A balloon arch is the quickest way to make a hallway, fireplace or party table look properly festive. Professional stylists charge well over £100 for one, but with a kit and an hour you can build a great-looking garland yourself. No helium, no special skills.
What you need
- A Christmas balloon garland kit with mixed sizes (5, 10, 12 and 18 inch balloons)
- A hand or electric balloon pump (most kits include a hand pump)
- Balloon decorating strip and glue dots (also in most kits)
- Command hooks, ribbon or fishing line for hanging
- Optional: artificial garland and berry picks and fairy lights to finish
Step 1: Plan where it goes
Measure the space first. A 111-piece kit makes roughly 4 to 5 metres of garland, which is enough for a full arch over a doorway or a long run across a mantel. Decide whether it will be a full arch, a half arch (one side and over the top) or a straight garland along a table or fireplace.
Step 2: Inflate in mixed sizes
The professional look comes from mixing sizes. Inflate most balloons to full size, then make some smaller by under-inflating them. Keep a few 5-inch balloons aside for filling gaps at the end. Do not over-inflate: a slightly soft balloon is less likely to pop in a warm room.
Step 3: Build the base on the strip
Push the knots of the largest balloons through the holes in the decorating strip, alternating colours. Twist the strip slightly as you go so the balloons sit in clusters rather than a flat line. Work in sections of about 1 metre so it stays easy to handle.
Step 4: Hang it
Attach the strip to command hooks along the wall or door frame. For a mantel, rest it on top and secure the ends with clear tape or hooks underneath. For an arch over a table, an adjustable table arch stand saves damaging the walls.
Step 5: Fill gaps and add foils
Use glue dots to add the small 5-inch balloons into any gaps. Then add the star and candy cane foil balloons as focal points, spaced every metre or so. This is the step that makes it look professionally styled.
Step 6: Finish with greenery and lights
Tuck sprigs of artificial pine, holly berry picks and a string of warm white fairy lights through the garland. The lights make it glow in the evening and look beautiful in photos.
Tips for a long-lasting arch
- Keep it away from radiators, fires and direct sunlight.
- Build it no more than 1 to 2 days before a party for the fullest look. Latex slowly softens over time.
- Use a pump, not your breath, for even sizes and to save time.
Not just for Christmas
The same method works for birthdays, baby showers and New Year's Eve. Browse all our balloon arch kits and New Year's Eve decorations.
Free UK delivery on orders over £50. Order early in December so your decorations arrive in good time.