Let's start at the bottom and work our way up as we set out to design a cute and affordable tabletop--while trying to find reusable products to take the place of plastic plates, cups and utensils at those many summer barbecues on weekends and grilling out in the evenings. I'll include the running total (shipping and tax not included). All prices are assuming a four person setup.First up: Placemats!
This adorable placemat, from amazon.com (search lime polka dot placemat) is very affordable: $1.25 each, and are extremely wipeable and durable. Use all summer long!
Running total: $5
Next: Plates!
These plates are from walmart.com (Preserve set of either 8 large or 10 small plates) and provide mix and match salad/dessert and dinner plates that are cheap yet reusable--definitely environmentally friendly. They're $4.84/pack, so layer green small over purple large, and you're good to go!
Running total: $14.68
Onward to cups!
Even at a summer party, stemware can be fun--and is reusable for parties throughout the year. Cheap stemware is even better: if it breaks, no sadness and it's easy to replace! The solution: Dollar Tree and other dollar stores tend to have water goblets (which look great with lemonade, sweet tea and other drinks in them, too!) that are a little delicate but look great on a table, and for a great price, of course: $1! If you are wary about cheap stemware, however, check out the outlet section of Crate and Barrel's website, where you can find some great steals on glass tumblers and stemless glasses (as low as $.95!).
Running total: $18.68
Drink up!On the same note as above, a pretty carafe for your lemonade, tea, juice or whatever other beverage you prefer is a must--especially when it's cheap! This carafe is $2.50 from missionrs.com and holds a half-liter.
Running total: $21.18
Flatware fiesta!
A decent set of plastic cutlery for multiple uses (yet worryless when someone accidentally throws the spoon away or when it's chewed up by the disposal) is important -- and this clear set catches the light, like the stemware. This set is from Crate and Barrel, and at $5.50, that's a real bargain! If you're looking for more eye-catching sets, this also comes in blue!
Running total: $26.18
Napkins (a DIY project)...
These napkins (IKEA IRIS, $1.99/4pk) would make a great plate topper, especially with pretty napkin rings--here's where the DIY comes in. You could get cheap silk flowers in summery colors at a place like Dollar General, Walmart, Dollar Tree, etc and make your own; tie ribbon into a beautiful bow around the napkins, tucking the utensils in and making a pretty display; use raffia and card stock to make napkin rings that also serve as place cards; dye the napkins using RIT dye and fold into lovely shapes using directions on the internet; use colorful (unused) hair scrunchies; or come up with a totally new and fabulous idea.
Running total, with napkins, leaves $1.82 for ribbon, cheap silk flowers, raffia and card stock, dye, scrunchies, or whatever great idea you can come up with--maybe even something around your own home!
