So you've planned a party, and you're obviously excited. You think of a feasible date, draw up a guest list, decide a menu, and you're as good as done. Parties are all about being together with friends and family, sharing a few good laughs and simply creating wonderful memories. A memorable party, by all means, is the one that has cozy conversations, delicious food and good music. But if you want your party to be really remembered, you can always spruce it up with some innovative decorations. And before you reach out for the good old streamers and balloons, I'm talking about real decorations here; decorations that truly spell w-e-l-c-o-m-e. Yes, it's true that creating decorations can make some people yawn, but really, don't you think that they add that extra bit of warmth to your already-perfect party? If you think of them as expensive add-ons, you couldn't be more wrong, as there are tons of decoration ideas that you can execute with minimum effort (well, mostly) within the comforts of your home. The simplest way to get started is to decide what kind of decoration you want. If this is your first time at making decorations, you'd rather refrain from being very adventurous. On the other hand, if you think you're blessed with an eye for detail and possess nimble fingers, you could go all out and unleash your creative side. Whatever you decide to do, you must keep in mind the reason you're throwing a party and the people on your guest list - a Titanic-themed graduation party doesn't really make sense, does it? Pick any of the following themes, or come up with your own and start planning the decorations accordingly. For all you streamer fans, here's an idea. You could use colored papers or leftover wrapping papers to make some streamers at home. Just cut those papers into bit-sized pieces of different shapes. String them up in a thread, and you have colorful streamers made out things lying in your home. What's more, you can even ask the kids to do it. Making colorful paper fans is really easy, and you can paste them on the walls or pin them on curtains for a simple but elegant look. You jazz them up by drawing designs on them with glitter pens or glow paint. Which gets us to glow-in-the-dark decorations. They look fantastic and are so easy to execute. You need to bring home glow paints in various colors and use them to paint motifs on paper and tape them on your walls and ceiling. Turn the lights off and enjoy the quirky effect. If you're into collecting sea shells, put them to use at a beach-themed party. String up rows of tiny shells to make streamers or curtains, and put the bigger ones on display. You could similarly use small Christmas tree ornaments to introduce the same effect. Fairy lights are gorgeous, and they lift the look of the room in a jiffy. Use them on windows, line them up on door frames, wrap them around vases and see your room light up! Speaking of lighting up, paper lanterns are very easy to make and give an intimate look to any indoor or outdoor party. Take a colored paper and fold it lengthwise. Start making cuts into the paper from the side of the fold, stopping about an inch away from the opposite end. Keep the cuts a couple of centimeters apart. Once you've reached the end of the paper, open the fold and roll it up so that the ends meet. Glue or staple the ends, and stick a thread on top to make a handle. Your basic paper lantern is ready. Fresh flowers come in handy if you have a flowerbed in your garden. Use them to make some snazzy flower arrangements around the house, and keep your house smelling pine-fresh as you do it. Paper flowers are a fantastic idea too, provided you have a little skill in the handicrafts department. Here's an easy way, though. Take a long strip of colored paper and start rolling it in concentric circles, pulling each layer slightly inward to mimic the shape of petals. Use a drop of glue to seal the inner end as well as the outer end, and you have a very basic paper flower. Now, you can pierce it in the middle with a wire mesh to make a stem (don't forget to wrap the wire in green paper) or string up these flowers to make streamers. Experiment with textured paper of various colors. When there's a party, you've got to have a pièce de résistance for sure. It could be a centerpiece on your table, or a mini sculpture in the room, if you're artistic enough. Try these suggestions, or come up with your own. Candles are cliched, but you can be innovative enough to make the arrangement look unique. You could pour pop colored candle wax into martini glasses to make them look enticing and place them all over your home for that warm effect. If you're good at fruit or vegetable carving, why not flaunt your talent? You could use watermelons, pumpkins, tomatoes, bell peppers... the list is exhaustive, and so are your skills. If baking is your forte, then cup cakes make for some gorgeous edible showpieces. You can have the icing in various colors or according to the theme of your party. Place them on a cake stand in the center of your table or leave them on plates on the corner tables so that your guests can help themselves. Glass bowls filled with colorful popsicles are very appropriate centerpieces for any party that's meant for children. For the adults, add a shot of flavored vodka to the popsicle drink mix before you freeze it. Remember to layer the bowl with crushed ice so that they don't melt, plus it looks cool too. Another great idea for a kids-only party is to have jars of candy placed around the room. They look fabulous and will be a big hit with the children. College parties are all about dancing and merriment. Well, let's make that loud music and booze, so decorations obviously take a backseat. But keeping beer bottles in ice buckets placed within reach makes the guests happy and looks decorative too. Homemade party decorations are a great source of delight for the guests since they seem much more original and creative than the run-of-the-mill decorations available in stores. So the next time you're planning a party, indulge in some quality family time as you get together to make some interesting party decorations.