Party Tabletops

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1010 -- More Projects »
Special events expert Maria McBride-Mellinger shares clever ideas for making your next party memorable.
PHOTO

A champagne cage makes a charming and inexpensive place-card holder.
Place-Card Holder

Materials:

wire cage from a champagne bottle
wire cutters
needle-nose pliers
colored card stock

Steps:


  1. Remove the wire cage from a champagne bottle.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • Snip the bottom wire that runs around the legs of the cage with wire cutters and remove this collar from the cage (figure A). This piece of wire becomes the chair back, and the rest of the cage is the legs.

  • Twist the wire around one of the legs, using needle-nose pliers to help manipulate the wire if necessary.

  • Shape the wire into a chair-back shape, and attach it to another leg by twisting.

  • Make a seat with colored card stock.

  • Hand-letter the place cards and prop them against the little wire chairs.
    • PHOTO

    Pearls poured into a clear vase add a festive touch to tabletop arrangement.
    Flower Arrangement

    Materials:

    floral clay
    floral frog
    clear glass vase
    flowers with sturdy stems
    scissors
    plastic pearls (available at most craft stores)

    Steps:


    1. Use floral clay to attach a floral frog to the bottom of a clear glass vase.

    2. Cut the flowers to the appropriate length for your design and secure them in the frog.
    PHOTO

    Figure B
  • Fill the vase about 1/3 full with plastic pearls (figure B) and add water.

    * Note: Other filler options include buttons, shells and sea glass.

    • PHOTO

    Create a customized tablecloth by applying photos with heat-transfer paper.
    Photo Tablecloth and Napkins

    Materials:

    photos
    photo-transfer paper
    scissors
    fabric
    dry iron

    Steps:


    1. Make copies of favorite photos (old wedding pictures for a bridal table, for example) and then copy them onto photo transfer paper. Trim the edges.

    2. Place the photo on whatever material you are using for the tablecloth. (Smooth-weave fabrics like silk work best, and avoid, nubby, textured cloths.)

    3. Iron on the transfer with a dry iron, being careful not to scorch the cloth.
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1010
    •Fast and Fancy Appetizers
    •Paper Party Lanterns
    •Party Tabletops
    •Smart Solution of the Day