party canopy DIY

As summer starts to wind down, we’re heading to the time of year when it’s comfortable to have outdoor parties again.  I love being able to entertain outdoors!  For my daughter’s recent birthday party, I wanted to set up a fun little table outside for guests.  Our yard has a lot of wonderful trees, and I wanted to keep leaves and other things off the table, as well as provide a festive ambience to the setting.  I came up with an inexpensive canopy cover that’s fun, inexpensive, and easy to assemble!

supplies

Project estimate:

  • Pool noodles (I used 6), $1 each
  • Clothesline twine,  $1
  • Plastic tableclothes (I used 2), $1 each
  • (Optional) paper lanterns, $1 each

Total:  $9 and up

Step one:  Cut the pool noodles in half.

Step two:  Arrange the pool noodles, three pieces to a side, to form a square.  Tie an additional piece of twine outside two opposite rows.

make frame

Step three:  Thread the twine through three noodles at a time.  Knot the corners to maintain the square shape.

Step four:  Tie twine across the square to make a grid.

Step five:  Hang the canopy “frame” up by tying the four corners to trees or to posts.

add plasticstaple

Step six:  Drape two tablecloths over the “frame”, slip them over the pool noodle and through the extra piece of twine you tied on in step two.  Fold the excess plastic over, staple it together, and trim to fit.  Repeat on the other side.

hang lanterns

Now you can hang paper lanterns, streamers, lights, etc. for the center grid of the canopy.  I like colorful paper lanterns, and the fun colors match the colors on my table.  You could hang balloons, streamers, string lights, or just leave the canopy as is.  I went with bright colors for a kids party, but you could do something similar in black and white or all one color.  We’re still enjoying our outdoor canopy, and I plan to leave it up as long as it lasts!

diy dollar canopy