Extraordinary events are built on hundreds of ordinary components, combined imaginatively for romantic, sensual or dramatic effect. But where do you go to find the myriad decorations, novelties, props and paper goods on which your dˇcor will be based? Fortunately, party supply stores are veritable treasure troves of exciting decorative elements. 

Get recommendations from friends, colleagues and others in the event planning business as to suitable party shops and reputable online suppliers. Wherever possible, check their websites and promotional materials to get an idea of the store or site's range of stock and services.

With the decorative elements you need to make the party happen, and a good team around you to help conceptualise and realise the event, you can relax and focus on being the perfect host or hostess.

What do party stores stock?
At specialist party supply stores, you can find a vast range of decorations to suit any style of event, from an elegant dinner party to a children's birthday, an office end-of-year do to a New Year's Eve celebration. Dedicated party stores stock literally thousands of different types of decorations, as well as paper goods, novelty items, masks, wigs, costumes, equipment and party favours.

Wander the aisles of vast party supply warehouses (some so large that they're ordered, for shopping convenience, from A to Z) to find everything from traditional party dˇcor to novelty and themed items, and just about any other decoration you can think of, along with matching paper goods, themed props, centrepieces, candles and party stationery. 

Store consultants
Most party stores have experts on the floor to point you in the direction of the specific supplies you're seeking. They can also give you sound advice on how to use various items for best effect, as well as the quantities of balloons, streamers or string lights you'll need to adequately dress up a venue or site of a certain size (tip: bringing your venue site map along would be handy!).

Discuss your party style and theme with store consultants, as well as the reason for the celebration, your chosen colours, the atmosphere you're trying to create, and the venue specs. If possible, show the consultant photos of the venue so that they can envisage how items might be creatively used to enhance it - and what might and might not work. Decide on the items you want, preferably in consultation with your decorator, and if you're buying a lot, see if you can negotiate a package deal with them.

This chapter continues in Party Magazine