We hosted a Friendsgiving for my teen daughter and her friends, and I wanted it to feel special without turning into a whole production. This setup was simple to pull together, looked amazing in photos, and the cleanup was way easier than I expected.
Below is exactly what I used, what mattered most, and what you can skip if you want the same look with less effort.
Once the arch was up, the whole space looked styled even before the table was finished. It also gave the girls a natural place to take photos without me having to “direct” anything.
Quick note .. if you only buy one “extra,” make it the water weights. The arch looks cute until it wobbles, then it is instantly annoying.
If you have ever made a balloon garland and thought “why does mine look dull,” this is the fix. Shine spray made a noticeable difference, especially under indoor lighting and phone flash.
I love anything that makes cleanup faster. This popper tool is not a “game.” It is for taking down balloon setups quickly, and the magnetic closure keeps the sharp pins enclosed.
For the table, I mixed a couple Vine pieces with a few Walmart grabs. The goal was “cute and cozy,” not “Pinterest pressure.”
If you want the easiest centerpiece formula .. choose one main “anchor” item, then add two fillers. Anchor could be a tray, a vase, or a lantern. Fillers could be candles, mini pumpkins, faux florals, or a garland runner.
The best part about this setup is how reusable everything is. With a simple swap of colors or accents, these same pieces can work for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers.