Out of this World - Space Theme Decor Ideas and Inspiration

One of the biggest trends for theme parties is an out-of-this-world spacetheme, and not just for children! 

The outer space theme offers many ideas and creative opportunities to transform a room into a magical journey through space.

Blastoff! Rocket
This adorable spaceship will launch your outer space party into the stratosphere!
Designer name: Vadim Shushkanov, CBA, Moscow, Russia

If you would like to learn how to make this awesome space rocket, a free step-by-step recipe is available on www.Qualatex.com or click HERE

Welcome guests with cool space-theme signage for the entrance or outside.

Not everyone considers decor outside a venue. Therefore you need to sell the benefits to your clients! 

Let everyone know where to find the fun with cool space-themed signage. For example you can use directional signs and personalise them to point to different areas or a space-themed welcome board set on an easel with the guest of honour’s name and celebration.

 

Photo credit: 

Throw a Space Themed Birthday Party that’s Out of This World

by ENTERTAINING WITH EMILY

Party Backdrops and Balloon Walls

Nothing can make a bigger or better statement than a Balloon Wall! Perfect for transforming a room and making those Instagram worthy photos! 

The Best Party in the Universe
This accent wall is perfect for any spaced-themed occasion.
Designer name: Avital and Nir Shechter, CBAs, Balloney Nir, Katsrin, Israel

A futuristic and a space theme is not just for children's parties. It can be for adult parties too! 

Here is a fabulous balloon installation by Chris Adamo, CBA, from Balloons Online in Sydney, Australia. Chris really knows how to transform a room. These 3' latex balloons with balloon lights really help to set the scene! 

Balloon Decor by Chris Adamo
Balloons Online and The Balloon Crew-Balloons.net.au in Sydney, Australia

These painted balloons are something else and very much out of this world! I really think we need a tutorial on these, Chris 😊

Balloon Decor by Chris Adamo
Balloons Online and The Balloon Crew-Balloons.net.au in Sydney, Australia

How about this elegant 'spacey' centrepiece... 

Nothing But Awesome!

Here’s a perfectly accented centrepiece to compliment your space-theme celebration.

Designer name: Eve Antonello, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA

The space theme does not just translate well to parties, it is also a fabulous theme for many other occasions! 

Adventure Starts Now!

Say congratulations with an outta this world design!

Designer name: Eve Antonello, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA

Here are some more great decor ideas to inspire and impress your clients! All these fantastic images are available online for you to use for your marketing purposes - thank you, Qualatex! Click HERE for a direct link.

I don't know about you, but this has certainly inspired me to create some space theme decor! So if you have designed something fabulous for a space theme party or delivery using Qualatex balloons, we would love to see it! Please post it on the Qualatex Facebook Group  and tag me. I look forward to seeing it! 

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me @suebowler

Just What are the Top Balloon & Party Trends for 2020?

After a little research on the mighty Web, I found quite a few contenders for the top trends that could have an impact on our balloon and party businesses this year.

2020 Colour of the Year - Classic Blue

Beautiful Decor by Moon and Blooms, San Jose, California, USA.

There is nothing very new about this classic colour, which is why many have questioned its choice as the Pantone Colour of the Year! According to The Pantone Institute, that exactly was the main idea behind choosing this shade. They wanted to select a colour that stands out while also being familiar. It should gives everyone a foundation of faith and peace.

So could this be the year of of blue balloon décor en masse, or are there other new trends in the balloon industry that will be even more prominent? Historically, it takes a while for the colour of the year to make its way into the balloon industry, and that transition happens mainly through fashion, especially the wedding market.

Gender Neutral Party Ideas

Circus Theme Party Decor
Designer: Shannon Kilford, of Born to Party, Sydney, Australia

It's time to think outside of the "gender box" and embrace more Gender Neutral themes! There is an abundance of exciting and classic party themes that will suit anyone! 

Zany Zooventure!
Designer: Sam Josie, CBA, Pioneer® Balloon Company

Here are a few great gender neutral suggestions!

• Zoo, Safari and any animal theme.
• Carnival and Circus
• Magic and Wizards
• Under the Sea 
• Luau and Beach 
• Ice-Cream and Candy
• Hot-Air Balloons and Vintage Travel

Streamer Backdrops

Whimsical and packed with colour and movement, these stunning streamer backdrops will be a big hit for 2020! Streamer backdrops add the wow-factor to a party, and are customisable to match an event’s colour scheme. It also creates a fun photo opportunity for those looking to create an “instagram moment” at their party.

Last year Chris Adamo, CBA, of Balloons Online, Sydney, Australia presented streamer backdrops as being one of Australia's hottest trends. Chris very kindly made a short video tutorial the demonstrates how to make these awesome streamers. If you missed it the first time round, I have added the video again below! 

80's and 90's Theme Parties

As millennials get older, they are starting to put a focus on fond memories of their youth. From Cheers to Friends, the 80's and 90's set the scene for fabulous sitcoms that are still popular 30 years on! And of course, who could forget Beanie Babies? I still have a trunk packed with mint condition Beanie Babies waiting for their revival! 

11" Neon Music Notes 

Neon was a big trend in the 80's, and this new 18" "Happy Birthday Neon Glow" balloon from Qualatex fits the bill perfectly! Don't forget these vibrant 11" Neon Music Notes, these would fit just as well with this theme. 

Au Naturel - Pampas Grasses & Dried Flowers

Photograph courtesy of www.buckinghamsonline.com
Photographer: Andreas Pinacci

If you have not yet noticed the beautiful Pampas Grasses & Dried Flowers trend, it's definitely time to! It seems like everywhere you look for inspiration, from large scale events to every day parties, the fluffy pampas grass and dried flowers appear in some way. It gained traction in the floral industry and it's only recently started appearing with balloons. It is always worth watching the floral industry trends as they usually gravitate into the balloon industry especially as so many of us now work with balloons and flowers! 

The great thing about pampas grass, dried and faux flowers is that they can be used repeatedly, making it very sustainable, a 2020 buzzword that clients love to hear! You would be amazed at how many people grow these resilient grasses in their gardens, I myself have some beautiful species that would look fabulous in balloon decor! Maybe 2020 is the year to start growing your own accent decor! 



Of course there are even more trends that will certainly play a part in the ballooning world this year:

Sustainability and Sustainable Parties, using live plants over cut flowers, succulents are very on-trend right now.
Many are also making it a point to eliminate the use of single-use plastics - offer only latex balloons.
Planners also focus on only utilising re-usable decor options, such as cloth bunting or any props that can be rented and/or re-used.

Space and Galaxy Theme parties

Children of all ages love a space theme party; they have become extremely popular over the past few years! Have you heard about "Two the Moon" Birthday Parties? These parties specifically celebrate a child's second birthday - I could see this becoming an even bigger trend in the future.

Disco Balls are making a big comeback as an accent detail at parties, not just one or two, lots of them! 







Personalisation remains a top trend, so adding a name or a message on your balloons and décor will definitely be a hit! 

And finally, have you seen Pinterest 100: The top trends to inspire and try in 2020. This is a fabulous resource and a good round-up of lots of different trends anticipated for 2020 and beyond! 

"Peek into the future with the top Pinterest trends for 2020. 

When Pinners are looking for new ideas, they come to Pinterest first. It’s where they get inspiration, dream about new possibilities and plan for what matters most. And every time someone searches on Pinterest, they’re thinking about what they want to try next. Multiply that behavior by the more than 320 million people using Pinterest all over the world, and you get unique insight into emerging trends. The Pinterest 100 is our annual report showing what’s next, with ideas across categories including food, home, style, beauty, health, travel and family. This year, we organized the trends into ten themes that show broader cultural shifts and changes in consumer behavior. Wondering what’s with re-wilding, dog halos, Granny pods, agritourism and rockhounding? Read on to see what will be big in 2020!These insights tell us that more than ever, people are thinking and acting globally and sustainably. They’re staying home to work, entertain or be entertained, and then heading outdoors to be reacquainted with nature, look for adventure, and travel responsibly. All while lowering stress and elevating different areas of their lives, from pet care to scrunchies."

If this information is new to you, I recommend investigating further, as it is  packed with some great information, which very well may help you get ahead of the game!  

Happy Ballooning!

Sue
www.suebowler.com
@suebowler - follow me on Instagram 

Qualatex goes "A Little Bit Spacey" at the Nuremberg Toy Fair and Spring Fair Birmingham

The start of the year is always a very busy time in Europe with the Spielwaremesse - Nuremberg Toy Fair, Germany and the Spring Fair, N.E.C., Birmingham, U.K. This year saw both stands take on an "Out of this World" space theme with the stand decor designed and create by Luc Bertrand, CBA, Fiona Fisher, CBA, and Federico Onida, CBA. 

Nuremberg Toy Fair Decor by Luc Bertrand

Spring Fair Decor by Fiona Fisher and Federico Onida

The trade fairs are a fabulous opportunity for customers both existing and new to see the full range of balloons, party ware and accessories that Qualatex^® sells- there is nothing better than to be able see all the products close-up, you cannot always fully appreciate how fabulous they look in real life! 

The truly remarkable artist Alberto Falcone, CBA, also waved his magic wand over the Qualatex stand at Spring Fair, creating some wonderful displays that without doubt will inspire so many! It's amazing when you add theme balloons such as the adorable new "Precious Panda" Head and the Northstar "Emoji's" and the superb range of Dinosaur balloons to a wall or a display that takes the balloons to a whole new level! Each one of Alberto's amazing displays can easily be reproduced for theme parties! 

Panda with organic tree display by Alberto Falcone

Emoji's Wall by Alberto Falcone

Volcano with Dinosaur's by Alberto Falcone

Here are some more lovely displays from both fairs, featuring some of our amazing new balloons!  If you were unable to attend, I hope that it will give you a little inspiration! 

Both Luc and myself had the opportunity to create beautiful designs using the NEW "Graceful Swan" balloon, Luc managed to sneak in the gorgeous "Tropical Philodendron" balloons too! 

Graceful Swan Designs by
Luc Bertrand (left)
Sue Bowler (right)

Window display by Sue Bowler, CBA

The fabulous colours in the "Rainbow Swirl Ice Cream" and the "Birthday Pastel Ombre & Stars" look truly stunning - I think these will be extremely popular this year - I am loving all the NEW 9" and 14" balloons too! 

Window Display by Luc Bertand

I love Luc's Ice Cream display. He cleverly shows a fabulous range of new products. The base is made using the new "Colourful Dots" latex balloons - I have yet to play with these and I can't wait! He then displays the "Rainbow Swirl Ice Creams" with a beautiful bouquet of "Birthday Metallic Ombre and Dots" topped with the fabulous "Colourful Confetti Dots" Deco Bubble!

This wonderful "Loveable Llama" display was created by Louise Hedges, CBA,
of Pioneer Europe.

Kerry Ferguson, CBA, of Pioneer Europe created some truly
inspiration balloon bouquets! I loved this "Hot" tropical design!

This was one of my favourite displays to make!
I love designing balloon hoops and by simply adding
Northstar "Scripts" take them to a whole new level! 

Who could not adore this beautiful Llama baby display by
Federico Onida. Federico made this design during one of
The Stage demonstrations that are held each day at Spring Fair.

Both shows were brimming with fabulous new products and many exciting displays. If you have never attended one of these shows then I highly recommend them both! 

2nd -6th February 2020

Spielwaremesse - Nuremberg Toy Fair

29th Jan - 2nd Feb 2020

And finally, just in case you missed it, Keith and Dominic reported live at Spring Fair on Q Corner - this is a great way to truly see the amazing Qualatex stand!

Hope to see you at a ballooning event somewhere in the world this year!

Happy Ballooning!

Sue
www.suebowler.com
#suebowler