7 Festive Ways to Decorate Balloons

Nothing says party like balloons, and we love to have parties to celebrate any and all occasions. So it only seemed natural that we would do some experimenting to find easy ways to decorate our balloons to make them even more festive and fun. We love to repurpose them, light them up, put them on stemware, and now we love to decorate them in 7 different ways!

Supplies:
– 1 helium tank
– balloons

– gold and blue metallic pipe cleaners

– gold acrylic paint

– circle sponge brush

– white paint pen (Sharpie or Deco Color)

– stones or marbles or other heavy material to weight down balloons

– glitter card stock (any brightly colored paper will work)

– tassels

– rhinestone stickers

– wired gold tinsel ribbon

– 3 small vases

– 1 Hawaiian lei
– baker’s twine

– pink and black handlebar moustaches

Tools:
– tape

– scissors

– hot glue gun

You can blow up the balloons yourself buy buying a helium tank, or you can take the short cut of buying them pre-filled and delivered by a party store. Be sure to not blow the balloons up too early before the party or they will start to deflate – they seemed to float for about 6 hours.

1. Hot Air Balloon Centerpiece: This piece was definitely inspired by UP!

Blow up a balloon as big as it will go without popping. We actually recommend blowing up all your balloons for this project as big as possible so they can hold the weight of the decorations. Then use the baker’s twine as the string for all your balloons on this project. Next make your tassels by folding a long length of twine, adding a piece to hang it from, tie another piece around the top, and snip off the ends. Make two of these and tie them from bottom of your balloon.

Next up, tie your balloon to a weight (we used a few stones) and place it in a small to medium sized vase. Then cut two pieces of baker’s twine that is long enough to wrap around the balloon and vase. Add a dot of glue in the middle to hold the two pieces together. Place the two pieces on top of the balloon, keeping the glue dot in the center of the balloon. Place the hanging four strands inside the base and secure them with hot glue. Fill with flowers and voila – a Hot Air Balloon Centerpiece!

Want to know how to make that cute wood vase out of a plain glass vase? Check out our how-to!

2. Fancy Pants Mustache Balloons: These hipster balloons would look right at home in the Mission.

Blow up black and pink balloons and then tie a bow out of the wired tinsel ribbon at the base of the balloons. Shape them into bow ties if you want your mustache men to be extra fancy! Then peel the back of the mustaches off and stick them on the center of the balloons. Don’t they look classy?

3. Hanging Embellished Balloons: There are so many fun things you can hang from your balloons, and two of our favorites is a Hawaiian lei that has been cut to hang straight, and tassels!

You can find leis at any party store and tassels from fabric and ribbon stores such as JoAnn’s.

4. Party King and Queen Balloons: Take existing party hats and crowns or make your own.

Make little party hats for your balloons by cutting a wide triangle out of glitter card stock, gluing it in a cone, and gluing wired gold tinsel ribbon around the base and on the top. This was a little too heavy for our balloons to stay afloat, so we tied them to stones and placed them inside small vases to become a base to hold the balloon up.

To make your party queen, use 2 gold pipe cleaners (or more of the wired gold tinsel ribbon would work too) to make a halo. Just twist the ends together to attach them. Then take 2 more pipe cleaners and bend each of them into two triangles. Twist their ends to the halo as well and you’re ready to crown your favorite balloon.

5. Chalkboard Balloons: We have a serious weakness for chalkboard paint and anything that looks like it.

Just blow up black and green balloons and use a white paint pen to write your party message on and you’re done! Cute!

6. Festive 4th of July Balloons: You don’t have to wait for the 4th to add rhinestones to your balloons, but we love this idea for a midsummer party.

Blow up red balloons and embellish with blue rhinestone stickers. Then twirl metallic blue pipe cleaners around your fingers to make them curl, and twist onto the base of the balloons.

7. Gold Polka Dots: Remember our gold polka dot party napkins? Make them some balloon buddies!

Blow up any color balloon that suits your fancy and use the circle sponge brush to stamp gold circles on. We recommend pressing and lightly twisting the sponge brush on each circle to get full coverage. You can also got back and do a second coat if you want your dots to be super perfect.

We couldn’t decide which of these ways we liked best, so we made all of them!

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

We love the idea of making those party hats and crowns for your balloons and your guests to wear!

Which of these ideas would you try? Have you discovered any other ways to decorate balloons? Talk to us in the comments below!

Some men may not like posting their significant others on social media, butAaron Taylor-Johnson definitely isn't one of them. He recently celebrated his wife, Sam Taylor-Johnson's birthday, highlighting what he finds so special about her in his eyes on Instagram. They may have a controversial age-gap relationship, but their marriage is beyond a PR stunt. Frankly, they could give some of us a much-needed lesson in the ways of maintaining a long-term relationship... 👀

Anyway! Here's what Aaron Taylor-Johnson had to say about Sam Taylor-Johnson in his loving birthday tribute!

See the sweet and spicy way Aaron Taylor-Johnson celebrated Sam Taylor-Johnson's birthday!

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Sam Taylor-Johnson's nearing her golden years as she turned 58 this week! We're sure all birthdays are a big deal, but we especially appreciate the way Aaron Taylor-Johnson praised his wife on Instagram. His caption reads: "💕Happy Birthday gorgeous! ❤️ Love spending every moment with you 💚💛"

Instead of choosing his favorite picture of her, Aaron posted a lengthy carousel of his wife. Pictures include Sam doing an impressive split (we're jealous!), taking photos on a yacht, enjoying a steamy smooch with him, and being highlighted by the sun's golden rays. Aaron even made sure to throw in the classic "sunglasses on vacation" photo that's almost feels mandatory for couples to pose in.

It didn't take long to find Sam's response to Aaron's beautiful PDA post in his comments. "❤️❤️I love you ❤️❤️," is short, sweet, and to the point as she seems to know how cherished she is.

Aside from her husband's grand gesture, Sam has been reposting more "happy birthday" posts on Instagram stories so we think she's happily soaking up all the genuine love in her life. We can only hope our friends and families will commemorate our birthdays in a similar way this year!

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It's almost outdoor decorating season! And McGee & Co.'s gorgeous outdoor collection is here to tempt our urges to decorating early with stunning finds. From plush outdoor pillows and elegant rugs to comfy furniture and charming floral plateware, this collection has everything to elevate your outdoor space. "I wanted this outdoor lounge to feel like a Southern veranda — inviting, layered, and effortlessly elegant," says Shea McGee. The new Spring 2025 collection is both timeless and relaxed, "perfect for lingering conversations and warm breezes," Shea adds. I'm especially loving the cozy seating, classic patterns, and stylish entertaining pieces that are actually affordable.

Check out all the earthy, elegant outdoor decor from McGee & Co below!

McGee & Co.

Melrose Striped Tablecloth

This linen tablecloth, featuring a charming green and ivory palette, makes every outdoor occasion feel just a little more festive and special. Celebrate from spring to fall!

McGee & Co.

Alcott Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

The scalloped edge and delicate border on these melamine plates bring a perfect blend of charm and playfulness to your outdoor table. It also has a bit of a vintage Euro vibe.

McGee & Co.

Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Make your space super cozy with thoughtfully designed pillows, like the Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, featuring a classic plaid motif and playful fringe. Ah, so cozy and pretty!

McGee & Co.

Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

What I love about McGee & Co.'s outdoor rugs is that they look just as elegant inside. The Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug in a golden yellow plaid is actually soft and is easy to clean — perfect for high-traffic indoor/outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Nola Paper Mache Vase

Give your outdoor space the living room treatment with details like potted greenery. The Nola Paper Mache Vase elevates your table with a modern rustic aesthetic.

McGee & Co.

Berkeley Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

This navy and white gingham rug with brown natural stripes is another soft indoor-outdoor rug made from recycled materials, and perfect for high-traffic indoor and outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Haviland Outdoor Sofa with Striped Cushions

Bold cabana stripes get me every time. This weather-resistant sofa is just as comfy as it is cute.

McGee & Co.

Cadie Outdoor Chaise

Lounge the spring days away with a good book on this teak-framed chaise and weather-resistant fabric.

McGee & Co.

The Market Umbrella

Fringe makes everything better. The Market Umbrella can withstand spring's fickle weather while bringing vintage vibes to your space.

McGee & Co.

Sanibel Acrylic Goblets (Set of 4)

Elevate your outdoor drinkware with these break-resistant ribbed goblets. Spring mocktails are so close.

McGee & Co.

Fontaine Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

Embrace spring 2025's romantic trend with these floral dinner plates, paired with dainty Wilkie Floral Napkins.

McGee & Co.

Bonjour Doormat

Set the stage for an inviting escape with this charming welcome mat. Très chic!

McGee & Co.

Classic Pool Float

Cannonball! Make the most of the warmer months with the classic pool float in navy and white stripes. It has a hanging hook for storage too!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to deck out your home in all things green and gold. Lucky for you, Amazon has a ton of decorations to help you do that! I sorted through endless pages of Amazon St. Patrick’s Day decorations to find only the cutest ones you can put out for the season! Whether you’re hosting a full-blown St. Paddy’s party or just chilling at home to make some festive desserts, these finds will have your home looking celebration-ready in no time.

Scroll on to shop 13 super cute St. Patrick's Day decorations from Amazon!

Amazon

Happy St. Patty's Day Banner

This banner's got it all, from rainbows to shamrocks and even some shimmery glitter – perfect for a party!

Amazon

St. Patrick's Day Pillow Covers

Cozy up your couch with some more St. Paddy's vibes using these adorable pillow covers!

Amazon

St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Napkins

These shamrock-shaped napkins are almost too cute to use!

Amazon

100-Count St. Patrick's Day Paper Straws

If some St. Patrick's Day cocktails are part of your plans, snag this pack of decorative paper straws to give your guests who sip!

Amazon

St. Patrick's Day Drinking Glasses

These cutie drinking glasses can be used all St. Paddy's season long for iced coffees, teas, or even fun green drinks!

Amazon

Lucky Foil Balloon Banner

This foil balloon banner screams 'festive'! Hang it in your dining room for a potluck party or put it up around your entryway for a DIY photo booth!

Amazon

Folkulture Table Runner

This chic table runner may boast the perfect color palette for St. Patrick's Day, but its stylish scalloped design can easily be displayed year-round!

Amazon

St. Patrick's Day Natural Coir Doormat

Make your guests feel welcome this St. Paddy's by snagging this adorable shamrock-speckled doormat!

Amazon

St. Patrick's Day Wood Sign

Yeah, what the sign says! Pucker up!

Amazon

Lucky Clovers Pillow Cover

This rustic shamrock pillow cover design is simple, but it's so pleasing to look at. Since it's pretty minimal, it'll go with any and every interior design style!

Amazon

Green Plaid Table Runner

This electric green table runner is sure to amp up the St. Patrick's Day energy in whatever room you put it in.

Amazon

Ribbed Green Glass Vase

Ideal for festive floral arrangements, you can also repurpose this green glass vase all year long!

Amazon

Burlap Shamrock Garland

This burlap garland is just rustic enough, but still has a tailored feel to make your space look put-together. Whether you hang it above your fireplace or in the kitchen, this buy is perfect for a subtle touch of green!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more of the best holiday decor pieces throughout the year!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

If you can't stop talking about Severance season 2, you're not alone. The Apple TV+ show has totally taken over the internet (and all my group chats) and as the mysteries at Lumon continue to unfold, there's one heartbreaking, viral theory surrounding this week's episode, and Gemma, that has the internet in a tizzy.

Keep reading for the most insane Severance season 2, episode 9 theory on the internet.

Has Gemma been an innie the whole time?

Apple TV

TikTok user @msauroraalice made the connection that Severance season 2 episode 9, "The After Hours," has the same title as a specific Twilight Zone episode in which a mannequin, well, forgets she's a mannequin. And now we're all wondering whether Severance is going to reveal a very similar plotline with Gemma.

"Could Gemma have been manufactured at Lumon and all of her experience with Mark is just a severed version of herself," @msauroraalice says, theorizing that "there is no Gemma."

"I bet this next episode, Gemma or Helly has a horrifying discovery about themselves just like the mannequin realizing she's not even alive," she continues.

Clearly, this Twilight Zone episode has a ton of similarities to Severance, with the split identities of it all. And as one Reddit user just made it even more heartbreaking by saying, "She could be an experiment from the very start which is why they went as far as to fake her death and recruit Mark to work for them. That would be heartbreaking. It would mean Mark and Gemma 's relationship was manufactured from the beginning."

"The After Hours" is sure to set us up for a crazy 'Severance' season 2 finale.

Apple TV

After everything Mark has been through, this would truly be a heartbreaking turn of events and I don't know if I could handle it! I'm not alone, either. TikTok users flooded the comments of the post (which has over 900K views).

"If Gemma was never a full person to begin with I'm gonna lose my mind," one user said, while another theorized, "I think Gemma is real but she actually died. Lumon had plans for her to begin with so they revived her body because they effectively own it and now she's stuck in purgatory testing."

But if this Severance theory breaks your heart as much as it breaks mine, there's a silver lining. "The next episode after 'The After Hours' from TWZ is called 'The Mighty Casey' and is about a robot who becomes more human I believe," a third TikTok user says.

But honestly, emotional devastation — and peeling back a character's insecurities, fears, and heartbreak to get to their core — make for really good TV because of how relatable those moments can be. So we'll just have to see what the Severance season 2 finale has in store.

Here are 10 Questions I Need Severance Season 2 To Answer — let us know on Instagram what kinds of questions and theories you have.

St. Patrick's Day in America is known mostly as an excuse to have a day-long marathon of drinking green beer (we'll take some green cocktails, too), but if staying in is more your jam, you'll need some epic DIY party favorsand a slew of adorable St. Patrick's Day-themed treats! In this collection of St. Patrick's Day desserts, you'll find everything from rainbow cupcakes and Lucky Charms pancakes, to Leprechauns made out of Nutter Butters and boozy green fudge. Yum.

Throw on your best “Kiss Me, I'm Irish" apron and have some fun with these 25 delicious St. Patrick's Day desserts!

Brit + Co

St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Donuts

This adorable DIY requires no cooking and is a blast to make with friends. At the end of this rainbow you may not find gold, but you will find a fluffy cloud of coconut just waiting to be devoured. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

St. Patrick's Day Dessert Shots

These cute, tiny shots are sweetened with flavors like dark chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract — and they even have a bite-sized brownie on the bottom. Now that's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, amiright? (via Sarah Anderson forBrit + Co)

Brit + Co

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

This one isn't a specific recipe per say, it's more of a how-too... but arguably the most useful how-to you'll learn this month. This overview of how to make Lucky Charms-infused ice cream can be put to use this St. Patrick's Day and beyond! (via Brit + Co)

Grandbaby Cakes

St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Pizza

Deep dish pizza should always have a sugar cookie crust and a Bailey's Irish Cream chocolate filling. Top with green sprinkles, green tinted white chocolate and chopped chocolate mint candies for that extra festive feel. (via Grandbaby Cakes)

Brit + Co

Double Rainbow Cake

Labor intensive? Maybe. Totally worth it? Absolutely. Grab a partner or your kiddos, and settle in for a fun afternoon of food coloring and multi-colored M&M decorating. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Recipeas

Drunken Grasshopper Fudge

This is definitely an adults-only fudge. Made with both Crème de Menthe and Crème de Cocoa, this fudge has a boozy flavor that bites back. Throw on a handful of shamrock sprinkles to really drive the theme home. (via Sweet Recipeas)

Home Made Interest

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Cookies

These little guys would be so cute to make for your kiddo's school St. Patrick's Day party. Plus, they double as a fun activity to do with them at home. They're almost too cute to eat… almost. (via Home Made Interest)

The Cake Blog

Leprechaun Hat S’mores

Obviously a large marshmallow on top of a cookie makes the perfect top hat. Once it's covered in chocolate and adorned with green decor, you have the perfect edible s'mores hat that any leprechaun would be happy to wear. (via The Cake Blog)

Classy Clutter

St. Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats

You may have to go digging for marshmallows in a box of Lucky Charms to make these, but it's totally worth it. The pretty pastels in the marshmallows also looks perfect with the light green of the Rice Krispies. (via Classy Clutter)

Takes Two Eggs

Matcha Roll Cake

This sponge-y roll cake is packed with matcha whipped cream, and it looks just as good as it tastes! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Averie Cooks

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

The batter these cupcakes are crafted with is spiked with Guinness and Jameson for a bit of booziness. (via Averie Cooks)

Barbara Bakes

Mint Chocolate Chip Pie For St. Patrick’s Day

You don't have to have a lot of time and ingredients to make a great St. Patrick's Day dessert. All you need for this freezer pie is a pre-made Oreo pie crust and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Whipped cream and chocolate shavings optional – as if! (via Barbara Bakes)

Created By Diane

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Cake

Before you cut into this cake, you would have no idea that what lies inside is an intricate mint chocolate design that tastes just as good as it looks. This concoction is definitely going to impress whoever you serve it to. (via Created By Diane)

Nifty Mom

No-Bake Mint-Free St. Patrick’s Day Dessert

St. Patrick's Day desserts are almost always full of mint. Well, you know what? Not everyone likes mint. This dessert is still chocolatey and green with no mint in sight. (via Nifty Mom)

Foods Of Our Lives

Crème De Menthe Cake Pops

If you have a package of Oreos lying around, you're already halfway to making these flavorful cake pops. They're so addicting, you may want to give them away as St. Patrick's Day gifts just to avoid eating every single one. (via Foods Of Our Lives)

Pizzazzerie

Shamrock Sour Cocktail

Swapping standard whiskey for Irish Whiskey gives this cocktail a St. Patrick's Day twist. Add a few drops of food coloring to make the green really stand out. (via Pizzazzerie)

Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts

If you're feelin' fancy, opt to make these homemade donuts filled with St. Patty's-ready Irish cream! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Mint Brownie Milkshake

You can never go wrong with a combo of chocolate and mint! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Baking A Moment

Pot of Gold Cupcakes

The rainbow Swiss buttercream that tops these decadent chocolate cupcakes is way easier to make than it looks. Make sure to get some gold foiled chocolate coins to put on top for an extra fun touch. (via Baking A Moment)

Recipe Girl

Green Velvet Cheesecake Cake

What's better than cheesecake? Cheesecake that's sitting in the middle of two layers of green velvet cake, of course. It's like having a giant layer of creamy frosting in the middle… but it's cheesecake! (via Recipe Girl)

Simply Happenstance

St. Patrick’s Day Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a treat that both adults AND kids love. Just by adding a bit of food coloring to your caramel, you'll create a crunchy masterpiece that everyone will gobble up in seconds. (via Simply Happenstance)

The Recipe Rebel

White Chocolate Lucky Charms Cookies

Not only do these cookies have finely ground Lucky Charms in the cookie batter itself, chopped cereal and marshmallows are also folded in for extra texture and flavor. We'll take two dozen, please. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Completely Delicious

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These sweet bites are described as the epitome of mint chocolate chip ice cream, but in cupcake form. Perfect, perfect, perfect! (via Completely Delicious)

Gal On A Mission

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is the perfect on-the-go munchie for the whole family. Green candy melts give this snack its hue, while spearmint essential oil gives it its minty flavor. (via Gal On A Mission)

Pillsbury

Mini Whoopie Pies

These tiny whoopie pies are just small enough that you can enjoy them in one delicious bite. It doesn't get much easier than using refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make them, either. Score! (via Pillsbury)

Follow us on Pinterest for more St. Patrick's Day recipes and desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.