Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just want to bring a special touch to your next meal, you can pull together handmade decorations for your table. These decorations add a finished touch to your table and, because they are handmade, they can be personalized, inexpensive and customized to your home and table.
Centerpieces
You can make a truly personal centerpiece with a few clear glass containers and a container of Mod Podge. You can add any picture to the centerpiece by printing your picture choices on copy paper. Pictures might be old family favorites, special events, landmarks, your favorite places or copies of your kids’ artwork. Cutting or ripping the paper isolates the picture from any excess white space. Place the picture on the jars, jugs, vases or bowls. After the Mod Podge paste has dried, you can fill the containers with water and your favorite fresh flowers or tea candles.
Twig Pieces
If you want to bring a touch of nature to your table, go outside to collect some items. Acorns, pine cones and twigs are perfect for your tables. Place the items you collect in a plastic bag, such as a resealable plastic bag. Place the bagged items in the freezer overnight to kill any insects. Tie twigs together with raffia or twine, both available at craft stores, to make a simple centerpiece. Weave little twigs and berry stems around the centerpieces, candles and plates. Fill small and large bowls with acorns and pine cones.
Runner
A simple way to decorate your table is to lay a runner down the middle. A runner can celebrate any holiday or season. Check out fabric stores for discounted or sale fabrics. Cut the fabric so it covers the middle of table, overhanging on each end. Iron the fabric flat. You can cut around the edges with scissors or fold each end side and hem it. You can add a little extra touch by sewing a tassel on each corner.
Place Cards
Place cards are a small touch that add a lot to a table. For a simple place card, all you have to do is fold a small piece of paper in half, writing the name of each guest on each folded card. To make a special place card, you can attach a small favor to each card. Purchase an ornament for each guest for the holidays, and attach a little tag with each person’s name.
