Tool Time Tuesday...Napkin and Place Setting Ideas

Of course this week's Tool Time would be about napkins...how could it not after you've read this post . Today I will show you how to use things around the house to make a napkin and silver ware kit for your dinner guests or for a casual party or picnic.

I even used something from the hardware/automotive store for the first example. I think you can buy these just about any where actually.

These are hose clamps. They are the rings you put on the end of a rubber hose. When you need to clamp the hose to something, you just tighten the screw and it seals around the hose. Well, we won't be using it that way right?...




We will be taking these little cuties, that come in some many sizes, and using them for...



This!! Is this not the best.

This is a close up of the little screw you can tighten to fit your napkin and flat ware.

Perfect and cheap.

Here's something even cheaper...FREE. Just find the colors to match your decor or party and...

sew them together on three side leaving the top open. You can write the name of each guest on the paint chip for a seating card. You can hot glue the 3 edges too.

How about a page from a magazine, newspaper, comic page, gift wrap paper etc

I just tore the page out,

Fold it in half with the side you want show on the outside.

Now flip it over and fold the 2 end towards the middle on the back side.

Make sure the last flap over laps a little. I used tape to secure the flap.

Open up the top to reveal the pocket that has the folded bottom.

This is just perfect for that summer time picnic outside.

How about recycling a little donut shop bag. My hubby is the donut person. I'm the bagel girl.

Another great picnic set.

Even better with some raffia.

This is a page from an old music book my dad was throwing away. You can also use or buy old books. I folded it the same as the magazine page.

This idea is great for a child's party. First, I had to gulp down this Capri Sun punch and then I just cut the top off.

How about an old vegetable or fruit can.

I just tied a bow around it, but you could also Mod Podge some fabric around it that matched the party colors.

This one is super easy. Just take a decorative envelope...

cut a thin edge off one of the short sides.

Seal the gummed flap shut.

Now pop open the cut edge and...

insert your flat ware and napkin.

Last, but certainly not least is my eye glass case tutorial. You can find the tutorial here and then use them for the napkin and place setting. Then you can give the case as a party favor for the dinner guest.

I'm sure there are many more ideas to use for this. You can also use a photograph of each guest and make the pouch similar to the paint chip holder.

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The list can go on and on. Just remember to think outside the box and always look at something twice before you throw it away. You never know what you could make with it.

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Have a wonderful Tuesday and don't forget this week's Christmas in July give away.

~Karen~

I Was Trying To Be Martha Before Martha Was Martha...

This is a story that might only be funny to a certain age group, but still funny none the less. If you are old enough to remember sanitary napkins that came with a belt and those waxed paper bags to throw them away in...you are my target group. All others will still enjoy! I know sanitary napkins??? Bear with me...it's a good one.
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Here is a little background for the story. I am the youngest of 5 children, my father career military retiring in 1970, my mother the perfect base commander's wife and military hostess extraordinaire. Always hosting the perfect party even after they were out of the military.
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Enter me...1973 or so, 8 or nine years old. My mom and dad were having a very big party. You know the fancy ones...china, crystal, silver and in the DINING ROOM. The table was mostly set and the guests were ready to arrive soon, but I wanted to help. What was the safest job my mom could give me..."Oh Karen, how about you put the cloth napkins on each plate".
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Ooohhh!!! I was so excited to decorate each plate with a napkin. But wait...I remembered something my mom told me one time in the bathroom, "Oh honey, put those little bags back in the box, those are just for napkins"
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Those pretty waxed blue bags are just for napkins. How perfect...and mom said they WERE for napkins. So up to the bathroom I went, gathered up a handful of the plain blue waxed bags from under the sink.
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I carefully folded each napkin and placed it in it's very own special bag and then placed one on each plate. I think I still remember how excited I was when I finished.
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I will end the story here with you just picturing the look on my mom's face when I called her in the dining room!!!
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I think I was trying to be Martha, before Martha was even Martha and I just have to say...that was probably my very first Tool Time Tuesday!
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I think I just made my mom laugh in heaven,
~Karen~