Place cards add a nice touch to your decorating plans when entertaining. You can go all out and order printed place cards or you can make some to suit the occasion. Place cards can be elegant, casual, or even whimsical, depending on what you have in mind. Place cards also make a nice souvenir of the occasion that guests can take home with them.
Here are some ideas for designing your own place cards:
Handmade Paper
You can purchase handmade papers to make place cards. The ones with real flower petals embedded are attractive and unique. Cut to size and fold in half from top to bottom so each card will be self-standing. Print names by hand or use your computer or a stencil. Use a hole-punch to make a clean hole near the top in the center. Tuck a small fresh or silk flower into the hole.
Card Stock
You can pick up card stock at any office supply store or supercenter. Print with your computer, adding fun or inspirational messages. Another option is to print a small photo of the person on a card instead of writing out his or her name.
Cut a rectangle from cardstock in a deep color. Cut a smaller rectangle from a contrasting color, print the name, and glue the smaller piece on top. Fold in half.
Shapes and Sparkles
Cut place cards out in the shape of a star and write names with a glitter paint pen. Make a few designs around the name with glue and sprinkle on some glitter as an accent. Tie a bow at the top of the star with sparkly ribbon and leave long tails hanging from the bow.
Framed Place Cards
Print flat cards and place them inside miniature picture frames. Put one beside each place setting and tuck some tiny flowers or greenery around the bottom of the frame.