You don’t have to be throwing a child’s birthday party to enjoy the colorful fun of decorating with balloons. Balloons can be used for family reunions, Christmas parties, retirement bashes, baby showers, or anytime you want to add festivity to a special event. Here are some ways to use balloons to make your next party more festive.

Balloon Construction

Balloons are a great medium for constructing temporary “architectural” features such as arches or columns. You’ve probably seen this technique done before but thought it too ambitious for your own gathering: well, the truth is balloon construction is really simple.

–Archway: With the use of helium-filled balloons, you can create an archway for guests to pass under as they enter your home or the party area. Simply tie helium balloons, whatever size you like, several inches apart to a desired length of nylon fishing line. Anchor each end on either side of the door and allow the arch to float up and form.

Caution: only use fishing line for exterior arches: curling ribbon could easily snap in the wind. Also, since helium balloons only last about eight hours, do not fill balloons till the day of the party.

–Columns: The concept is similar to creating an arch except that the string of balloons is only anchored on one end. Use helium balloons when anchoring from the floor; you may use air-filled balloons if anchoring form the ceiling.

–Shapes: In order to create hearts, stars, Christmas trees and other festive shapes, you’ll need to forego fishing line and curling ribbon and use easy-flex aluminum rods. You need to create your shape first before attaching balloons: use clusters of air-filled balloons for the best look.

Given enough time and materials, anyone can create festive balloon “architecture” structures to help turn a party’s decorations into something really special.

Southern Balloon Distributors ( http://www.southernballoon.com/ ) is a wholesale balloon distributor and balloon accessories. Ryan Coisson is a freelance writer.