Giant Party Hats

Giant cardboard party hats are the perfect thing to make when you want to make a statement with festive decorations for a birthday party, or in our case the upcoming Jewish holiday of Purim, but you don't have a huge amount of time to invest. Make them in a few sizes, and place them in the middle of the table as a fun centerpiece. Next time I think I'll go with solid colors and huge white polka dots and a yarn or plastic bag pom pom on top. I'll let you in on a littel secret though, I have actually used these hats as Purim party decorations for our community party for the last three or four years, gasp, can you believe that? During the year they have been hanging out in the attic, and once that phone call comes requesting decorations, well, out come the hats! Of course I always do some new decorations too, but it is great to have something to fall back on, especially at a time when I'm already super busy with Purim costumes and all things Purim!

You'll Need:

• Huge sheets of cardstock weight (at least) paper, or even sheets of plastic of some kind
• contact paper and craft punches (optional)
• a glue gun

How To:

1. if you are planning to make a bunch of small hats, it is a good idea to make a template for a party hat, which you can find if you google it.
2. For large hats make a cone, hold it in place with a clothespin and mark the portions that need to be trimmed. Lay the cardboard flat, and with a ruler and craft knife trim cardboard accordingly so that the seam results in a straight vertical line. You'll see what I mean once you form the cone.
3. Large hats require glue up the entire length of the seam, so affix with hot glue.
4. Add details by punching out shapes from contact paper with craft punches.

Enjoy this fun addition to your party, and don't be surprised when all the guests want to wear your centerpieces!