I’m excited to share two festive projects inspired by my favorite retro holiday lights—the big, colorful bulbs that instantly feel nostalgic. For my latest Balloon Time collaboration, I transformed simple balloon strings into playful Christmas light garlands. They look charming wrapped around a tree with balloons acting as whimsical “bulbs,” and they’d also make lively décor for any holiday gathering.
All photos by Mary Costa Photography
The final look is show-stopping—this style of garland instantly elevates a tree and creates a playful, eye-catching display. I used Balloon Time products to build the balloon strands and then added paper light shapes to mimic classic retro bulbs. The technique is simple, adaptable to different color schemes, and great for adding a handcrafted touch to your holiday décor. Wrapping the garland around the tree layer by layer gives the illusion of oversized Christmas lights, while the balloons provide volume and movement.
You can find a detailed step-by-step tutorial on the Balloon Time project page for full instructions and material lists. The tutorial covers balloon sizes, spacing, and tips for attaching the paper light covers so they stay secure while looking authentic.
This post was created in partnership with Balloon Time. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep creative projects and tutorials coming. Read more about my editorial policies on my site.