We recently hosted 25 dinner guests for Thanksgiving Dinner. Uff da, what a party. We have an old home which means lots of small rooms, including the dining room. To seat the guests we had to think outside the box and move quickly.
While my husband carved the turkey, I asked a few guests to move some furniture from the living room and replace it with a folding table and chairs.
As time and space were at a premium, we left the lovely place settings on a Pinterst Board and went with mis-matched chic. We also went with simple.
A large button-hole keeps cutlery tidy.
A few days before the big dinner, I added a large 2 inch button-hole to a couple sets of old napkins.
Here is the “how-to”: Fold the napkin in half, then in thirds. Place the hole in the bottom center panel roughly 1 1/2 inches from the fold. Use the free-hand setting to increase the length if necessary.
A 2 inch button-hole, simply cute.
Before guests arrive add your cutlery to your buffet napkins and layer in a basket.
Keep settings simple when serving large numbers.
Once the tables are up, place the buffet napkins on the table. Wa-lah. Easy, quick place settings.
A large button-hole makes setting the table quick and beautiful.
I have to admit I don’t own dozens of cloth napkins. I borrowed a bunch and refrained from adding a button-hole to those. Instead I slipped on a napkin ring and tucked the cutlery in with the cloth.
Unfortunately some of the napkin rings were a bit slim. For those remaining settings I tied the cutlery together with heavy string and placed on top of the napkin.
Our 3 tables were up and set in less than 10 minutes.
A quick addition of candles from the mantle and we had a touch of ambiance.
Despite our lack of tablescape, I think we pulled off a perfect evening. We were able to visit with our guests and enjoy great food with little fuss and even less stress. For that, I am truly grateful.
Great idea! I’m going to do this for Christmas dinner! My old napkins (cloth) just sit in a drawer, but this is a good use for them. 🙂
Becky recently posted…Win a KitchenAid Mixer 2013 (you pick the color!)
Becky, I think you should! This was a pretty quick & easy project. They will be fun BBQs and picnics this summer too. Flip the cutlery around to keep it bug free.
Love this idea! Also with a big group, it keeps the silverware together, and prevents accidental drops of someone’s knife/fork/ whatever off the table before the dinner even starts. (after pouring the wine they are on their own, but this way the table stays set and together while everyone is finding their place!)
Kim Miller recently posted…Gallows Humor And A Better Pain Chart
I’ve never seen that buttonhole idea before, it’s so neat! I’m still getting over you hosting 25 people though! Wow.
Sara-Jayne Jones recently posted…The Annual Mince Pie Bake-Off (2013)
Button holes are a great idea!! Sadly I don’t host my own dinner we go to family, but I always do a mock dinner at my house for my hubby and kids. We have some cute cloth Christmas Napkins that this would work with 🙂
loving the idea, you did a great job with these, cant wait to see what you come up with next
GossipMoms (@GossipMoms) recently posted…Congress Investigates Obama’s Attempt to Become Dictator
How adorable! I wish I knew how to use a sewing machine so I could take advantage of tips like these!
Karen @TheMissingNiche.com recently posted…Scrooge Slashed My Tires
Wow! This is simple, elegant and awesome! Great idea! Thanks for sharing, love it!
What a cute idea! I love how organized your table would be come. Nobody would be ‘stealing’ another’s utensil.
Jenn recently posted…Bathroom basics: Yours kids “Kandoo” it!
Such a cute idea. I wish I was handy like that
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Those napkins are so cool! We don’t entertain guests too often, but the next time we do, I might give these a try for sure !
Shanna recently posted…Happy Starts with ALPO: A Focus Group with Our Pooch
That is so cute, I just received a new sewing machine so I will try to make some of these on it
Jennifer Williams recently posted…Enjoy a Glass of Wine with VinoVinti
Wow nice design and arrangement. Thanks for sharing about your thanks giving experience, this occasion is not that used in my country
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I love how these napkins hold the silverware. Very decorative too. Sounds like you had a really nice Thanksgiving meal. Just the way the day was meant to be spent.
Pam recently posted…Who Decides What Perfection Is?
that’s a great idea for napkins 🙂 25 guests? that’s a lot 🙂
Pehpot Pineda recently posted…Barbie Live! The Musical
This is such a great idea! I never would have thought to do this! Thanks for sharing!
Cara @ Craftdictator recently posted…Whip It Up Wednesday-Hello Dollies
I love these! I would love to give them to my mom
That is such a simple thing to do but an amazing idea. I would do that immediately, but I guess I can’t without a sewing machine. 🙁
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted…Personalized Holiday Gift Ideas #PCholiday
This is way cool! Although I’m a little old fashioned and like them on the sides of the plate.
love the button hole idea! Now, I just need to learn how to do that on my sewing machine…and buy some cloth napkins!
I found flat sheets, plain ones..make great napkins. You can cut them to size and sew around the edge or use no fray on them and pitch when done.
My little ones stamp the napkins and they love them. I like being able to toss them after the event.
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