On the Fourth of July, we often look to the sky to watch fireworks in all shapes, sizes and colors. But in some locations, there’s more to see up above. Hot air balloons are festive and fun reminders of the American holiday.
A patriotic hot air balloon decoration in red, white and blue makes a wonderful Independence Day centerpiece.
What You will Need
- Large, white, high quality latex balloon filled with helium
- Large balloon net*
- Small wicker laundry-type basket with two handles
- Red, white and blue crepe paper
- Basket filler in red, white and blue
- Candy or goodie bags
What To Do With It
- Drape the balloon net over the helium-filled balloon.
- Divide the ribbons from the balloon net into two equal sets.
- Tie one half of the ribbons to one of the basket handles. Tie the other half to the other basket handle.
- Decorate the basket with red, white and blue crepe paper. Wrap it around the basket and secure with clear tape, and/or tie streamers to the handles for decoration.
- Fill the basket with the patriotic basket filler. Add candy or goody bags, and place in the middle of the table as a centerpiece.
If you prefer, you could add real or silk flowers to the basket instead of candy or goody bags for a unique floral centerpiece. You can also adapt the project to use as a gift holder for birthdays or other holidays by using different colors of crepe and basket filler.
*Balloon nets may be available from a local party supply store or florist. If you can’t find any for sale, here’s how to make one.
Supplies
- 150 feet of decorative ribbon in red, white, and/or blue
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut strips of ribbon long enough to drape over the balloon and tie to the basket, making sure they will keep the balloon at the desired height. Add a few extra inches for tying and to leave room for error.
- Lay a strip of ribbon flat diagonally. Lay another strip parallel to the first one, about an inch away. Keep laying down strips of ribbon until you have enough to cover the top of the balloon. If using two or more colors, alternate them in a set pattern.
- Lay a strip of ribbon across the first strip, going diagonally in the opposite direction. Repeat until you have a square of a fishnet pattern large enough to cover the top of the balloon, with enough ribbon hanging to keep the balloon as far as you desire above the basket.
- Tie knots in the ribbon at the corners to secure the pattern.
