Do you want to know how to create some drama and fun for your next event with a party balloon arch? Mercedes’ shows how she did it for a wedding welcome party using her creativity and Amazon.
There is also some party inspiration that I helped with and a good chicken recipe that Howard made again recently. And there’s more as it’s Five Fave time with Annie and Cindy!
1. How To Make A Party Balloon Arch
It’s nice to feel needed, isn’t it? So when Mercedes asked if I could help her set up for a family wedding welcome party at their house, I said “Sure!” I loaded up my car with table cloths, electric candles, trays, vases…anything I could think of that I would want.
When I got to her house the living room was littered with balloons of all sizes. The party was the next day and I silently thought “Has Mercedes bitten off more that she can chew?!” Wrong.
By the time I finished fluffing flowers and accessories, Mercedes had assembled this arch for her nephew’s party.
Makes me want to try this for our next celebration!
Here is how to make a diy balloon arch for birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers and other special occasions.
Order a balloon arch kit on Amazon like this one. There are lots of color combos from which to choose for your decor and it’s not expensive considering the impact!
You will need an electric air pump. Mercedes blew up the balloons the night before. It took about an hour.
She and Mark attached the balloon arch as a focal point above the doors to the back yard.
Note product details to take your party to the next level:
- Dusty Green Blue Beige Gold Balloon Garland Kit – You will get 107pcs 5 inch / 10 inch / 18inch latex balloons including dusty slate blue balloons (5″ 12pcs+10″ 15pcs+18″ 1pc), beige / white sand balloons (5″ 12pcs+10″ 15pcs+18″ 1pc), stuffed sage green balloons (5″ 12pcs+10″ 15pcs), metallic gold balloons (5″ 12pcs+10″ 10pcs), 16ft balloon strip tape (1 roll), 100pc glue dot (1 roll).
- Non-toxic & High Quality – The olive green blue white sand balloons are made of natural latex, Balloons of various sizes are made of thick, sufficient elasticity latex, so that both air or helium easily inflate them. NOTE: The color effect of the balloons will change for the better once they are inflated.
- Easy to Assemble – No helium needed, simply inflate your balloons and secure to the balloon strip. Use various colors and blow up different sizes to get an amazing look to your garland. Then use the glue dots to fix the additional balloons where you want for the perfect look.
Do you have any special events coming up where you could wow your guests with this diy balloon garland kit?
2. Flowers And Other Party Decorations
Mercedes picked up lots of flowers from Trader Joes. We used my Indian quilt, silvered votive candles and PB table cloths.
3. Wicker Outdoor Lanterns On Sale
Mercedes said she bought these three wicker lanterns at Target. So I said let me get three more and we can borrow each others!
They are battery-operated and have timers that you can set for five hours. They are priced better than most I have seen. Mercedes bought a 16″, 12″ and 8″ and I bought a 16″ and two 12″.
Oh and doesn’t Mark look handsome for their party?
4. Chicken Marbella Recipe And Toasted Pine Nuts To Elevate Your Salad
While Mark, Mercedes and I were setting up for the party, Howard made us this dinner…
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground paper
- 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted prunes
- 1/2 cup pitted Spanish green olives
- 1/4 cup drained capers, plus 1 tablespoon caper brine
- 3 fresh or dried bay leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano
- 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 cup dry white wine
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet on high heat about 2 minutes. Add chicken, skin side down, cover, and cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Flip chicken, cover again, and cook until golden brown on the second side, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook stirring one minute.
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Arrange prunes, olives and capers, brine, bay leaves, and oregano in between chicken pieces. Sprinkle with brown sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour vinegar and wine over top and bring to a boil. Reduce to low and cover and simmer until is cooked through 15 to 20 minutes.
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Transfer chicken to a serving platter and return pan to high heat. Cook sauce, swirling occasionally until reduced and slightly thickened about 5 minutes. Spoon pan sauce over chicken and serve.
With a tossed green salad with …good news! Trader Joe’s has toasted pine nuts again!
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice Sometimes I add a 1/2 tsp. of grated lemon zest
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 shallot minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil Extra virgin
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
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Add all the ingredients to a jar and shake well.
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Let flavors blend for 30 minutes before serving. Store for up to a week in the refrigerator.
And by the way, he’s using the new $10 Melamine blue and white bowl from Target for the salad.
5. Mersea Outfit Of The Week
I hadn’t purchased anything from the company Mersea before. But when Cindy was here, she was wearing this cute peasant top with pants in black.
So I bought it in brown. The top is on backorder but you can be notified when it’s back in stock. The comfy pants are in stock in black and brown.
It will be great for travel as you can wash it and hang it to dry quickly and its so lightweight. This is a size small…the pants should be more cropped on a taller person. The wedge sandals are Born from Nordstrom Rack.
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Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Judie Olivero says
OMG – cooked Howard’s Weeknight Chicken – it was absolutely delicious! It’s a keeper! Thank you, Howard.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Judie. I forwarded your message to Howard.
Rita says
I will be trying the chicken recipe, it looks delicious. My daughter made a balloon arch when my son turned 21, she did it all herself, no kit. Used string and tied as she went. I thought she was crazy doing it that way, she proved me wrong.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Good for her. It does seem mush easier with the strip that comes in the kit.
Dee says
Compliments on all of the post! By chance, do you know how many balloon kits she used for her arch? And does Howard ever use boneless chicken thighs for his Chicken Marbella? I try to never assume with a recipe so think best to ask the chef. Thank you,
Mary Ann Pickett says
I believe Mercedes used just one kit.
Howard always makes it with the bone in!
Dee says
Thanks for the reply. Don’t laugh too much….I tried counting the balloons then tried to figure how many might not have survived inflating and so on….it was a joke. I gave up 🙂
Juliet says
MA! I love a balloon arch but never considered putting one together myself. It looks like a lot of work, but if you say it’s manageable I believe you. Such a fun party focal point. Oh my gosh, Howard is at it again. That chicken looks fabulous. I just printed the salad vinaigrette recipe … thanks. Your Mersae outfit it adorable … as are you. xo
Mary Ann Pickett says
I would be intimidated too, Juliet, if I hadn’t seen Mercedes do it so quickly.
Katherine says
Maryann, I love the balloon arch, Mercedes is crafty, good for her and her honey doing it themselves. To have you bring over some of your beauties and to help decorate was so kind of you. But that is what good friends are for. I bet the celebration was special. Then leave it to your chef Howard to have a wonderful meal waiting for you. He is a keeper. You look great in the Mersea peasant top and pants.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Katherine!!
Francesca B says
Hi Mary Ann,
Well this is so timely, l bought the lanterns you recommended for an outside party we are hosting for my daughter’s wedding weekend and these look perfect. Thank you. I love the Mersea outfit on you too,such a classy color l might have to do that too!!
Happy weekend 🙂
cindy says
I LOVE this post!! Summer would love one of those balloon arches. The only problem is Scout would pop all the balloons before the party! That chicken marsala looks amazing. Pinning that one! I love that Mersea outfit on you! I think I need it in brown too. It is so comfortable like wearing PJs.
Diane says
Love this post! Do you know how far in advance you can inflate and hang the balloon arch? We love Chicken Marbella and I will definitely be making Howard’s weeknight version. Love your Mersea outfit, I am a fan of their Catalina sweater – it is the only “one size” item I own and looks good on everyone. It does come in a petite too.
Mary Ann Pickett says
She inflated them the day before.
I need to check out the Mersea Catalina sweater!
Jane says
Mary Ann. This is I related to this post but you once recommended a good juicer and now I can’t find where I saved it to buy for my SIL. TYIA
Mary Ann Pickett says
This is the one we have, Jane. the Housnat Juicer on Amazon.
Jane says
Thanks so much. Excuse my typos. It was written from my phone. Have a great rest of the weekend.
TAG says
This is so timely! I planned on and already have the ingredients to make Chicken Marbella for tonight. I recall you posting Howard’s recipe in the past so now I don’t need to search for it. It is such an impressive meal and relatively easy.
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
Mary Ann,
The party prep looks fabulous! I love the balloon arch, who knew that you could make it with a kit!
We love chicken Marbella, although I have not made it in at least a year. Thanks for the reminder.
Your/Cindys’ outfit is beautiful, looks comfy too.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Linda Henderson says
The Mersea top and pants look very stylish and comfortable. Thanks for sharing them. I was not familiar with the brand.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I know…thanks to Cindy!
Leu2500 says
Thank you for sharing how to make the balloon arch. I didn’t know you could just buy a kit.
And those lanterns from Target are a good find.
Everything looked lovely.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much!