20 Day of the Dead Party Decor Ideas
The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a vibrant and colorful celebration of life and death. If you’re planning a Day of the Dead party, you’ll want to incorporate some festive decor ideas that capture the spirit of the holiday.
Consider decorating with papel picado, a traditional Mexican folk art that features intricately cut paper designs.
You can also display calavera figurines, or colorful and ornate skulls, around your party space.
Flowers, particularly marigolds, are an important symbol of the holiday, so feel free to use them liberally in your decor.
And don’t forget to include offerings, or ofrendas, to honor deceased loved ones. These can include photos, candles, food and drink, and other meaningful objects.
With these decor ideas, your Day of the Dead party is sure to be a memorable tribute to life and those who have passed on.
(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Some of the amazing following photos are not my own, click on them to head straight to the source!)
01 | MARIGOLD VASES
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply decorating your home, marigolds in clear vases are a classic and beautiful addition to your decor.
As the symbol of the holiday, marigolds are believed to guide the spirits of the dead back to the world of the living.
02 | TULLE BACKDROP
A colorful tulle backdrop will add a touch of whimsy to your festivities, and make the perfect backdrop for your table.
The bright and cheery colors will add an extra pop of fun to your celebration, and the lightweight tulle makes it easy to hang up and take down.
Get creative with your color combinations, and let your imagination run wild!
03 | PAPEL PICADAO BANNER
One essential element of any Day of the Dead party is papel picado, which is a type of decorative banner made out of tissue paper.
These beautiful banners are intricately cut with intricate designs and are strung across the room to create a festive and whimsical atmosphere.
They come in a variety of colors and shapes and are sure to add a touch of Mexican flair to any Day of the Dead celebration.
04 | ALL DRESSED UP
There’s nothing quite like a good party, and when it comes to celebrating Dia de los Muertos, the decorations are everything.
One way to really make a statement is to include a life-sized skeleton with a stunning flower crown.
05 | GET IN THE SPIRIT
One way to pay homage to these departed souls is through bold and beautiful decor that honors the spirit of the holiday.
Full sized skeletons are a great way to bring some life into your Day of the Dead party. These life-sized decorations can add a spooky and fun touch to any celebration.
06 | GORGEOUS FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
An essential aspect of any successful Day of the Dead party is the beautiful decor and, in particular, the stunning floral arrangements.
The colorful petals and delicate blooms of the flowers symbolize the temporary nature of life and serve as a reminder to revel in the precious moments we share with those we cherish.
As you walk into a Day of the Dead party adorned with gorgeous floral arrangements, the scent and sight of the flowers will immediately transport you into a world full of love, joy, and celebration.
07 | DAY OF THE DEAD CHARCUTERIE BOARD
One exciting addition to any Day of the Dead party is a sugar skull charcuterie board, a colorful and creative display of meats, cheeses, fruits, and veggies arranged to look like a traditional sugar skull.
08 | COLORFUL FLOWERS
Decorating for a Day of the Dead party is all about incorporating bright hues and lively motifs. And nothing screams celebration quite like a bouquet of colorful flowers!
Whether you opt for traditional marigolds or branch out into a rainbow of peonies, gerbera daisies, and roses, incorporating fresh blooms into your party decor is a surefire way to honor the spirit of the holiday.
09 | GIANT PAPER FLOWERS
These giant paper flowers add a whimsical and eye-catching touch to any space.
Whether you’re setting up an altar or simply adorning your living room, these giant paper flowers are the perfect addition to your Day of the Dead party.
10 | COLORFUL ACCENTS
Your guests will be impressed by these colorful accents like plates, cupcake toppers, and flowers that embody the spirit of the holiday.
The bright colors and intricate designs will transport everyone to a world of celebration, honoring the loved ones who have passed on.
You might also like…
11 | BLACK LACE
For those looking to take their party to the next level, black lace details are the perfect addition to any setup.
Whether draped on the table or hanging from the ceiling, the intricate designs and delicate texture are sure to add a touch of elegance to your Day of the Dead revelry.
12 | CARDBOARD CUT-OUTS
These unique decorations will add a pop of color and a touch of whimsy to your celebration, transforming even the most ordinary spaces into something truly magical.
13 | FESTIVE TABLE
To create a festive table display, start with a brightly colored tablecloth or runner adorned with traditional sugar skull motifs.
Next, add a scattering of marigold petals and candles to create a warm, inviting ambiance.
Don’t forget about the papel picado banners, which can be used to add a playful touch to the backdrop of the table.
And, of course, no Day of the Dead party would be complete without the iconic calavera figures.
14 | TISSUE FLOWERS
One popular and eye-catching decoration that you don’t want to forget are giant tissue flowers!
These vibrant and colorful flowers can be made in various sizes and colors to match your party’s theme.
15 | ALTER TABLE
From bright papel picado banners to intricate sugar skull centerpieces, the options for decorating your Day of the Dead party alter table are endless.
Add a splash of color with marigold flowers and candles, or keep it simple with a sleek black and white theme.
16 | TASSLE PAPER BACKDROP
One simple yet eye-catching element that can instantly elevate your whole setup? A paper tassel backdrop for your table.
Whether you opt for bright, bold shades like hot pink and lime green or go for more muted neutrals like black and white, these colorful streamers will make a statement while also giving off a festive, slightly spooky vibe.
17 | SUGAR SKULL PUMPKINS
These sugar skull pumpkins are sure to add an extra festive touch to your Day of the Dead party decor.
Whether you are decorating a table centerpiece or a front porch display, these pumpkins are a must-have item.
18 | CANDY SKULL
What’s a Day of the Dead party without a sugar skull? But don’t settle for a traditional one made of paper mache – impress your guests with a sugar skull made out of candy!
This eye-catching and unique addition to your party decor is sure to delight all of your guests young and old.
19 | SUGAR SKULL MARSHMALLOW POPS
Transform your Day of the Dead party into a colorful and vibrant celebration with the addition of sugar skull marshmallow pops – the perfect addition to your festive decor.
These delicious and artistic treats are beautifully crafted with intricately designed sugar skulls, making them a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
20 | BLACK & WHITE
This event is a colorful and vibrant celebration of life, but monochrome decor adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the festivities.
From skull-shaped candles to black and white papel picado banners, there are endless ways to incorporate these classic shades into your party theme.
Now that you have some unique and interesting décor ideas for a Day of The Dead celebration, it’s time to start rolling out your plan.
Incorporating traditional elements like offering tables or memorial altars with photos can bring a special meaning to the festivities, while also making sure everyone feels included.
Adding flowers, representing the beauty and impermanence of life and retaining sombreros—which are symbolic of joy—can create a truly special event.
Whether it is your first time throwing a Day of the Dead party, or just looking for new ideas to upgrade an existing one, hopefully this information helped you in brainstorming creative decorations for your event.
Happy Celebrating!
