When planning a tablescape there are many items to think about including place cards/name cards around the table. Instead of the typical paper place cards that normally show up at table settings, I have rounded up a few different ideas for your next gathering. Bonus points – they all double as cute favours for your guests to take home with them! Just personalize them slightly and they are ready to go for your next party!
1. Mini Candle
My first suggestion is a mini sized candle that you can theme to your party! Having a summer luau theme – pineapple breeze scent is the way to go! Bundled up around a cozy fire at Christmas time – twisted peppermint is my jam. I think you get the point – there are SO many different flavours that you can customize them for your specific gathering. Also you do not necessarily have to have the same scents for each guest – there are so many fun options out there that work well together. I’m assuming you are not pairing together tobacco smell with lavender lilacs and hot chocolate rum cake scent ha! Stick to one grouping and you will do great! Once you have your selected candles, the final step is to customize them with a first initial (or first and last depending on the group) of the people attending the party. I got these gold monogram letters as a gift for Christmas but they originally came from Michaels and can also be purchased at other craft stores.
2. Mini Picture Frame
When I saw these glitter frames at Homesense I fell in love with how cute they were! I literally spent about 5 minutes shaking them (there were so many different colours and themes like winter snowflakes). Using these picture frames is super simple – print off everyone’s name using a fun font, pop out the back area, place name inside and you are good to go! This essentially applies to any picture frame you buy (the more unique the better) and your guests can take it home and use as house decor.
3. Specialty Seasoning
I love cooking and am always on the lookout for new seasonings and spices. When I came across these cute seasoning jars – I thought they would be the perfect favour giveaway for party guests. I found these specific ones in Homesense but you can find similar ones all over including various grocery stores. If you have trouble finding them then make your own – so easy! Pick up some small jars like these from Ikea and go to your local bulk store (Bulk Barn in Canada) to fill them. If spices may not suit the group – stick to a salt seasoning like the one pictured which is suited for all types of cooking (even the basic scrambled eggs kind). I topped off the jars with silver letters I found at the local dollar store.
4. Fake plant (or real)
Everyone loves a cute succulent plant and sometimes a fake (non dying one) does the trick! Whether you go for real or fake – focus on finding one in a unique planter which adds to the presentation. Throw on a personalized name tag (from the dollar store) and you have yourself a name setting!
5. Tea
Most people enjoy a comforting cup of tea therefore these mini containers are the perfect favour for your next party! Aside from the adorable containers they come in – there are different flavours to choose from and people can trade among themselves. I found these mini wooden signs from the dollar store as well which fit perfectly on the tea containers.
I hope those ideas give you some inspiration to look for things that are not your typical name tags and favours.
What is your favourite go to name place setting?
