Elegant Black and White Party Decorating Ideas

Create an elegant theme for a party by turning it into a black and white ball. Turn your party space into a ballroom, complete with dance floor, ambient lighting and elegant decor throughout. For black and white party decorating, use a variety of accessories on your ceiling, walls, tables and floor to carry the elegant theme from top to bottom. Send invitations that set the tone and ask guests to dress in black and white attire or costumes to add to the festive and elegant party theme.

IDEA 1 Create a dramatic and elegant entrance with a black or white carpet runner leading to the party area or scattered black and white area rugs.

IDEA 2 Hang multiple strands of white twinkle lights to add sparkle to the ballroom. Hang them from the ceiling, drape over hanging lamps, and string along fireplaces or shelves for ambient lighting.

IDEA 3 Gather and drape long lengths of black or white tulle along the ceiling indoors, or between trees or posts outdoors. As an alternative to tulle, use sheer black or white gossamer fabrics that have glittering stars in the design, or encase the twinkle lights inside the draping folds.

IDEA 4 Create a ballroom dance floor with black and white floor tiles. Attach the tiles to a wood base for a temporary space.

IDEA 5 Position tables around the dance floor and decorate them with black and white tablecloths. Use solid colored white and black tablecloths. Set the table with dramatically designed graphic dishes or solid black or white dishes. Use serving pieces that coordinate and follow the color palette. Cover chairs with black or white fabric covers to the floor or tie bows around the back of the chair.

IDEA 6 Place large displays of white roses or calla lilies in elegant vases on the tables. As a different option, use black top hats to conceal vases and tie into the formal theme. Add assorted sizes and heights of black and white candles in white and black holders.

IDEA 7 Hang black and white framed mirrors and graphic images on the walls to carry the theme colors up onto the wall surfaces. Hang elegant black and white abstract art on the walls.

IDEA 8 Make or buy a cake decorated in black and white.

Have a photographer take black and white instant pictures during the ball and create a collage for guests to enjoy as the evening progresses.

For a grand finale to your ball, give guests sparklers, with notes thanking them for adding sparkle and elegance to the evening.