How to Dress Up A Table Top without a Tablecloth

Dressing up a table for entertaining by throwing on a tablecloth is easy. Try some of these outside-the-box, simple and inexpensive ideas instead.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newspaper
• Butcher/Craft Paper
• Crayons
• Stickers
• Leaves
• Pillow cases
• Paint and brushes
• Stencils
• Photos
• Cheesecloth or fabric
• Aluminum Foil
• Wrapping Paper
• Tape

1. Tables set for children or even artistic adults can be covered with craft or butcher paper. Fill jars with crayons, stickers, stencils, paints and brushes and let imaginations soar. If there is a theme to the party or imaginations need some spark, outline something on the paper and have everyone decorate. For example, draw a tree shape and have people add the leaves, birds and animals; or draw a rocket ship and planets and watch what appears in the stratosphere!

2. For a quick and elegant table cover, grab a roll of your favorite wrapping paper and run it down the middle of the table as a runner.
   Secure with tape. For extra sparkle at a Fourth of July party or silver anniversary, use aluminum foil instead of wrapping paper.

3. Picnics, seafood boils and messy dinners are made easy and casual by simply covering the table with newspaper. When done, wrap up and throw away or recycle.

4. Various colored napkins or pillow cases, spread at different angles that hang over the edge of a table will add interest and color. Plain cheesecloth or fabric woven in-between vases or serving platters gives a tabletop some interest and depth.

5. Large, flat leaves, such as grape leaves or hostas can give a lift to any table and, of course, colorful leaves in the autumn, set that hearty and warm tone.

6. If your table top is glass, think under the top. Tape photos, postcards, Christmas cards, or even questions that start conversations under the table to show through the glass as a creative tablecloth.

Tips & Warnings

• When using leaves, wash in salt water and dry thoroughly to avoid insects or dirt from ruining the fun.
• If allowing children or adults to paint their own tablecloth, have plenty of paper towels on hand for clean up.
• If possible, cut up the artistic creations and send home or frame and present at another time.

[starlet67]

on 6/10/2009 Nice title pic and great ideas!5*