This list covers 26 party items and supplies, running alphabetically from “Paper Plates” to “Party Sparklers.” These products range from disposable tableware and drinkware to decorations, games, and small take-home gifts. Hosts rely on them to serve food and drinks, dress up a room, keep guests entertained, and send everyone home with a little something to remember the day.

Party items and supplies are the disposable and decorative products that make hosting a celebration easier, covering everything from paper plates and cups to hats, banners, and favors. Many of these goods date back to early 20th-century paper manufacturing, when companies began mass-producing cheap, colorful, throwaway items for birthdays and holidays. The piñata is a good example: it started as a centuries-old tradition that traveled from Europe to Latin America before becoming a party staple around the world.

Below you’ll find the table with the item, usage, popular brands, and description.

Item: the name of each party product, listed alphabetically so you can quickly find what you’re looking for.

Usage: a short explanation of how and when you’d use each item at a party or celebration.

Popular Brands: well-known brands that make each item, giving you a reliable starting point before you head out to shop.

Description: a longer explanation of what the item is, what it’s made of, and how it fits into a typical party setup.

Party Items and supplies

ItemUsagePopular Brands
Paper PlatesServing food without cleanupChinet, Dixie, Amscan
Paper CupsServing drinksDixie, Chinet, Solo
Paper NapkinsWiping hands and mouths, table stylingVanity Fair, Chinet, Amscan
Party HatsFestive headwear for guestsAmscan, Unique Industries
Party PoppersCelebratory noise and confetti burstAmscan, Unique Industries
PiñataGame centerpiece filled with treatsYa Otta Pinata, Amscan
Pom-PomsDecoration and cheer propsAmscan, Oriental Trading
Plastic CutleryEating utensilsDixie, Chinet, Amscan
Plastic TableclothCovering and protecting tablesAmscan, Creative Converting
PinwheelsSpinning decorative accentsAmscan, Oriental Trading
Photo Booth PropsProps for party photosTalking Tables, Amscan
Party FavorsSmall thank-you gifts for guestsOriental Trading, Amscan
Paper LanternsHanging ambient decorationAmscan, Luna Bazaar
Paper StrawsDrinking accessory and decorAmscan, Creative Converting
Party BlowersNoisemaker for celebrationsAmscan, Unique Industries
Pennant BannerHanging string decorationAmscan, Talking Tables
Punch BowlServing large batches of drinksSterilite, IKEA
Popcorn BoxesIndividual snack serversAmscan, Oriental Trading
Paper GarlandDraped decorationMeri Meri, Talking Tables
Party BagsTake-home treat containersAmscan, Oriental Trading
Place CardsSeating assignment markersHortense B. Hewitt, Amscan
PlacematsTable setting protection and decorHoffmaster, Amscan
Party InvitationsAnnouncing the event to guestsHallmark, American Greetings, Vistaprint
Plastic Wine GlassesUnbreakable drinkware for adultsWNA, Amscan
Paper DoiliesDecorative table liningHoffmaster, Amscan
Party SparklersCake-lighting celebration effectWondersparkler, Zink

Descriptions

Paper Plates
Disposable plates used to serve cake, snacks, and meals at parties, letting hosts skip the washing-up afterward.
Paper Cups
Lightweight disposable cups for juice, soda, or punch, often sold in matching colors or prints for themed parties.
Paper Napkins
Folded paper squares placed by plates or drinks; printed designs also double as simple table decor.
Party Hats
Cone-shaped or novelty hats, often with elastic chin straps, worn by guests to mark birthdays and celebrations.
Party Poppers
Small hand-held tubes that release a bang and a burst of confetti or streamers when pulled or twisted.
Piñata
A decorated paper or cardboard figure filled with candy and small toys, broken open by blindfolded guests taking turns with a stick.
Pom-Poms
Fluffy paper or plastic balls used as hanging decorations or handheld props for cheering and photos.
Plastic Cutlery
Disposable forks, knives, and spoons that save hosts from washing silverware after large gatherings.
Plastic Tablecloth
A waterproof cover that protects tables from spills and ties the whole spread together with a theme color or print.
Pinwheels
Colorful paper or plastic wheels on a stick that spin in the breeze, often used as yard or table decorations.
Photo Booth Props
Fun cutouts like mustaches, glasses, and speech bubbles on sticks that guests hold up for playful souvenir photos.
Party Favors
Small trinkets, candies, or toys given to guests as a keepsake and thank-you for attending.
Paper Lanterns
Collapsible paper globes, often lit from inside with a bulb, hung to add soft, festive lighting.
Paper Straws
Biodegradable striped or colored straws that add a decorative touch to drinks while cutting down on plastic waste.
Party Blowers
Rolled paper tubes that unfurl with a squawk when blown, a classic noisemaker for birthdays and New Year’s Eve.
Pennant Banner
A string of small triangular flags hung across a room or table to signal a celebration is happening.
Punch Bowl
A large bowl, often with a ladle and matching cups, used to serve punch or other drinks to a crowd.
Popcorn Boxes
Small striped or printed boxes that hold single servings of popcorn or other snacks for easy handing out.
Paper Garland
A string of paper shapes, tissue tassels, or honeycomb pieces draped along walls or over a dessert table.
Party Bags
Small decorated bags filled with favors and candy that guests take home at the end of the celebration.
Place Cards
Small folded cards printed with a guest’s name and set at each seat to organize table arrangements.
Placemats
Printed paper or plastic mats placed under plates to protect the table and add a themed look to each setting.
Party Invitations
Printed or digital cards sent ahead of time to tell guests the date, time, and details of the celebration.
Plastic Wine Glasses
Shatterproof stemmed cups that mimic real glassware, popular for outdoor or casual adult parties.
Paper Doilies
Lacy paper circles placed under cakes or treats to dress up a dessert table with a delicate, vintage touch.
Party Sparklers
Long-burning handheld sparklers lit on top of a cake or during a toast for a dramatic, photo-friendly moment.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.