Simple Masquerade Decorations

Masquerade decorations need to be dramatic yet simple. Masquerade balls are more formal than regular parties, so you'll need something that feels right in a formal setting and fits your theme.

Decorating Essentials
Mirrors are at the heart of any masquerade scene. You want a lot of them, or a lot of windows that are darkened on the other side. Small mirrors can be included in table centerpieces, or you can use round mirrors as centerpiece bases.

Mirrors serve two purposes at a masquerade: they allow the guests to check on their costumes, and they allow the guests to check on each other in a sly way. If you're renting a space, look for one with a mirrored wall or ceiling. If you're hosting the party at your home, move as many framed and floor mirrors into the room as you can.

Candles are another masquerade staple. Their low light adds an air of mystery as well as a nod to the historical European settings of masquerades. It's important to make sure that all candle flames are contained; open flames present a fire hazard to masks and costumes. Either keep candles well away from the places people will gather, or house the candles in deep holders that enclose the flames.

Fitting Decorations to the Theme
With the essentials in hand, you can focus on your theme. If you're having a Phantom of the Opera masquerade, find unique items that represent the era or an opera house setting. Some items to consider are roses and sheet music. 

A Sherlock Holmes party could include magnifying glass party favors, little paper deerstalker hats and tiny bubble pipes. For a Monte Carlo or James Bond theme, think of items you'd find in a casino. Dice or decks of cards can be used as party favors. Spread a few playing cards around on tables and add them to centerpieces. Consider setting up a roulette wheel or craps table in one corner of the room.

Be subtle with your decorations and their placement. A few tasteful, well-placed decorations go a long way to setting the theme. The costumes are the real star of the event, decorations simply enhance the mood.

Little touches like real glasses, fresh flowers, linen tablecloths, napkins and china place settings will all enhance your party. Simple things like streamers and confetti will jazz up a masquerade party, but use them sparingly. Choose colors that complement your theme, and scatter them throughout the room. A light dusting of confetti around centerpieces will add some sparkle. Colored streams or ribbons can be hung from the frames of mirrors to help them blend with the decor. Tiny masks can be used as place settings, or given as party favors. 

It's far better to have a few, high-quality decorations rather than armfuls of what's on sale at the party store. Remember that a masquerade should have an air of mystery. Let your decorations suggest the theme in an elegant way.