Don't Have These Party Essentials? No Worries, Just Improvise It
You don't need lots of serving dishes or fancy glassware to have a party — just a little creativity. Here's how to use what you already have at your next bash.
Instead of a Chip Bowl, Use a Colander
Instead of Plates, Use a DIY Paper Snack Server
Instead of Bowls, Use Fruit Baskets
Instead of an Ice Bucket, Try a Planter
Instead of a Vase, Use a Tin Can
Instead of a Dessert Dish, Use a Mug
It's the perfect server for your late-night cake fix, so why not use it mugs to create easy-to-serve desserts, too? Guests can grab their own, meaning you don't need a large baking dish, serving utensils or dessert plates — just a great recipe.
Make This: Individual Berry Cobbers
Instead of Bowls, Use Shot Glasses
(They're Great For Salads, Too.)
Instead of a Dessert Dish, Use an Edible Bowl
Adorable, right? These are also smart: Serving ice cream or fruit salad in hollowed-out citrus fruits adds citrusy flavor and doesn't dirty any dishes.
Make This: Frozen Clementine Sorbet
Instead of Ramekins, Use a Muffin Tin
You don't need fancy baking ramekins to make individual-sized foods — just turn to your trusty muffin tin to do the pre-portioning.
Make This: 8 Muffin Tin Brunch Recipes (Muffins Not Included!)
Instead of...Pretty Much Anything, Use a Mason Jar
Ah, the trusty mason jar. It can stand in for almost anything at a party, from drinking glass to utensil holder to salad dressing server. Here, pumpkin s'mores are stacked in pint-sized jars to create individual desserts. Yeah, you're going to want to keep a bunch of these around.
Make This: Pumpkin S'mores in a Jar
Instead of a Dessert Stand, Use Upcycled Stacked Plates
Instead of Chairs, Use Pillows + a Low Table
Instead of a Party-Sized Table, Add Plywood to Your Everyday Table
Instead of a Bar Cart, Clear Off a Bookshelf
Bar carts are fun and trendy, but if you don't have one, you can still create a dedicated bar just for the party. Clear off a bookcase, side table or coffee table and add the essentials and some fun extras.
DIY This: Create a Bar, the Lazy Way
