks so much!
I think the colors you have chosen will be fine here. There really is no ‘rule’.
I would put the white in the middle of the two gold and braid from there. When you do the braids try and keep them loose so they give the puffy look at the top. You also don’t need to braid too much, just 3 braiding folds would be sufficient. Keep an eye on the one you have done and then try to do the next one the same size. As you work across the sheet they should all be roughly the same size.
6 garage doors is a lot, but it’s not impossible and it would still look good. The space I decorate would be around the size of approx 2 garage doors and I use 3 sheets for that (with 3 in each set). So Id guess you would need to use around 9 separate sheets. I think the end result would look pretty impressive 🙂
Very good idea for my little girls birthday party. I will try it. Thank you
I hope it turns out awesome for you 🙂
Thank you for sharing! I love this idea. It looks amazing!
It seems very practical to make, thanks a lot 🙂
Hey Catherine! This is beautiful! I was wondering though, plastic table cloths are sooo wrinkly out of the package. Did you do anything to smooth them out?
Hi Ashley. The tablecloths are always terrible when they come out the packet arn’t they! But don’t worry, you don’t need to do anything to them. The great thing about this backdrop is that it doesn’t have to be perfect to look amazing. Wrinkles in the tablecloth, or cutting gone wrong, doesn’t affect the overall look at all.
Literally every single time I have created this backdrop, I have taken the tablecloths out of the packet and put them straight up. I always create my backdrop the day before the party, so maybe some of the creases fall out overnight, but to be honest I don’t notice any difference one day to the next!
So keep it simple. Open the packets, staple them together and get it up on the wall. It will look great 🙂
Thanks for your kind explanation. DIY party occasions make people happy much.
Thanks for sharing. Great tips for backdrops