15-Minute Place Settings for a Party

By Krissy Tiglias
Updated November 06, 2017
Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan
Planning a party inevitably requires some degree of planning. What you're serving can be enough to make you feel overwhelmed. If setting the table only crosses your mind minutes before guests arrive, then you'll be thankful for these fun ideas that come together in a flash. Because, after all, the table will be the first thing your guests set their eyes on. For more ideas, find beautiful table settings for every season and occasion.
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Fancy Flatware

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

Who needs to break out the silver? Invite pops of color to the table in a surprising way. These stickers are removable so you can just add a splash of neon one cocktail party at a time. Get the how-tos.

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Napkin Tags

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

Does assigned seating seem too fancy for your entertaining style? Personalized place settings won't seem formal (or fussy) if you keep them fun and festive. Get the how-tos.

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Menu Pocket

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

A napkin that doubles as a menu? Coming right up. This idea is easy to pull together with just a few paper products. Get the how-tos.

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A Plate With Edge

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

Picnic in the park? Lunch on the deck? Paper plates can feel special without all the fuss. Here’s a trick: Layer plates in different colors and create a fancy border. Get the how-tos.

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Menu Ring

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

Bellybands are helpful for holding the napkin and silverware together. They're even more useful if you pop some writing on them. Printing the menu on the paper adds an unexpected touch. Get the how-tos.

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Fancy Flatware: Supplies

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLellan
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How To: Fancy Flatware

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLellan
  1. Working from the bottom up, stick a dot on the handle of the flatware.

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Related: Easy 15-Minute Party Centerpieces

Dress up your home with these stylish vases that take just minutes to make.

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How To: Napkin Tags

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

1. After finalizing your guest list, carefully write each name on a tag.

2. Tie with twine and wrap around napkin.

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Menu Pocket: Supplies

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLellan

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How To: Menu Pocket

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLellan

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How To: A Plate With Edge

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

What You Need:Paper plates
Pinking shears


1. Using the pinking shears, cut around the edges of one plate.

2. Layer on top of the other plate.

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Menu Ring: Supplies

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

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How To: Menu Ring

Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey
  1. After picking your menu, print it out on paper. (Printing multiple on one sheet would be helpful.)
  2. Cut each menu strip out and wrap around the napkin (like a bellyband). Secure with a glu dot or tape.
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