How to Decorate Chinese Take Out Boxes

Decorate Chinese takeout boxes as party favors or centerpieces.

Chinese take-out containers make simple yet elegant boxes to use as party favors or attractive centerpieces for occasions. Although the box looks flimsy, its cardboard construction and metal handles serve as a stable container that holds a variety of items including small gifts, plants, candy and cookies. Easily available in craft stores, you can decorate the boxes with embellishments to create a customized look or according to the theme of the occasion. Purchase boxes in your desired size and color according to your preference.

Things You'll Need

• Decorative ribbon
• Scissors
• Glue
• Rhinestone, dried flowers, faux feathers, gems, beads or glitter
• Colored pens
• Spray paint
• Colored tissue paper (optional)
• Card stock
• Hole puncher
• Colored wire or ribbon

Instructions

1. Place the Chinese take-out box on a flat table and determine the look you want. Use the box in your desired size and color; while smaller boxes are suitable for party favors, larger take-out boxes easily accommodate larger items such as cookies, brownies, cupcakes or small gifts.

2. Glue decorative ribbon around the opening of the take-out box. Depending on personal preference and the occasion, use satin or silk ribbon for a formal party or a grosgrain ribbon for a causal one. Press the ribbon flat over the box so the glue adheres to it, and leave to dry.

3. Glue a large rhinestone, dried flowers or petals, faux feathers, gems, beads or colored sequins to the front of the box, over its middle. If pasting tiny gems, beads, glitter or sequins, draw or stencil a decorative shape over the front of the box, spread glue over it and sprinkle the embellishment within the outline.

4. Write the occasion under the decoration on the front of the box. Use a black or colored pen to stencil or write in capital or small letters. For instance, simply write "Thank You!" if giving the box as a favor, or personalize it by writing the new couple's name, the date or the occasion.

5. Embellish the other sides of the Chinese take-out box for added effect. Depending on personal preference, stencil designs on the sides according to the theme and paint each, paste stickers, create themed designs using a rubber stamp and ink pad or line the edges or corners with beads or glitter.

6. Paint the thin metal handles of the box if desired, or glue colored tissue paper over these. Apply a thin bead of glue over a strip of paper and wind it around each handle to cover it completely. Snip excess paper off with scissors.

7. Cut a rectangular, square or circular piece of card stock or construction paper to form a personalized gift tag for each box. Write the recipient's name on the tag with black or colored pen or glitter pen. Punch a hole on the top of the tag and insert a piece of ribbon or colored wire through it. Tie the gift tag to the handle of the box.

Tips & Warnings

• You can paint or glue colored paper around the white box if you cannot find a box in your desired color. Let the glue dry thoroughly before decorating the box.

• Place a sandwich bag inside the box if using it as a centerpiece. Fill the bag one-third of the way with water and arrange the stems of your desired flowers in it.

References

• Real Simple: How to: Make a Floral Centerpiece with Takeout Containers
• Country Living; Handmade Holiday Crafts; Elizabeth Roehrig