How to make paper plates look pretty
Idea 1: Layer white on white
A simple white paper plate can be the anchor for a sophisticated table setting if you combine it with clever layered detail.
You’ll need:
- plain white paper plates
- white round paper doilies in two different sizes
- white linen napkins
- hole punch
- two sheets of white cardboard
- scissors
- black marker
Start by covering the table with a white cloth, then mark out each place setting with a large round paper doily. Position a paper plate on top of the large doily, then place a smaller paper doily on the centre of the plate. Finish the layered setting with a simple white linen napkin (or the best quality paper one you can find), folded in half, resting on the small doily. Using a hole punch, make your own confetti by punching through a sheet of white cardboard. Scatter a little confetti over each place setting and down the centre of the table. If you’re hosting several people, add a simple white name card to each setting as a finishing touch.
Idea 2: Go for gold
Who doesn’t love a bit of shine?
You’ll need:
- paper plates in two different sizes
- gold spray paint
- gold string, ribbon or embroidery thread (about 30cm per plate)
- scissors
Spray a large paper plate with gold spray paint (available at most hardware stores) and place it underneath a regular white paper plate so that the gold plate looks like a charger. Bind a knife and fork together with a length of gold string, ribbon or embroidery thread, and place the cutlery on top of each setting.
Idea 3: Weave some magic
A quick one to pull off, yet beautifully effective.
You’ll need:
- paper plates in various colours
- hole punch
- flat, thin ribbon in various colours (about 80cm per plate)
- sticky tape
- scissors
Punch holes around the rim of a paper plate at equally spaced intervals. Thread a length of thin, flat ribbon through the holes, and finish by securing the end of the ribbon to the underside of the plate with a piece of sticky tape to hold it in place. Consider mixing things up by embellishing decorative paper plates with contrasting ribbon colours.
Idea 4: Keep it natural
Remember those woven paper plate holders resembling a small basket that you found at the back of your kitchen cupboard? They’ll do the trick if you want to go organic.
You’ll need:
- woven paper plate holders
- paper plates
- wooden cutlery sets
- twine (about 20cm per plate)
- fabric napkins
- scissors
Pop your paper plates in the woven plate holders. Round off the theme by adding a wooden knife, fork and spoon to each setting, tied together with twine. Place on a fabric napkin in a natural tone.
Idea 5: Make it pop
Create a casual and colourful table by pairing paper plates with the prettiest paper napkins you can find. Stripes are a great way to add a playful pop of colour.
You’ll need:
- pretty striped paper napkins
- paper plates
- permanent marker in different colours
- ruler
- washi tape
- scissors
Follow the napkin’s theme through by decorating each paper plate with simple lines in permanent marker (use a ruler if you don’t have a steady hand) or strips of washi tape in a matching or complementary colour.