Balloon-Based Underwater Party Decorating Guide

Use white balloons to create a wall full of underwater bubbles.

An underwater theme can turn an average room into a captivating ocean-like space for a party or event. Balloons work well for mimicking both the bubbles found in water and eye-catching sea creatures. They can be suspended from above, positioned to float at floor level, or used as table centerpieces. Balloon sea animals that appear to drift on a current give guests the feeling of being submerged.

Step 1

Inflate and tie several dozen 4-inch white latex balloons. Measure a length of invisible fishing line that reaches from the ceiling to the floor, then add 6 extra inches. Starting at the top and continuing every 6 inches down to the bottom, attach the knot of each small white balloon to the fishing line. Use tape to suspend the balloon-covered line from the ceiling.

Step 2

Position mylar balloons shaped like sea creatures—sea horses, tropical fish, and octopuses, for example—beside the bubble wall. Inflate these with helium, fasten fishing line to the balloon's tab, and anchor the line using a sand-filled latex balloon resting on the floor. Another option is to inflate the mylar balloons with air using a bike pump, tie them shut, tape fishing line to the top, and hang them from the ceiling.

Step 3

Inflate 6-inch latex balloons in reef-inspired hues such as yellow, coral, turquoise, and magenta. Close each balloon with a plastic clip from a party supply store. Attach a 6-inch plastic stick, also available at party supply stores, to every clip. To build a table centerpiece, flip a half-circle Styrofoam piece upside down and push 12 stick-mounted balloons into it.

Step 4

Cut fish shapes from construction paper in assorted colors. Tape each paper fish to a length of floral wire, then insert the wire into the Styrofoam half-circle so the fish appear to be swimming through the balloon coral reef.

Step 5

Cut a large circle from blue satin fabric. Make a slit from the outer edge to slightly past the center. Drape the fabric over and around the Styrofoam circle, gathering it close to the foam so it creates the look of rippling water.