Happy Anniversary Place Setting

The dinner might end, but the memories will linger when you send guests home with a cute keepsake. A fabric-covered photo frame and a nosegay of silk flowers turn an elegant place setting into a special carry-home favor. Springy shades of purple and green look lovely for an anniversary, birthday or wedding shower, or change the colors to celebrate any occasion.
 

Here’s How:

1. Measure the length and width of a small cardboard photo frame, adding a ½” allowance all around. Cut two pieces of fabric the size of the measurement. Cut a separate piece of fabric 1” larger on all sides than the frame’s easel flap.

2. Place one of the larger pieces of fabric pattern-side down, center the front of the frame on top of it and trace around the photo opening. Cut it out.

3. Spray the front of the frame with Spray Mount® adhesive and position the fabric on the frame. Smooth the fabric, pulling the edges tight around to the back of the frame and around the center opening. Miter the corners and hot-glue them down. Repeat the process to cover the back of the frame. Cut a piece of fabric 1” larger on all sides than the easel flap and cover it the same way.

4. Glue rick rack, lace or trim around the center opening to hide the edges.

5. Cut a piece of paper or vellum slightly larger than the photo opening, write the guest’s name in the center and insert the paper in the frame. Make sure the name is centered.

6. Bunch a fabric leaf branch with two lengths of silk wisteria – one lavender and one a darker purple – and tie them together with narrow lavender and purple satin ribbons.

7. Fold a purple plaid napkin on top of a green dinner plate. Set the fabric frame on the napkin and prop the wisteria to spray over top.

Quick Switch: Vary colors and fabrics to match the place setting to the party.

Wedding
Silver fabric and white lilies are the perfect union for a bridal place setting. Insert black and white or sepia-tone photos of the happy couple for an aged, romantic effect.

Baby Shower
Pair pink fabric frames with blue and yellow flowers and blue frames with pink and yellow flowers, alternating pink and blue around the table. If you have access to them, slip each guest’s baby picture into his or her frame and let guests have fun finding their seat.

Birthday
Kaleidoscope colors brighten a birthday party. Choose fabric that reflects the birthday boy’s – or girl’s – personality or hobbies, paired with multi-colored flowers tied with rainbow ribbons.