DIY Dollar Store Party Canopy Cover

For my daughter’s birthday party last year, 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 a DIY canopy cover that’s colorful, inexpensive, and easy to assemble!

This post first appeared at Dollar Store Crafts, where you can find me every Tuesday!

Supplies (everything from Dollar Tree):

• Pool Noodles (I used 6)
• Clothesline Twine
• Plastic Tableclothes (I used 2)
• Optional:  Paper Lanterns

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.

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.

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.

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!