DIY

By Ariel Tilson

Thursday, October 30, 2008

If you’re tired of the same twinkling lights and tiki torches for house party decorations, here are a few new ideas you can make with things you probably already have.

For getting in

Paper bag luminaires can light the way to your shindig. To make a basic sidewalk luminaire, fill a paper lunch bag with sand or pebbles and insert a votive candle and holder. It’s that simple. If you want a challenge, you can cut out designs on the bag. Check out Adrian Van Allen’s designs at ReadyMade.com, complete with instructions.

For getting out

If your party spills into the backyard, you can keep guests out of the dark with milk jug lanterns. First, grab all of your empty milk or fruit juice cartons. Next, cut a flap into the side of the jug that’s big enough to easily access your candle. Stabilize the jug with a couple handfuls of sand or small pebbles and remove the lid from the jug. Finally, position the lit candle and voila, a breeze-safe and electricity-free outdoor lamp.

For getting down

A house party just isn’t the same without some dancing, so get your guests out of their seats with your very own

disco ball. You might have to spend a few bucks on a paper lantern, silver spray paint and double-sided tape, but you can use old CDs to decorate the exterior. To make your lantern disco-licious, cover it in silver spray paint and let it dry overnight. Next, attach the CDs to the painted lantern with pieces of tape. When your guests begin to arrive, point a light at the disco ball, turn up the music and get the party started.

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