Plastic Free Party: Ditch the Balloons and Make Paper Decorations Instead

Eve Cale
Jul 11
2 min read

Updated: Jul 24

Planning a party or celebration this Plastic Free July? Whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, pop-up market or just a garden get-together, decorating without plastic can still be colourful, fun and totally festive.

One of the easiest swaps you can make is replacing balloons with reusable or recyclable decorations.

Why skip the balloons?

Balloons are a party classic, but did you know?

Most balloons are made from materials that don't break down easily.
Helium balloons can travel far when released—ending up in trees, rivers, or the ocean, where they become a hazard for wildlife.
Burst or deflated balloons that are discarded can look like food to animals and birds, with devastating results.

So while they may look like a fun addition in the moment, the impact lingers long after the party’s over.

What to use instead?

Luckily, there are so many joyful, beautiful alternatives, here are two of my favourites:

Fabric or upcycled bunting

This is a brilliant swap because you only have to make or buy it once. Use it year after year, for every celebration—birthdays, garden parties, product stalls… even Christmas. You can theme it by colour or keep it classic and versatile. Plus, it’s easy to pack away and store.

Paper decorations

From paper chains to tissue paper flowers and pom poms, paper decorations are charming, creative and compostable (or recyclable). You can keep them neutral and natural, or go bright and bold depending on your party theme.

They’re also a lovely project to make with kids, or to tie in with your brand’s colours if you're decorating a stall or display.

Want to make your own tissue paper flowers?

I've put together a free step-by-step guide that shows you exactly how to make a simple tissue paper flower—perfect for parties, pressies or packaging.

Once you know how to make one, you can upscale the technique to create large tissue paper flower pom poms. They make stunning party decorations and are easy to store and re-use for future events.

Download your free how-to guide here and purchase tissue paper from my Giftwrapped by Eve online store.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or setting up a stall, your decorations can be eye-catching and eco-conscious.