[$25 DIY Party] Popcorn Party

This entire party cost less than $25! Oh, and it's for 8 people too! (Probably even more than 8 people!) I had so much fun styling this POPCORN PARTY! This party was much easier to put together than all the previous $25 parties so far...no baking, no cooking. (I did have to use the microwave but that doesn't count.) 

Here's all you need to buy to re-create this super fun and easy popcorn party:

1. Cheddar Popcorn: $2.58 (Walmart)

2. Bacon Ranch Popcorn: $2.58 (Walmart)

3. 8 Pack Microwave Butter Popcorn: $2.00 (Walmart)

4. Toffee Popcorn: $1.00 (Walmart)

5. 12 Pack Rootbeer: $3.98 (Walmart)

6. Whoppers Candy: $1.74 (Walmart)

7. Reese's Pieces x 2: $1.96 (Walmart)

8. Milk Duds Candy: $1.74 (Walmart)

9. Small Brown Paper Bags: $1.00 (Walmart)

10. Value Pack 8 x 11 Cardstock: $2.00 (Joannes)

11. Mini Clothespins: $2.49 (Joannes)

12. Jute Twine: $1.79 (Joannes or Walmart)

__________________________________________________

TOTAL: $24.86

Here's how you put it all together:

Start with the banners. I needed about 15 sheets of cardstock. You will need more or less depending on your table length. Cut the sheets in half lengthwise. So cut them at 5 1/2 inches. If you don't have a paper cutter use scissors.

Once you have the cardstock cut in half, find the halfway point for the width, and make a dot on the bottom. Then you connect each top corner to the dot at the bottom of the page. Or, you can just make a dot at each midway point on the bottom, then use your paper cutter to cut the angles, and don't worry about drawing those lines.

Punch a hole in the top 2 corners of each flag.

String the twine in-and-out of each hole. Oh yeah, don't forget that you are making 3 separate banners. Line the flags across your table to know how long to make each banner.

Hang up the first 2 banners. I used thumbtacks. They worked really well. I have learned that when you hang these types of banners the arch needs to look very natural. So let it fall where it falls, and don't make it so tight. Making 2 banners that overlap look good is a lot trickier than it looks. (Or maybe just for me it is?)

Add a tablecloth if you wish. White, tan, brown... I happened to have a tan one. And I really did iron it but obviously not good enough.

Okay. Now it's popcorn time. First pop all that microwave popcorn and put it in the biggest bowl you got. At first I was going to put all the popcorn in brown paper bags and roll down the edges like I did with the candy. However, I didn't have any large ones without a logo on either sides...and it just didn't look very good.

Next, put the bacon popcorn in your next biggest bowl. I actually liked the way this tasted. Salesi said it was gross.

And then the toffee popcorn in the smallest bowl. (Can you see me in the bowl?)

Write the names of all your guests on a sheet of cardstock. I chose a brown marker to stay with that rustic/cowboy feel. Then punch a hole in the top corners.

Punch a hole in the top corner of 8 paper bags (just 1 side of the bag), and tie the name tag to the bag with the twine. Tie a cute ribbon like I did here.

Oh yeah, and cut the bags in half first. Now it's the perfect size. (It's just so stinkin' cute it's killing me.)

Neatly arrange the bags on the table for the guests to find.

Write the names of your popcorn flavors and cut them out.

 Use the mini clothespins to clip them onto the bowls.

For the candy and cheddar popcorn you'll want to cut the bags way down in size.

 I rolled down the edges of the bags for the candy. Then make labels and clip them on with those cute little clothespins.

Fill 4 bags or so with cheddar popcorn. Add labels. I also set these bags on a box to give them more height. The table needs something tall on this end to help balance it out with the gigantic bowl of popcorn on the other end. Remember, if you are ever wondering about balance refer to Amy Atlas.)  

Now it's time to hang our third banner onto the front of the table. I used safety pins. Hang the ends onto the sides of the table so you don't see the pins. 

Remember to give it that natural, even looking arch.

Add scoops for the popcorn and candy. If you don't have something like this then use measuring cups for the popcorn and spoons for the candy.

And there you have it! This party is SO EASY! So what are you waiting for?