DIY Tropical Safari Backdrop

2 min read September 14, 2026 Laura Russell
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Create the ultimate backdrop for your next tropical party with this gorgeous DIY Tropical Safari Backdrop tutorial! This backdrop looked amazing at our Tropical Safari Themed Party, and is perfect for a luau, beach party, Hawaiian party, or jungle safari party. This lush backdrop features green boxwood, tropical leaves, raffia fringe, plumeria, vines, and mango leaves to create a lovely tropical look. See the backdrop in action at our Tropical Safari Themed Party!

 

Project Time
120 to 130 min
Difficulty
Experienced
Step
1

Decide how big your backdrop will be and how many square boxwood mats you will need. Each mat is 20" x 20."

 

Use long zip ties to attach a row of boxwood squares as wide as you would like your backdrop to be to the top of your backdrop stand. I found this is easiest to do when the top portion of the stand is lying on the ground.

DIY Tropical Safari Backdrop step 1
Step
2

Use zip ties to attach the boxwood squares to each other. We used three zip ties for the top, middle and bottom of each side.

 

DIY Tropical Safari Backdrop step 2
Step
3

Continue adding boxwood squares to the backdrop using zip ties until the backdrop is as large as you would like it.


DIY Tropical Safari Backdrop step 3
Step
4

Use zip ties to attach luau fringe to the top of the backdrop. Slightly underneath the bottom of the luau fringe, attach a mango leaf garland to the backdrop using zip ties.


DIY Tropical Safari Backdrop step 4
Step
5

Next, use zip ties to add a pretty plumeria garland across the top.


DIY Tropical Safari Backdrop step 5
Step
6

Add some palm fronds to the backdrop to give it a more tropical feel by placing the wire end through the boxwood square backdrop, then pushing the wire down behind the backdrop to hold them in place.


DIY Tropical Safari Backdrop step 6
Step
7

Give the backdrop a jungle feel by adding vines across and hanging down. Use zip ties to hold the vines in place.

 

Use scissors to cut all the zip tie ends that are poking out.

DIY Tropical Safari Backdrop step 7
Step
8

Place your tropical food table and decorations in front of your gorgeous tropical backdrop. Be sure to check out our Tropical Safari Themed Party lots of inspiration and ideas for your next party!

 

DIY Tropical Safari Backdrop step 8

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