Making Paper Decorations to Create a Shade Effect for an Outdoor Party

Tissue Paper

• Sunlight filters through tissue paper decorations and falls muted on guests in pastel shades. Hang tissue paper decorations over your patio to eliminate sharp sunlight without causing the space to be too dark. Be creative when crafting tissue paper shade decorations. For example, measure the space above your outdoor venue. Cut out large tissue paper flowers of varying colors and tape the edges together until you have created a sheet that matches the measurements of the space you wish to cover. Tie string to each corner of the sheet of paper flowers or attach it above your party venue using tape.

Paper Bags

• Recycle paper bags by using them as homemade decorations that block the sun’s heat and burning rays. Many designs are possible when you incorporate paper bags as a shade decoration for an outdoor party. For example, complement a fall party by cutting brown paper bags into leaf shapes, then taping each leaf together to create a web to hang over the party space. Similarly, use white paper bags cut into the shapes of snowflakes as an awning for an outdoor Christmas party if you live in a temperate location.

Papier-Mâché

• Create a more permanent paper shade decoration by crafting a homemade awning from papier-mâché. You can use a sturdy decoration such as this to cover your outdoor patio for multiple events, as long as you bring the cover inside during rain, snow or wind. Be creative when using papier-mâché to provide shade. For example, spread a piece of chicken wire that matches the size of the area you wish to shield across a large flat work surface and cover it with colorful paper using the papier-mâché technique. Allow the sheet to dry and hang it above the party setting.

Decorative Paper Lanterns

• Paper lanterns will provide shade for your outdoor party during the day and lighting when the sun sets. String rope across your party setting and hang paper lanterns in clumps so they block the sun’s rays, turning them on when darkness falls. Make paper lanterns even more decorative by modifying them yourself. For example, cut out circular pieces of tissue paper and tape them all over the sides of the lanterns for a feathery, ethereal look. This craft will also provide colorful shade to enhance the atmosphere of your party.