When Evelyn, my youngest of 3 daughters, turned 7 years old, she decided on a mermaid theme for her birthday celebration. While I loved her theme, it was a challenge to find mermaid party decor ideas that fit my aesthetic. There is no shortage of mermaid decorations on the market, but not many of them have natural or muted color palettes. After spending a ridiculous number of hours searching, I pieced together a look that I think turned out youthful yet also sophisticated.
In this post, I’ll share details and links to shop this mermaid table decor, backdrop, and also provide some on-theme gift ideas based on what we gave Evelyn. I hope this helps you if you are also wanting to put a modern, boho twist on a mermaid birthday party for a special girl in your life!
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This post is all about mermaid party decor ideas.
Mermaid Party Decor Ideas
Mermaid Party Table Decor
When choosing table decor for Evelyn’s mermaid birthday, I knew I wanted the overall look to be mostly neutral but also very textured to keep it interesting.
I started with a banquet-size tablecloth in a beige color with linen texture. A few years ago, I bought a bunch of these and have used them for SO many parties – like this baby shower. We’ve even loaned them to friends and family to use for their events. They wash and dry so easily, and I love that they are long enough to cover the legs on most tables to give it a polished, professional finish.
On top of the tablecloth, I added a fishnet and arranged it in a wavy pattern down the length of the table. I cut a little off one end and added it to the cake table along with a matching tablecloth to tie the two together. Repeating elements brought the space together visually.
For place settings, I used woven placemats as the base (mine are sold out but here are similar), and put a small juice glass and a scalloped plate on each. On top of the plates, folded peach ombre napkins added a subtle pop of color. These napkins were a similar price to disposable on Amazon for a pack of 6, and I like that they can be reused. On top of the napkins, I used faux pearl necklaces to create a band for gold flatware. This effect was so cute and everyone at the party wore their necklaces during dinner.
Mermaid Party Centerpiece
It took me a while to decide on a centerpiece, but I’m really happy with how this turned out – especially because it was affordable and easy to DIY. I put two acrylic vases together (the same ones I used in this tablescape), and added pastel baby’s breath from Trader Joe’s. It only took two bunches of flowers to fill the vases, which was less than $10 total. If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you, then dried pastel baby’s breath is a good alternative.
Then, on either side of the floral arrangement, I scattered a few starfish. I bought a pack of these from Amazon, and it included enough pieces for the dining table centerpiece as well as the cake table.
I had ordered an iridescent sequin table runner to use for the centerpiece too. However, in the end, I liked the table better without it because it kept the overall look a bit softer and natural.
Mermaid Party Backdrop and Cake Table
For this mermaid party backdrop, I designed a fabric tapestry (available in my Etsy gift shop). The mustard retro font on top of the muted purple checkerboard pattern is such a cute combination. It arrived a bit wrinkled, so I hung it up and then steamed it; the wrinkles came out right away.
Around the backdrop, I used a DIY mermaid tail balloon kit. To be honest, it was a challenge to put together. Even saving time using an electric balloon inflator, it still took me a few hours to assemble. I skipped the pink balloons and instead color-blocked with the cream, peach, purple, and mint. I wish I had been able to shape it better – so that the bottom was wider than the top. Someone with more balloon arch experience could have done a better job, I’m sure!
Lastly, the cake table was framed by the backdrop. I am OBSESSED with the wood shell cake topper I found on Etsy. It is darling and such great quality. Instead of having a decorated cake, I saved some money and ordered an 8″ triple layer round cake iced in white. I talked to the bakery about adding a coral design on the side, but that required a longer lead item AND would have been out of budget. In the end, I’m so happy with how the cake turned out as a subtle nod to the mermaid theme.
Mermaid Party Gift Ideas
Evelyn received a few fun gifts related to her mermaid birthday party. The biggest gift is a trip to Florida to visit her grandparents, a treat for us living in Ohio in January! She and I will enjoy a girl’s trip soon, and the gifts she opened on her birthday were related to the trip – new swimsuits, pool float, etc.
Below is a collection of gifts we gave her for her birthday and items we’ve given her in the past that are in a similar category – all are things I love and recommend. They might be helpful to you as well in case you’re looking for aesthetic mermaid-inspired gifts.
pearl shell pool float // goggles // sand toys // rash guard swim suit // adjustable strap swim suit // flower sun glasses // monogrammed hat // beach shoes // jelly beach bag // swim coverup
One last thing – I used white wrapping paper and accented the boxes with pearl stickers – both from Dollar Tree. This was an easy way to coordinate the wrapping with the rest of the party.
Shop The Post
fishnet // shell dinner plate // shell dessert plate // shell cake topper // woven placemats // pearl necklaces // gold flatware // ombre cloth napkins // marble cake plate // starfish // acrylic vases // dried baby’s breath
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