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Carol isn’t just full of savvy ideas — she’s a home expert in her own right. As a busy professional, wife, and mother of two, Carol understands the need to have your home be your sanctuary. She’s a communication executive in an industry focused on managing homes and communities and has spent a lifetime collecting ideas on how to manage her own in fun and unique ways.
Thursday July 21, 2011
Put your stamp on party napkins
By Carol
Personalizing napkins is one of my favorite ways to put my own personal stamp on a summer get-together. You don’t need to be Martha Stewart’s apprentice to doll up paper or cloth napkins — a few basic supplies and a bit of creativity are all it takes.
Craft store tools
- Embossing isn’t limited to just fancy envelopes. Whether using a sophisticated neutral or juicy summer color as your paper base, a raised monogram or single initial instantly adds an expensive-looking touch.
- Use a single, large, iron-on transfer graphic to make a statement, or apply a delicate winding border along the edges of a fabric napkin.
- Fabric paint shows off your artistic skills, no matter how humble. You can work with store-bought stencils, or paint household items—like a pink school eraser — to stamp on a checkered design.
- Speaking of stamps, a palm tree in a fun, contrasting color or a flower in glittery metallic ink are both unexpected.
The finishing touch
For parties where a silverware bundle would be handy, napkin rings add extra zing. Braid grosgrain ribbon and join with a knot, or twist a sparkly pipe cleaner into a mini-starburst.
Tell me: How do you customize your parties?
