Before even purchasing any party decorations based on your color scheme and theme, you must be aware of the type of party that you will be having. This doesn't mean knowing if it's a baby shower, a birthday, an anniversary etc. This goes deeper than that and goes into the details like whether it is informal or formal, traditional, serious, etc. Depending on the party, the type will dictate your decorations from color, accessories and even activities.

For a party that includes a full meal whether it is buffet or seated, part of your decorations will have to be your china, napkins, linens and crystal glasses. It is important to consider that your decorations should not clash with your china. For your napkins, you do fancy folds for a more distinct look. Formal table cloths or linens may be used for formal parties while plastic or disposable table cloths may be used for informal ones. If you will be holding an outdoor party, make sure that you provide provisions for covering the various dishes to prevent insects from getting into them.

Other table decorations that could be considered include candles, napkin rings, place cards, flowers or fruit arrangements.

When it comes to room decoration, the possibilities are endless so don't focus only on your table decorations. You have your walls, windows and even ceiling. Suggestions for decorations include crepe paper streamers or balloon arrangements that could be taped on windows and doors, tied on furniture or made to float on the ceiling or scattered on the floor. Light strings in plain color add a formal touch to any formal party. For less formal parties you can use colored lights.

Add decorative accessories especially for themed parties. A Halloween party gives more of a spooky feel with decorative cobwebs on the various house corners, jack-o-lanterns, bats and even skeletons in an open closet. Formal parties would need lesser decorations but you can use small bowls containing candies or nuts that people can munch while waiting for the party to start. They are not only effective table decors; guests will enjoy eating them too.

For your party decorations, start with what you have and then try to borrow from relatives or friends. Otherwise, there are many places from which you could find party decorations.