PIXOMNI

type

status

date

1. The Grand Entrance Garland: Setting the Stage for Smiles

First impressions? They matter more than you think. You don’t want your guests walking through a doorway that looks like every other Tuesday. You want them to pause, gasp a little, and go, “Oh, they really cared about this.”

That’s where a Grand Entrance Garland comes in. And no—we’re not talking about that sad paper string you bought at the dollar store in 2019. The one that fell apart halfway through the party, leaving you picking up crinkly bits off the doormat while your guests pretended not to notice. I’ve been there. Spoiler: It’s not worth it.

Instead, think bold. Fuzzy textures (I’m obsessed with faux fur ones lately—they feel like a hug), bright colors that match your vibe, and maybe even some twinkly fairy lights woven through. I hung one over my sister’s birthday door last year—pastel tulle, tiny pink fairy lights, and a few little pom-poms I glued on (badly, but it added charm). I swear, I spent 20 minutes the night before untangling those lights, my fingers sticky from the glue, thinking “Is this even worth it?” But when her best friend walked up, saw that garland, and yelled “OH MY GOD—YOU DID THAT?” I knew it was.

Hang it over your porch, across your front door, or even as a backdrop for those “first arrival” selfies. It’s like giving your guests a big, sparkly high-five before they even step inside. “Get ready,” it says. “This is gonna be way better than ‘nice.’”

2. The Whimsical Balloon Bunch: Up, Up, and Away to Fun!

Let’s cut to the chase: If you don’t love balloons, are you even human? I once had a friend—let’s call him Mike—say, “Balloons are for kids.” Then he walked into my taco night party, saw the giant avocado balloon I’d bought (yes, it was a thing), and spent 20 minutes chasing it around my living room. Spoiler: He loved it. By the end of the night, he was taking selfies with it and asking where I got it.

Forget the sad single balloon tied to a chair. The one that slowly deflates by 8 p.m. and ends up on the floor, looking like a sad deflated pancake. We’re talking a bunch—different sizes, different colors, and at least one silly character or shape thrown in. For that taco night, I paired the avocado with a few shiny gold ones and a pink one that said “GUAC IS EXTRA.” Game. Changer.

Imagine a shiny gold star balloon next to soft pink and blue ones, plus a confetti balloon that spills little glittery bits when you tap it. Pro tip: Don’t tap it over the couch. I still find confetti in my couch cushions. Worth it, though.

Tie them to your gift table, let them float near the snacks (just make sure they don’t get stuck in the ceiling fan—ask me how I know), or even make a photo backdrop out of them. Balloons don’t just look fun—they feel fun. They make people smile without even trying. And isn’t that what parties are about? Not being perfect, just being happy.

3. The Tabletop Confetti Cascade: A Sprinkle of Joy on Every Surface

Confetti is like tiny happiness bombs. You scatter it, and suddenly everything feels like a celebration.

I’m not talking about those sad little shakers you find at the dollar store—you know, the ones that give you 10 pieces of paper and call it a day. Grab a big bag. Mix metallic, paper, maybe some star or heart shapes. And sprinkle it generously. Not “I’m scared of making a mess” generous—“I want this table to look like a party threw up joy” generous.

I did this for a game night once: white tablecloth, gold and silver confetti, and every time someone reached for a chip, they’d laugh at a little star sticking to their finger. My friend Sarah even kept one in her phone case as a “lucky charm.” A week later, I found a piece of that confetti in my kid’s shoe. We still laugh about how it traveled that far.

The best part? Days later, you’ll find a piece in your purse, your jacket pocket, or under the pillow. And you’ll smile. Because it’s a tiny reminder that good times happened. What’s not to love? Just… maybe avoid black confetti if you have a light-colored rug. Trust me.

4. The Illuminated Letter Lights: Spell Out the Fun!

Let’s get lit. Literally.

Illuminated letter lights are one of those things that feel personal. They’re not just decor—they’re a message. Like, “Hey, this night is about you.” I did “LUCY” for my roommate’s 30th birthday last year. Full disclosure: I almost forgot her birthday. I was scrolling through Amazon at 10 p.m. the night before, panicking, and stumbled on those letters. I ordered them overnight, picked them up at 8 a.m., and spent an hour trying to figure out how to spell her name (don’t ask—30th birthdays make you nervous).

When she walked in, she cried. Not “I’m mad you forgot” tears—“You actually thought of me” tears. That’s the magic of those letters. You can spell out the guest of honor’s name, a fun phrase like “LET’S PARTY!” or even just “CHEERS!” (my go-to for casual nights).

They come in all sizes—tiny ones for your coffee table, big ones that lean against the wall. I have a set of small wooden letters that say “HAPPY” I reuse for every party. Last month, I propped them next to the cake, and everyone kept taking photos with them. Even Mike—the guy who hated balloons—asked to hold them for a pic.

And here’s the best part: You can use them again. Unlike confetti (which is a one-and-done), these bad boys go from birthday parties to holiday gatherings to “just because” nights. Total win-win. Just don’t leave them plugged in overnight. Safety first, party second.

5. The Themed Photo Booth Backdrop: Capture the Memories in Style!

Say cheese! Because what’s a party without photos? But let’s be real—no one wants to take a pic against your plain white wall. That’s for grocery store self-checkouts, not fun nights with friends.

A themed backdrop changes everything. Having a tropical luau? Grab one with fake palm leaves and hibiscus flowers (I once added real pineapples around it—smelled amazing, until one went bad. Oops). Throwing a superhero party? Go for a city skyline with comic book speech bubbles. And don’t forget the props—silly hats, oversized glasses, little signs that say “I’m the life of the party.”

I hosted a 90s-themed party last year, and my backdrop was a giant poster of a mall food court (yes, really—I found it on Etsy). We printed out old photos of us as teens to tape around it, someone brought a portable CD player with NSYNC, and I even put a bowl of fake popcorn nearby for the vibe. Everyone spent an hour taking photos. My best friend wore a bucket hat and a fanny pack, and we recreated a photo we took at the mall in 1999. It was cringy. It was perfect.

These photos aren’t just for Instagram—they’re keepsakes. Years from now, you’ll pull them out and go, “Remember that night?” And everyone will say yes. Because how do you forget a friend in a bucket hat, pretending to be a mall rat?

6. The Decorative Drink Dispensers: Sip in Style and Stay Hydrated!

Let’s talk about drinks. Because nothing kills a party faster than guests hovering over a cooler full of warm soda, or asking you every five minutes where the cups are. Or where the ice is. Or if you have any more lemonade. I’ve been that host—running back and forth between the fridge and the guests, sweating, while my dip gets cold. Not fun.

A decorative drink dispenser fixes that. Ditch the boring plastic pitchers (the ones that always have a sticky handle). Go for a glass or acrylic one that looks pretty—maybe with a little fruit inside for color. Fill it with something yummy: infused water (strawberries and mint are my go-to—so fresh), homemade lemonade, or even a signature cocktail (spiked iced tea, anyone? Just label it so people know it’s boozy). Add a little sign that says what’s inside—no one wants to guess if it’s lemonade or vodka tonic.

I used one at my summer BBQ last year—filled with cucumber-lime water—and guests kept saying how “fancy” it looked. Spoiler: It was from Target, and it cost $15. Also, it leaked a little. I just put a cute towel under it and called it “rustic charm.” No one noticed. Or if they did, they didn’t care—because they were too busy sipping cold water and not bugging me for cups.

Plus, it’s one less thing you have to do. Instead of pouring drinks for everyone, they can help themselves. More time for you to dance. Less time playing bartender. Win-win.

7. The Charming Cake Stand: Elevating the Sweetest Moment!

The cake is the star of the show. Let’s be honest—whether it’s a store-bought sheet cake (no shame!) or a homemade masterpiece (major props), it deserves a stage. Not your countertop. Not a paper plate. A stage.

That’s where a cake stand comes in. It doesn’t have to be fancy. My favorite one is a rustic wooden one I found at a flea market for $8. It has a little chip on the edge, and the paint is peeling a little, but that’s what makes it perfect. Putting your cake on it? Suddenly, it looks like a million bucks.

I made a chocolate cake for my dad’s birthday last year—nothing fancy, just from a box. I added some sprinkles on top (the neon kind he loves) and put it on that wooden stand. He walked in, saw it, and said, “It looks like something from a bakery!” He didn’t even notice the chip. Or the fact that I burned the edges a little (don’t bake when you’re watching a sports game).

When we sang “Happy Birthday,” everyone’s eyes were on the cake (and my dad’s teary smile). It’s a small detail, but it makes that moment feel special. Because birthdays (or graduations, or “just because” cake nights) aren’t just about the cake—they’re about the moment you blow out the candles. The moment everyone’s looking at you, smiling, singing off-key. A cake stand makes that moment shine.

8. The Festive Favor Bags or Boxes: A Little Something to Remember the Fun!

Don’t let your guests leave empty-handed. A little favor bag says, “I’m glad you were here.” It doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It just has to be thoughtful.

I did a garden party last spring, and I put lavender-scented lip balm and a tiny packet of flower seeds in burlap bags. Full disclosure: I tried to make the lip balm myself first. Big mistake. I melted beeswax while watching TV, forgot about it, and burned it. The whole house smelled like burnt honey. So I ran to the craft store last minute and bought pre-made ones. No one knew the difference.

A few months later, my friend Lisa texted me a photo of sunflowers in her window. “Remember the seeds from your party?” she said. “They grew!” I almost cried. Because that’s the point of favors—they’re a little piece of the party your guests can take home. So when they see that candy, or that candle, or those sunflowers, they’ll think of your night.

You can fill them with anything: mini chocolates, a custom sticker with your party’s theme, a tiny plant. My cousin once gave out mini bottles of hot sauce at his taco party. Genius. Favors aren’t about being fancy—they’re about being kind. And isn’t that what friends are for?

9. The Playful Paper Straws and Stirrers: Adding a Pop of Color to Every Sip!

It’s the little things, right? Like a fun straw in your drink.

Ditch the plain white ones—the ones that get soggy after 5 minutes and taste like paper. Go for striped, floral, or even ones with tiny paper flags. I had a nautical-themed party once, and I used blue-and-white striped straws. Every time someone took a sip of their lemonade, they’d laugh and say, “I feel like a sailor!” My nephew kept using the straws as swords, and we had to tell him “no sword fights at the lemonade stand”—but we let him do it anyway. Because he was having so much fun, and that’s what parties are about.

And hey—paper straws are better for the planet. So you’re not just making your drink look cute; you’re doing a little good, too. Win-win.

Stirrers work too! Colorful ones add a little whimsy to cocktails or iced coffee. I have a set of star-shaped stirrers I use for everything—game nights, brunch, even just sitting on the couch with a soda. It’s such a small detail, but it makes every sip feel more fun. Because why not make even drinking water a little exciting? Life’s too short for boring straws.

10. The Cozy Throw Blankets (for Outdoor Celebrations): Snuggle Up in Style!

Outdoor parties are the best—until the sun goes down and everyone starts shivering. You know the vibe: people huddling, rubbing their arms, saying “It’s not that cold…” while secretly wishing they brought a jacket. I’ve hosted so many bonfire nights where I ended up giving away my own sweatshirt, then freezing for the rest of the night. Not ideal.

Enter: Cozy throw blankets. They’re not just for warmth—they’re for comfort. Grab a few soft fleece ones, or knit ones with fun patterns (I have a polka-dot one that’s so fuzzy, everyone fights over it). I keep a stack by my patio door for bonfire nights, and they’re always the first thing guests reach for.

Last fall, I hosted a s’mores party, and my friend Jess brought her giant plaid blanket. It was huge—like, could fit 6 people. Suddenly, everyone was piling on it—telling stories, roasting marshmallows, getting chocolate on the blanket (oops). It turned a regular bonfire into a cozy, intimate night. No one was shivering. No one was leaving early. We just sat there, warm, full of s’mores, laughing.

And here’s a pro tip: If you have extra blankets, send them home with guests as favors. My cousin did that once, and I still use the blanket she gave me. It’s a little worn now, but every time I wrap myself in it, I think of that s’mores night. Of the way the fire looked, of everyone laughing, of the chocolate on my fingers. It’s not just a blanket—it’s a memory.

11. The Magical String Lights: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Party!

Last but so not least: String lights. The undisputed kings of party ambiance.

Think about it—what’s more magical than a room full of tiny twinkling lights? They turn a plain backyard into a fairy tale, a boring living room into a cozy oasis. I hang mine everywhere: across the ceiling, around my patio railings, even wrapped around my potted plants (the fake ones—real plants don’t love lights). I have a set of fairy lights that change color, and I swear, they make even my messy living room look nice.

I hosted my mom’s retirement party last summer, and we strung fairy lights from the trees in our backyard. We had to borrow a ladder from the neighbor, and my brother knocked over a potted plant (we fixed it with some dirt and a prayer). But when the sun went down, and we turned those lights on? It looked like stars were hanging above us. My mom stood there, looking up, and said, “This is better than any office party I ever went to.” That’s the moment I knew it was worth the ladder drama.

String lights don’t just look good—they make people feel good. They’re warm, they’re inviting, and they make every moment feel special. You can’t go wrong with them. Even if you just hang a few above the snack table, they’ll make a difference. Trust me.

Let the Celebration Begin!

So there you have it—11 shop party pieces that’ll turn your next get-together into something unforgettable.

And here’s the thing: It’s not about spending a lot of money. It’s about picking things that feel like you. A garland that matches your favorite color, a balloon bunch with that silly avocado balloon, string lights that make your space glow. My best parties have been the ones where I didn’t overthink it—where I bought that $8 cake stand, that $15 drink dispenser, and didn’t stress about the leaks or the burnt lip balm.

I’ve planned parties on a budget (hello, $8 cake stand and Target drink dispenser!) and parties where I splurged a little (those illuminated letters for Lucy? Worth every penny). But the best ones? They’re the ones where the decor felt personal. Where guests walked in and thought, “This is so them.”

So grab your shopping bag, hit your favorite stores (or scroll online—no judgment if you buy the avocado balloon at 10 p.m.), and let your imagination run wild. Your next party won’t just be a get-together. It’ll be a night people remember.

Now go have fun. And don’t forget the confetti. 😉

11 Must-Have Shop Party Pieces That'll Make Your Celebration Unforgettable!