How To Decorate a Birthday Party Table
TL;DR: Elevate milestone birthday parties with a well-decorated table setup that feels special and sophisticated. Use linen tablecloths, thoughtful centerpieces, balloons, and creative lighting to create a memorable atmosphere. Here’s how:
- Upgrade with linens: Replace paper tablecloths with rented linen for a polished, formal look.
- Focus on centerpieces: Use flowers, cakes, or unique items like lanterns to anchor the table decor.
- Add playful elements: Incorporate mature balloon arrangements and tasteful confetti.
- Set the ambiance: Use candles, fairy lights, or lanterns to enhance the atmosphere.
Thoughtful decor makes every milestone birthday unforgettable!
It’s easy to decorate a birthday party table when the guest of honor is turning five, six, or seven. All it takes is a quick trip to the store to buy cartoon character-emblazoned plates, paper cups, and a few conical hats. But how do you decorate a birthday party table when the guest of honor is turning fifty, sixty, or seventy?
At a milestone birthday party, paper plates and napkins probably won’t cut it. Your guest of honor deserves to feel loved and honored on their special day. Believe it or not, that can begin with your birthday party table setup.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to decorate a table for a birthday without resorting to flimsy décor. Continue reading to learn how to affordably elevate a birthday spread to make a milestone memorable.
From Paper Tablecloths to Luxurious Linen
When you step into a restaurant, you instantly know whether it offers a casual or formal dining experience. How? Often, the first clue is whether or not the tables have linen tablecloths.
Yes, it’s that simple. A linen tablecloth instantly suggests a sense of formality and class, making a celebration feel opulent and high-effort.
In contrast, a disposable tablecloth feels flimsy. Paper tablecloths become torn and transparent the minute they’re exposed to a hint of moisture. Even plastic tablecloths send the message, “This is temporary.” They don’t invite you to settle down and enjoy conversation.
This easy upgrade doesn’t require much additional effort or expense, either. You can rent linen tablecloths online. They’ll ship directly to your home or preferred location shortly before your event.
Use the linens to decorate that 50th birthday party table, then ship them back when you’re done. They’ll come with a pre-paid box and label, and you don’t have to worry about the laundry. The rental company will take care of the rest. As a result, renting linens can actually save you time and stress, so you can work on that phenomenal birthday slide show instead!
Want to elevate the birthday party table setup further? Consider renting cloth napkins, too. They’ll ship together, making it an efficient way to boost the perceived formality of your event even further.
Set the Tone with a Centerpiece
The centerpiece is the natural focal point of the table. It draws the eye, instantly suggesting the theme and tone of your birthday party. It’s a way to tie in your guest of honor’s interests, including favorite colors.
Additionally, the right centerpiece can further elevate the formality of the event, making celebrants feel loved and appreciated.
Flowers are a traditional option, bringing in elegance, class, and formality. They are a great way to incorporate the guest of honor’s favorite colors (or favorite flowers if they have them).
You can further customize a floral centerpiece with the guest of honor’s age or name. While flowers fade, custom inserts can become treasured keepsakes after the event.
Other birthday party centerpieces can include:
- A birthday cake on a cake stand, which can be enjoyed at the end of the party
- A small balloon arrangement to add a sense of play while maintaining a curated color scheme
- A non-traditional arrangement, such as an arrangement of garden pinwheels, folded book pages, ornate feathers, or fruit
- A lantern with a glowing candle inside
- A potted cactus or succulent on a cake stand
The right centerpiece can serve as an aesthetic anchor and a conversation starter. It may even be an additional favor or a prize for a party game. A double-duty function can save you money without sacrificing atmosphere and ambiance.
Bring in Balloons and Confetti
When choosing decor for birthday tables, you can incorporate classic birthday party elements, too! There is something about playful, bouncy balloons and whimsical confetti that adds a sense of fun to a birthday party.
Choose classy balloons in a more mature color scheme. Curated balloon arrangements can bring in thematic colors without making the celebration feel immature. Look for metallics, confetti-filled balloons, and other eye-catching options. Plus, mylar balloons in the shape of the guest of honor’s age make excellent photo props and never go out of style!
The best way to incorporate confetti is to use it as tasteful table scatter. Choose a color that contrasts nicely with your linen tablecloths so it won’t get lost. It adds visual interest and reflects a sense of thought and effort. Plus, it’s just plain fun!
Consider Lighting and Ambiance
Will your event start during the day and last into the night? Will there be a “lights on” portion that transitions into dancing? Do you just want to set a more formal and atmospheric ambiance? You can navigate these things by incorporating lighting into your birthday party table décor.
The easiest way to accomplish this is to include candles when you decorate your birthday party table. Real wax candles provide a rustic and natural touch. However, you can find gorgeous electric candles that won’t drip wax. Some electric options even flicker like a real flame.
You can also incorporate a lantern or lanterns on or above your birthday party table. If the theme allows, you can even include battery-operated fairy lights in your centerpiece or other table décor.
As the lights go down, turn on your lights and watch the atmosphere at the party transform. Suddenly, it will feel formal, intimate, and dramatic.
Decorate a Birthday Party Table with ASAP Linen
Are you ready to bring a birthday celebration to the next level? Check out our selection of tablecloth rentals for your next event.
