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Posts Tagged ‘table decorations’

Preparing for Yom Kippur Break Fast

Sunday, September 1st, 2019

bagels-lox-yom-kippur-break-fast-table-displayThe 25 hours of fasting required by the Day of Atonement can certainly build anticipation for the feast to follow. And once you’re done picking out your Yom Kippur break fast menu (or calling all your relatives to tell them you’re having a potluck this year), you need to consider how you’ll make your guests feel comfortable and festive.

In fact, there are people who have elevated the presentation of all that traditional Yom Kippur food into an art form.

Preparing the Yom Kippur Break Fast Table

You don’t have to go elaborate to create something beautiful and meaningful. Here are a few items to pay attention to.

Table paper & runners

noodle-kugel-raisins-yom-kippur-break-fastThe Rustic Look

Cover your table from end-to-end in white paper, and then create a burlap runner to go right down the center. Add a few green and white floral arrangements. You can put these in simple jar vases wound round with hemp string to enhance this simple, humble look.

For Wood Tables

If you have a wooden table you could enhance it with a white cloth runner. Lay this along the center of the table. Then, cut a piece of striped fabric in dark blue and white, grey and white, or some other muted color. This will create a nice contrast, and some visual interest.
Don’t forget you might want to set aside a kid’s table.

Place Settings

vegetable-quiche-for-yom-kippur-break-fastMaking your place settings special and appealing can go a long way. One idea would be to fold your guest’s napkins and to tuck a small flower inside of each fold. Lay them on the plates to create a lovely place setting that everyone will admire as they come to the table.

Or, grab some stiff white paper and some calligraphy supplies. You can use them to make place cards. You can also put a flat piece of paper on each plate. These can contain prayers or well wishes for the end of the Day of Atonement.

Other Table Decorations for Yom Kippur Break Fast

You don’t have to go overboard, but adding an arrangement of silk flowers or candles can give your break fast table an elegant touch.

Of course, most of your guests will be so hungry that the food itself can be used as decoration. Raised platters at varying heights can be really helpful, here. So can baskets, creating a cornucopia feel. Surrounding each plate with silk flowers can add an air of festivity as well.

If you’re like many who celebrate the holiday you’ll be forgoing elaborate recipes for foods you can get out quick like fruit, cheese, bagels, and lox. This finger-food fare lends itself especially well to these types of displays.

Not Hosting Break Fast this Year?

Don’t forget to pick out a gift for your host or hostess. Kosher food baskets, challah boards, and other fine gifts can all show appreciation for whoever is doing the bulk of the work so you can break your fast. Be sure to wrap it up in a pretty box or with some pretty paper to make it extra special.

Need supplies for your Yom Kippur break fast? Stop by Paper Plus to find items that can help you decorate your home or venue. Need extra chairs? Ask us about chair rentals.

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Quinceañera Decoration Ideas for the 3 Most Popular Party Themes

Friday, February 1st, 2019

tree in enchanted forest

Before we reveal our knock-your-socks-off quinceañera decoration ideas, here’s some background.

When a young Mexican woman turns 15 she celebrates her quinceañera, a combination of the Spanish words quince (fifteen) and años (years). This is a special day for Mexican women as it symbolizes a rite of passage – or the transition into womanhood – and so it is celebrated with a similar grandeur as a bat mitzvah or debutante ball. The friends and family of the young woman come together to celebrate this special day. The guests give thanks and blessings to the young woman, who is dressed in a floor-length ball gown.

While it is a tradition for the party decorations to match the color of the young woman’s gown, you can still have fun contextualizing the color with a theme. Whether the gown is blue, pink, green or even gold, get inspired by these three themed quinceañera party ideas.

1. Quinceañera Decoration Ideas for an Enchanted Forest Theme

An enchanted forest theme lends itself to plenty of whimsical, nature-inspired quinceañera decoration ideas. This theme works best if the gown is green, burgundy, purple or gold.

Quinceañera Centerpieces

With an enchanted forest theme, rustic bouquets are perfectly acceptable as centerpieces. The best quinceañera decoration ideas for tables include whimsy details. Add a few glittery faux flowers or string lights, or handwrite placement cards on tea-stained paper.

Take Advantage of Quinceañera Party Rentals

The details will make or break the theme, so take stock of what you have and stop by Paper Plus for the rest! We have both table and chair rentals to ensure your guest are comfortable.

Giant Mushroom Props

Whip out your old newspapers or coupons and put your papier-mâché skills to work! You can find plenty of papier-mâché giant mushroom, flower, or tree prop tutorials online, and you can paint them to match the theme colors.

2. Quinceañera Decoration Ideas for a Winter Wonderland Theme

white rock candy for quinceañera decorations for winter wonderland themeA classic winter wonderland theme is perfect for an elegant quinceañera. This theme complements a gown that’s light blue, white, silver or even purple.

Icy Elements

Make the whole venue sparkle with crystal centerpieces, glittering white branches, and frosted string lights. Don’t forget the cotton candy – you can rent a machine from us!

Quinceañera Balloons

Blue, white and silver latex balloons make an elegant balloon bouquet that can be fastened to centerpieces or allowed to float around the venue like snowfall.

Quinceañera Centerpieces

Focus on the “Wonderland” for the centerpieces with jars of white and blue hard candies. Think white rock candy, blue swirled lollypops, Tiffany blue M&Ms … anything sweet and wintery. Fill clear glass containers with the candy and set them on a ruffled transparent blue table runner (or equivalent fabric).

3. Quinceañera Decoration Ideas for a Masquerade Theme

Amplify the mystique of womanhood with a masquerade theme. Invite guests to dance the night away behind elaborate disguises with the new queen of 15. This theme works beautifully with red, rich purple, royal blue, black, gold, and pink gowns.

Masks, Of Course

Buy standard plain masks in bulk and decorate them individually with faux feathers, jewels, glitter, and vibrant paints.

mask for masquerade themed quinceañera decorations

Masquerade Themed Quinceañera Invitations

A masquerade calls for divine invitations. Add elements of surprise to your invitations with invisible ink or elaborate paper folds that reveal the date and time or a special musical guest.

Quinceañera Centerpieces

Masquerade centerpieces should be overflowing with decadent details. Scatter the tables with gilded candelabras. Fill wine glasses with jewels and feathers. Nothing is too gaudy with this theme.

No matter what theme you choose, we wish you a happy quinceañera.

If you need assistance bringing your quinceañera vision to life, stop by Paper Plus at 1629 San Pablo Ave in Berkeley and we can help you with craft ideas and balloon decorations.

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8 Luau Party Ideas to Beat The Winter Blues

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019

rainbow lei

Hawaiian luaus are a special kind of happy place. Delicious, hearty food served to the sound of tropical Hawaiian music, blissful weather and spectacular entertainment set to a warm ocean breeze–it’s a complete dream! But who says you have to be in Hawaii to enjoy a luau? With the right luau party decorations, ideas, and a bit of imagination, you can enjoy a luau in your very own backyard, even during the winter.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a winter graduation or you simply want to beat the winter blues with a Hawaiian staycation, turn up the heat this winter with these luau party ideas.

What is a Luau Party?

Traditionally, a luau is a big Hawaiian party where the entire community is invited to enjoy a feast. Guests receive a buffet-style dinner, tropical drinks and traditional Polynesian dances for entertainment. Many luaus often invite local, traditional Hawaiian artists to present arts and crafts demonstrations, musical performances and games for the whole family.

How to Throw a Luau Party

The first detail you will need to consider for your luau party is the location. Luaus are typically held outside, but that could prove difficult during our rainy, chilly winters. If you have a wide open indoor space, that will work perfectly! The important thing is to create a space where people can immerse themselves in the small details that represent a luau.

To help your guests imagine this tropical destination with you, there are a few signature Hawaiian luau party supplies you won’t want to forget for your luau:

1. Leis

Many traditional luaus begin with a lei greeting, where the hostess provides each guest with a lei garland. Half the joy of a lei is the presentation of it, so take a moment when your guests arrive and adorn them with their very own lei. The most popular leis are made of fresh tropical flowers, but other leis can be made with coconut shells or seashells. If you don’t have any of these natural materials available, we have plastic costume leis in a variety of vibrant colors.

dog wearing rainbow lei and grass skirt

2. Tiki Torches

Illuminate your luau party with tiki torches. You can also strategically place tiki torches throughout the space to indicate where the appetizers, games, and luau party favors are located. There are many flameless tiki torch options available now so you can safely erect them in your home or outside. We also have mini tiki torch candles for table decorations.

3. Music

Whether you have a band, a DJ or you plan to make a playlist yourself, Hawaiian music is an absolute necessity at a luau. Coordinate with any performers you may be inviting so you have their music ahead of time.

4. Pork

Traditionally, luaus serve a slow-roasted pork that has been cooked in a hole in the ground. But don’t worry about digging a hole in your backyard. Instead, use a crockpot to slow cook your pork.

5. Luau Party Wear

Hula skirts, Hawaiian shirts, and flip-flops will be the attire for your luau party. Make sure to include these details on your luau party invitations.

flip flops lined up poolside

Luau Party Decorations

One of the most important parts of a luau-themed party will be the decorations. The right luau party decorations can transport your guests to the Hawaiian Islands, even just for a moment!

6. Luau Party Centerpieces

Luau centerpieces can be fairly easy and inexpensive to make. All you need are some flowers (fake or real), tropical fruit like pineapples, coconuts, and watermelons, bamboo details, and plenty of bright fabrics and paints. You can create simple centerpieces with mason jars and flowers, or decorate a pineapple as a hula dancer. The limit is your imagination!

7. Luau Party Games

Simple games are usually the most well-received, so why not go ultra simple and supply a few hula hoops. For something that requires a little more imagination (and a sense of humor!) host a game of hula charades! The traditional hula dance uses specific dance moves to tell a story about a goddess, a myth, or a cultural ideology. Combine the rules of charades with the ancient practice of hula to create your very own game of hula charades.

8. Luau Party Favor Ideas

Keep the party going when your guests leave with luau party favors. Provide colorful sunglasses, cake-pop “islands” complete with little cocktail umbrellas, bags of gummy fish candy, or make-your-own Mai Tai gift baskets. Your party favors will depend on the age of your guests, of course.

 

Wishing you all the best on your Hawaiian luau getaway party!

 

Stop by Paper Plus in Berkeley for all your decorations, wearables, and luau party supplies.

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Table Decorations to Spruce up Any Celebration

Tuesday, January 16th, 2018

Nothing makes a celebration festive quite like finger food, friends and family, and fun party table decorations. Take a look at our favorite table decorations for home holiday festivities for Super Bowl, Award Shows, Valentine’s Day, and Mardi Gras.

Super Bowl

superbowl balloonsOn Super Bowl Sunday, there are snacks galore, tons of hungry fans, and plenty of opportunities to decorate that snack spread. Create a football field table spread with football-shaped cookies and touchdown centerpieces. With a green table cloth and some white duct tape and paint, you can create a football field table cloth, so every snacker is a player!

For the table cloth:

  1. Cover the table surface with the green table cloth and tape it down to secure it.
  2. Mark where you want the yard lines and use white duct tape to create the lines.
  3. Use paint or white paint markers to write numbers on the field.

Read more about what you’ll need to complete your Super Bowl party.

And keep your guests and the kids entertained on Super Bowl Sunday!

Award Shows

red carpet and streamer for oscarsAwards shows like the Oscars and Grammys are all about the glamour. Using silver and gold table decorations like stars and confetti is a great start. Use a black or red table cloth as your base. If you’re preparing appetizers, decorate finger food toothpicks with black tie attire: bow ties, top hats, mustaches, etc. In the spirit of the movies, decorate a popcorn station and label different spices based on the movies that are nominated this year.

 

What You’ll Need for Award Show Table Decorations

  • Toothpicks
  • Construction paper
  • Table cloth
  • Stars
  • Confetti or ticket stubs

 

Valentine’s Day

homemade-valentines-day-crafts-for-schoolBring on the love! Whether you’re throwing a dinner for two, a cute Valentine’s Day party with the kids or a Galentine’s Day party with all your girlfriends, this is the holiday for pink and red table decorations, candles, flowers and balloons! Get out the construction paper and cut pink and red hearts to decorate the table. An excellent addition to a Valentine’s Day table spread is paper mache letters. You can buy them at the store or make your own with newspaper, paint and glue.

 

Mardi Gras

The signature colors of Mardi Gras are green, purple, gold and silver. You can use bead necklaces, confetti, pompoms and feathers in these colors. You can make simple table decorations by filling martini glasses with beads and attaching masks to them. Take some feathers and stick them in the beads for a festive centerpiece. You can also place beads in candle holders and place tea lights inside for a smaller centerpiece.

 

Colorful Mardi Gras beadsDecorations Needed for Mardi Gras

  • Beads and bead necklaces
  • Masks
  • Fleur de lis design
  • Top hats
  • Feathers
  • Confetti and glitter

 

Come on down to Paper Plus at 1629 San Pablo Ave in Berkeley to get everything you need to decorate your table!

We’re open Monday – Saturday 9am – 7pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm.

Happy Celebrating!

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Host Your Oktoberfest Party: Traditions And Decoration Ideas

Saturday, September 2nd, 2017

beer pretzel pumpkin candle oktoberfest tableHappy Oktoberfest! If you’re wondering when Oktoberfest is, it actually isn’t in October: It starts on the second Saturday of September.  That means it’s finally time to get gussied up with traditional Oktoberfest clothing and celebrate life, love and family with Oktoberfest games. Get ready for elaborate costumes, games and, of course, Oktoberfest beer.

Why Is Oktoberfest Celebrated?

On October 12, 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig was married to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Everyone in Bavaria was invited to take part in the festivities. At the close of the event, horse races took place, and it was decided that the races would happen again the following year. Sure enough in 1811, horse races were put on, along with an agricultural show. After a few decades, beer stands were replaced with the popular beer tents of today. Now there is an entire fun faire, with carousels and games.

If you can’t make it all the way to Germany, but the thought of missing all the fun has you hankering for a stein, make your own Oktoberfest party at home! Here are some simple and fun ways to host your very own Oktoberfest party this year!

decorated pretzels oktoberfest tableSet The Oktoberfest Table

At Oktoberfest, there are game booths, rides, and tents lined with long picnic tables. All around, there are people sitting along tables with sausages, beers and belly laughs. Recreate this feel with centerpieces, stamped tablecloths and seasonal gourds. Some other ideas include:

  • Create a cupcake carousel for the dessert table
  • Fill steins with treats at the kids’ table
  • Make a fondue table for a unique way to snack on all the traditional foods!

Hold Traditional Activities

Hold a beer tasting of specialty German beers, or just with beers you’ve wanted to try! Nowadays there are plenty of Oktoberfest style beers on the market. If you want to stick to tradition, import beer from the classic 6 breweries: Augustiner, Hofbräu Münchner, Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner, Löwenbräu, and Spaten-Franziskaner. For kids, use chilled steins to make big root beer floats!

Set The Scene

Set up a photo booth with handmade props, using construction paper, cardstock, glue and embellishments. Make hats, mustaches, speech bubbles and more!

Turn up the music

Play an Oktoberfest playlist! Make your own or use one from online. There are few good ones on Spotify and Pandora. Folk music works just fine, too.

pretzels and oktoberfest cloth on wooden tableGet Your Costumes On!

Build your own pair of lederhosen with suspenders, shorts and a simple white peasant blouse! For kiddos, you can also make a pair with construction paper and the right adhesives. For ladies, dirndl skirts, peasant blouses, corsets and aprons are perfect for this celebration. Come on down to our craft and costume departments for all your Oktoberfest supplies.

Craft Festive Decorations

Draw a classic beer stein, then cut it out and use it as a stencil to make dozens of them. Next, string them up to create the look of a wall lined with beers. Like a classic Oktoberfest scene.

Prepare a Traditional Oktoberfest Spread

Set the table with hearty, traditional munchies like soft pretzels and mustards, bratwurst sausages and sauerkraut.

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Your Guide to Ordering Balloons

Monday, October 31st, 2016

dreamballoon

At Paper Plus we take pride in delivering festive and creative balloon solutions for any and all celebrations under the sun. Our balloon artists are here to help make sure your occasion is one to remember! We’ve compiled a few helpful tips to help you plan your next shindig!

Things to Consider Before You Order

 

  1. Budget – We are happy to work with any budget! From a few large statement balloons to arches and numbers and rainbows, oh my! We strive to make every experience with us special for you. Let us know what works within your budget and we’ll do our best to get creative.
  2. Theme – What’s the occasion? From a 25th wedding anniversary to a 1st birthday, we can find the perfect personalized décor from our stock or customize a bouquet especially for the big day.
  3. Color Scheme – We can create pretty much anything you have your heart set on.
    Bring in a few photos of ideas you love and we’ll brainstorm together how we can make it work for you!
  4. Weather – This is an important factor that’s easy to overlook. Balloons don’t do well in the rain or the heat, so consider their fragility when placing your order. For balloons that will be displayed indoors, make sure they are kept away from heating vents and properly weighted down so they don’t bump against the ceiling.
  5. Delivery – If you won’t have time to pick up your balloons before the festivities, we offer delivery for an extra charge. We recommend ordering for delivery at least a week in advance.
  6. Timing – For big events that require a lot of balloons or complicated structures, we appreciate 10 days notice.  Thank you!

  

3 Ways to Order

 

  1. In person (Day Of) – We’d always prefer that you come into the store! One of our experts will guide you through your decorating needs, help you plan a color scheme and theme that are just right for your high-flying needs. Please allow a couple of hours for larger orders.
  2. In person (Advance Order) – Great for those busy times, especially the holidays or for those who may not have time right before an event to go through the process of choosing balloons. Come on in a few days before you need your balloons, assuring one of our associates has plenty of time to spend with you to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. For big events, please come in 10 days ahead of time.
  3. On the Phone – This is a time-saving option for customers who know exactly what they want and are familiar with our inventory of balloons and our custom options. For those who are new to ordering balloons, we’d prefer you come into the store and let us help you get creative. Plus, we always love to see your faces!

  

Our Selection*

 

  1. Latex – We offer the highest quality, eco-friendly latex balloons available. dscn0119All of our latex balloons are completely biodegradable – meaning they cause absolutely no harm to the environment. We offer 64 basic colors and hundreds of novelty designs for you to choose from. These balloons float for 8-10 hours and should be picked up the day of your event.**
  2. Mylar – Mylars are a crowd pleaser because of their festive, shiny designs and their long-lasting properties. Mylar balloons will float for up to 10 days making them a great solution for customers that need to pick them up a couple of days before a big event and have them still look great. We have hundreds of styles to choose from including letters and numbers.
  3. Bubble Balloons – These exciting see-through, plastic balloons are the newest and hottest product in the balloon market today. They offer increased float time and an ability to get super creative and custom. Lasting for weeks, these balloons can be inflated ahead of time for displays as well as bouquets.

Learn more about our balloon types here.

 

*We follow all eco-friendly, balloon safety practices by making sure our balloons are properly weighted so as not to blow away into the atmosphere.

** For customers wanting to pick up latex balloons more than 8 hours in advance of an event, we recommend Hi-Float. Hi-Float is a non-toxic substance that coats the inside of the porous latex so the helium doesn’t escape as quickly. The balloons will now float for up to 4 days. Additional cost of $0.25 per balloon.

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Four Ways to Bring Autumn Home in the Bay Area

Friday, November 13th, 2015

Sure, the foliage may not be as colorful as it is in New England, but when those first rains soak the ground, you know Autumn has arrived in the Bay Area. Can you feel the cold snap in the air? Suddenly have a craving for pumpkin spice and persimmon bread?

Don’t just put on a sweater and sigh…celebrate the sights and smells of this unique season with delicious and crafty Fall treats.

Thanksgiving paper goods - plates, napkins1. Leaves!

We may not have the most stunning foliage in the United States, but at Paper Plus, you can have your pretty leaves and admire them, too, with our collection of fall leaf garlands and leaf cutouts. Wrap your bannister or patio railings with leaf garlands and show the world you’re ready for winter.

2. Lights!

As we fall back an hour, night falls earlier and earlier. Light up your home with Paper Plus’ huge assortment of paper lanterns, candles and candle holders. Give your backyard a festive glow with string lights.

3. Feasts!

Autumn marks the beginning of the feast months, starting with Octoberfest and Halloween through to Thanksgiving. Serve your best eats on our fall-themed plates, napkins and utensils, or keep your party table simple and classic with our solid color serving ware in colors like gold, yellow, and orange. We have fall centerpieces for the table, confetti, and even the classic cornucopia or ‘horn of plenty’ to fill and display.

4. Baked treats!

It’s harvest season, which means that pumpkins, persimmons, and apples are everywhere in abundance. It’s the perfect time for a fall baking frenzy! Baked treats make great gifts and party contributions. Paper Plus makes your goods look good with decorative cupcake baking cups, baking tins for cookies and brownies, and plenty of tissue paper, ribbon and gift bags to complete the look.

 

Come to Paper Plus in North Berkeley and gather your own unique ideas on how to celebrate Autumn’s arrival. We have lots of DIY craft supplies for kids and adults and as always, balloons for all occasions!

Looking for something in particular? Call us at (510) 525-1799.

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