Jen Carver, of Banner Events, here to share how to build a backdrop tutorial! SO Many of our dessert tables<\/a> have backdrops that help create a focal point for your table.<\/p>\n

After “How do you plan a party?”<\/em>, <\/strong>the next most frequently asked question I get is, “How did you make your party backdrop?”<\/em> <\/strong> Today, I’m going to let you in on a little secret.  Anyone can do it!<\/em><\/strong><\/span> (But shhh! <\/em> Don’t tell my husband.  He likes everyone to believe that only he<\/em> can build such party-transforming masterpieces.) What’s even better than it’s easy assembly?  This backdrop stand is fully collapsible, size-adjustable, transportable AND inexpensive!  Oh, and best of all?  Using very simple and inexpensive materials you will effortlessly transform your lackluster party into something fabulous!<\/p>\n

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Now let’s get started on building your backdrop.<\/strong><\/p>\n

STEP 1: <\/strong> Head to your favorite home improvement store.  We chose Home Depot.  Pick up the following materials (approx. $20+\/-):<\/p>\n

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• 3\/4″x10′ Sch. 40 PVC Pipe<\/strong> – 4 (at least)<\/li>\n
• 3\/4″ Sch. 40 PVC Elbow<\/strong> – 2<\/li>\n
• 3\/4″ Sch. 40 PVC T-Connector<\/strong> – 2<\/li>\n
• 3\/4″ Sch. 40 PVC Cap<\/strong>  – 8<\/li>\n
• 3\/4″ Sch. 40 PVC Cross Connector<\/strong>  – 2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  Additional tools needed: <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

  Either a PVC pipe cutter<\/strong><\/a>, mitre saw <\/a>or hacksaw (Note: most home improvement stores will also cut your pipe to size for free.)<\/p>\n

  (STEP 2:<\/strong>  Using a PVC pipe cutter, mitre saw or hacksaw, take your 3\/4″ x 10′ PVC pipe<\/strong> and cut 8-  1 foot pieces.  Place a cap <\/strong>on one end of each.<\/p>\n

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  STEP 3: <\/strong> Next, take your remaining 3\/4″  pipe and cut 2 pieces of pipe, approx. 2 inches in length, and firmly stick them into one hole on each of the cross connectors<\/strong> (they look like a + sign and have 4 holes for connecting purposes).<\/p>\n

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  STEP 4: <\/strong> Stick the T-connectors<\/strong> on the 2″ pieces of pipe<\/strong>, and stick one of your 1 foot cut pipe<\/strong> sections into the other end of the T-connector<\/strong> (the top of the T will be for the vertical sides of the actual background frame).<\/p>\n

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  STEP 5: <\/strong> Stick your other 1 ft. pipe<\/strong> sections into the other open holes on the cross connectors<\/strong>, so you have two large “+’s,” with a T-connector<\/strong> on the same side of each.  You should have 2 bases for your stand.<\/p>\n

  <\/a>Now that the base supports are finished, we will work on building the frame.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

  STEP 6:<\/strong>  Cut two of the other unused sections of 3\/4″ pipe<\/strong> pieces to whatever size you’d like (these will determine the height of your backdrop stand). Make sure the height is low enough to not hit the ceiling if you’ll be using the stand indoors, but high enough so the backdrop will provide an adequate background for your dessert or buffet table.  (*I cut my pieces to 7 feet.  You can always adjust the heighth of your backdrop by using shorter or taller pieces of pipe, based on your needs.)<\/p>\n

  STEP 7:<\/strong>  Next you will be cutting your top ‘crossbar’.  The length of your ‘crossbar’ (the top piece of PVC pipe<\/strong>) depends on how wide you want your backdrop to be.  Since I wanted it to be as wide as the dessert table I most commonly use, I had my crossbar cut to 6 ft.   *The crossbar can easily be traded out for a wider or narrower piece of PVC pipe should you need to adjust the width of your background.<\/p>\n

  STEP 8: <\/strong> Now, take the two side support pipes<\/strong> you cut in STEP 6 and stick a 90\u00b0 elbow<\/strong> on one end of each one, then stick the crossbar pipe<\/strong> into the two elbows<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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  STEP 9:<\/strong>  Finally, you are ready to stick the two side support pipes<\/strong> into the tops of the T-connectors<\/strong> on each base, and see how your backdrop stand looks.  You may need to slightly adjust and tighten each connection to secure your stand.<\/p>\n

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