What’s Up Balloon Centerpiece | Lisa Storms

I am completely obsessed with the hot air balloon trend for parties (or anything) and have been looking for a reason to have a party where I could use it. It is such a versatile theme. Graduates could “soar” or “oh the places you’ll go” or the “sky’s the limit”. Wedding showers could feature “love is in the air”. Baby showers could feature a “special delivery”. You get the idea! The next party I have coming up is for my soon-to-be seven year old son. I pitched the idea and surprisingly he loved it! We are doing all things that fly with a “growing up up up” theme. First up is this fun hot air balloon centerpiece.

I wanted something that didn’t need to be suspended from the air since the room the food will be in is two stories high. I also didn’t want to use an actual balloon. There is a helium shortage where I live, and I also want to be able to keep the centerpiece long after the party is over for a little storage box in my office!

To create this balloon, you will need the template provided, a six-inch Styrofoam ball, three rubber bands, a marker, straight pins, four bamboo skewers, a small recycled square container and a hot glue gun.

Let’s get started!

1. Print out the template onto cardstock and trace nine times onto the back of four different papers. Be sure to set page scaling to “none” so template prints at correct size. Tip: Trim paper to same height as template for quick cutting. Cut out traced pieces.

2. Place three rubber bands around Styrofoam ball as shown above to find the top, bottom, and equator. Mark the top and bottom as well as around the center with a marker. Remove rubber bands.

3. Stack two sets of alternating cut pieces and pin to top of ball as shown.

4. Beginning with the bottom of the stack, use two straight pins to tack each strip along the equator, overlapping each previous piece. Once completed, pull up pin one inch to add flag.

5. Repeat for the bottom half and adhere flag bunting stickers around center to cover pins.

6. Use a rubber band to mark the recycled container two inches from bottom and trim with scissors or craft knife.

7. Adhere patterned paper around box and fold excess inside.

8. Trim bamboo skewers to five inches long and hot glue into corners of box with pointed ends facing up; insert into balloon top. (Add glue when inserting for stability.)

9. Fill with goodies and enjoy!

The What’s Up Flags make cute cupcake toppers to fit the theme, and the PB&J Alphabet Stickers make quick work of a banner when stuck to a simple piece of string.