The trick with the lanterns is to vary the length they hang as well as the sizes, see below for a more detailed diy. All in all it took me about half an hour once I had the rope tied over the table.
I wanted to diffuse the pinkness a little so I used a piece of pink and blue fabric as a simple tablecloth. I bought this piece a few years ago to make cushions but never got around to it, looks better on the table anyway. Its only 1.5 wide by 1.5 long and was around $35 per meter, not a huge investment for a very pretty result.
Fun food details
I also bought pink and white striped gelato cups, and matching straws, at my favourite $2 shop.
Filled little bottles with pink cranberry cordial and finished with the straws.
Made strawberry jelly in the gelato cups and topped them with a red celophane heart chocolate.
Not a lot of time for a whole lot of smiles.
Suggested combination of lanterns:
- 2 large plain pink
- 3 small plain pink
- 3 small pom poms
- 2 small polka dot lanterns
- pink organza ribbon for tassles
Hanging instructions:
- I started at the centre with the two larger lanterns and then filled in around them.
- Use the hanging lengths as a guide and push them closer together to create a full effect.
- Remember to walk around the table to see that it looks good from all sides.
- Hanging lengths shown in cm
Tieing tassles to hang straight down:
If you do a simple knot to tie the ribbons they don't fall prettily. To make them hang straight down tie them similar to a business tie, see below.
Step 1 - Fold ribbon in half and thread top loop over the lantern wire
Step 2 - Open the loop and thread the ribbon tails through
Step 3 - Pull tails firmly downwards
Step 4 - Center ribbons on lantern
I heart the chocolate details, this little bit of red looks fab with the pink and blue scheme.
Its not to late, stop at the $2 shop, buy some jelly, and you will have a valentines party of your own in no time.