A party for a princess

DIY quinceanera decorations to make her sweet 15 a royal delight

By Zoe Karro
Quinceanera decorations @hallmarkstores @hallmarkstoresIdeas

For lots of girls, the quinceañera is the day that they have dreamed about for years. And why not—it’s one of the rare times when everybody stops and makes it all about her! So if you’re planning a celebration for a special quince, try a few of these perfect-for-a-princess party ideas and help make her dreams come true. Click here for our DIY quinceañera decoration instructions in Spanish.

Quinceanera decorations: framed-up photo ops #MyHallmark #MyHallmarkIdeas

Framed-up photo ops Spray paint an ornate open frame with the party girl’s favorite color and let her and her guests have fun taking snapshots as the center of attention. You can find these frames at craft stores, but using an old family frame makes it even more personal.

Quinceanera decorations: ruffled streamers #MyHallmark #MyHallmarkIdeas

Ruffled streamers Gather three colors of crepe paper streamers and your sewing machine to make these easy, ruffled party decorations. To make the streamers, download the instructions.

Quinceanera decorations: dressed-up cakes #MyHallmark #MyHallmarkIdeas

Dressed-up cakes What better way to show off the day’s supreme fashionista than with cupcakes decorated to match her party dress? Decorate cupcakes with frosting (we used three different colors) using a Wilton® No. 104 Petal Decorating Tip. Place the tip with the largest part nearest the cupcake and make a zigzag pattern, starting at the outermost edge of the cupcake. Make one zigzag row for each color. Then insert a frosted heart-shaped cookie (point first) into the center of the cupcake and cover over the joined area with some colored candy dragées (available at cake-decorating stores and some craft stores). Or, you could pipe a line of frosting over the joint.

Quinceanera decorations: tiara centerpiece #MyHallmark #MyHallmarkIdeas

Tiara centerpiece This fun and easy table decoration can hold flameless votive candles or—even better—wishes and blessings for the guest of honor. Just place pens and fancy notes nearby so guests can share their wishes for the birthday girl. She can read and enjoy her notes from friends and family long after the party is over. To make the tiara centerpiece, download the instructions.

Quinceanera decorations: flower-power backdrop #MyHallmark #MyHallmarkIdeas

Flower-power backdropA little tissue paper goes a long way in making a colorful impact—a great backdrop for the cake table or photo op for the happy 15-year-old with her friends and family. To make the flowers, download the instructions.

Hallmark photo stylist Zoe Karro has spent her life rearranging all sorts of things, from words to art supplies to shag carpets. "If you rearrange long enough," she says, "the story pops into place and feels j-u-s-t right." Before she came to Hallmark, Zoe worked at House Beautiful and Victoria, and helped launch Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion.