15-Minute Place Settings for a Party
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15-Minute Place Settings for a Party

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan
By Krissy Tiglias

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.

1 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

Fancy Flatware

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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2 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

Napkin Tags

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.

3 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

Menu Pocket

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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4 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

A Plate With Edge

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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5 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

Menu Ring

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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6 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLellan

Fancy Flatware: Supplies

What You Need:Office dots
Flatware
Glasses (if you want to create a matching set)

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7 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLellan

How To: Fancy Flatware

  1. Working from the bottom up, stick a dot on the handle of the flatware.
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8 of 14

Related: Easy 15-Minute Party Centerpieces

Dress up your home with these stylish vases that take just minutes to make.
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9 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

How To: Napkin Tags

What You Need:Office supply tags
Twine or ribbon
Napkins
Marker or pen

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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10 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLellan

Menu Pocket: Supplies

What You Need:Menu
Envelope
Glu dots or double-sided tape
Printer
Tape

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11 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLellan

How To: Menu Pocket

 
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12 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

How To: A Plate With Edge

 

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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13 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

Menu Ring: Supplies

What You Need:Menu
Paper
Scissors
Glue dots

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14 of 14 Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

How To: Menu Ring

  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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