Best Party Supplies for Beginners: Easy Wins for First-Time Hosts

This two-pack of laser pink fringe curtains is the top seller in the category, and it is easy to see why for beginners. Each curtain is 3.28 by 7.05 feet with adhesive tape already along the top, so you peel, press onto a smooth wall, and you have a photo backdrop. The extra length can be trimmed with scissors if your wall is shorter.

Buyers love how vibrant and photogenic it looks at birthdays, classroom events and even Super Bowl parties. The catch: reviewers say the built-in adhesive weakens after a few minutes and some strands tear off, so plan to add your own tape and handle it gently.

With 140 balloons in four sizes (5, 10, 12 and 18 inch), this set gives you everything needed to try a balloon garland or arch, the kind of mixed-size look that usually takes separate purchases. Customers say the sizes are accurate and the colors rich, and several used them for backdrop arches.

Filled with air, the brand says they stay full for up to 72 hours, so you can inflate the day before. Note that the 5-inch balloons won't float with helium, and some reviewers found balloons with holes, so expect a few duds.

One size, ten colors and 100 balloons: this is about as simple as balloon decorating gets. Every balloon is 12 inches, so you don't need to plan a layout, and a 33-foot white ribbon is included for tying and hanging. Reviewers say they're easy to inflate and tie.

They work with air or helium, though helium float time is best kept under 24 hours, so inflate on party day. Some buyers mention pinholes and quick deflation, but with 100 in the bag, a few bad ones barely matter.

Silver goes with almost any color scheme, which makes this two-pack a safe pick if you're not sure what theme you'll land on. Each curtain is 3.28 by 6.56 feet, a little shorter than the pink option, and comes with double-sided tape for sticking to doors and walls.

Customers say it looks great in photo booths, especially paired with balloons or LED lights. Quality reviews are split, though: some call it flimsy and say the adhesive doesn't hold well, so have backup tape or hooks on hand.

A single oversized number does a lot of decorating on its own, and this 40-inch foil "1" comes with an inflation straw and a self-sealing valve, so you can fill it with air by mouth. Customers like how it looks in balloon arches and say the size matches the photos.

Beginners should read the instructions: inflate slowly and stop while it's still slightly soft, since some buyers had it pop during inflation. The shade is a muted cream-beige that can look darker in some light, which suits neutral or boho themes.

No setup skill required: snap, shake and these 8-inch glow sticks light up for 10 to 14 hours, according to the maker. The pack includes 100 sticks plus 100 connectors so kids can turn them into necklaces and bracelets.

They're described as nontoxic, non-leaking and waterproof, so they even work at pool parties. Reviewers say kids love them at Halloween events and weddings, though brightness varies and some report breakage or lots of white sticks.