Saturday, October 31, 2015

Holiday Napkins "On the Cheap"


Like so many over-worked, over-stressed Martha Stewart wanna be's of you, I'm already thinking of holiday table settings . . .


So I couldn't wait to read the November issue of Real Simple  for ideas.

 
I loved their article about updating your holiday table with new napkins BUT . . . 

 
 At up to $59.00 for just four napkins, I found myself almost yelling thinking, "Are you cracked???"

Call me cheap but I wouldn't even think of paying almost $15.00 for a simple napkin to "brighten my holiday table".
 
 
So I started thinking . . .


 
 
 What about using bandanas?

 
 They're the right size, they wash well, and, at $1.00 each at my local WalMart, I could have different napkins for every occasion for the price on of those featured in Real Simple.
 
They have every color in the rainbow, even bandanas in holiday prints.
 
 
It was difficult to "stage" table settings in the Produce aisle but I did my best. This "setting" is a WalMart bandana (yup, $1.00) on a WalMart woven placemat. Not bad, huh?
 
 

Or how about this combination?

 
 Or, for an evening dinner party, something like this?
Yup . . . That "napkin" is also a WalMart bandana.


Before I wrote this post, I had to stop at JoAnn's for a few things and noticed that they also have a big selection of bandanas, including batik ones like these . . .
   

As well as more contemporary geometric patterns. Theirs are more expensive at $2.99 each; I'd definitely use my 40% off coupons if I bought them there.


If you're planning on hosting a crowd for the holidays, bandanas are even less expensive on-line at Oriental Trading . . . $10.99 for twelve or $34.99 for fifty. Wow!


They have 59 different bandana designs including awareness ribbons, autism puzzles, Easter, patriotic, solid colors, , neon, pastels, and even . . . a Christmas assortment.

 
So as we all prepare for this . . .
 

Maybe we can make use of a few of these?
Bandana from zazzle.com
 
Hard to believe that tomorrow is November 1st . . .
But I'll be ready!
 
 
Partying with:
What's It Wednesdays at Ivy & Elephants
Vintage Inspiration Party at Knick of Time
Flaunt It Friday at Chic On a Shoestring
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

10 comments:

  1. Cheryl, what a great idea. I've used the red bandanna's for a country table, but all those colors and patterns, wow! I'm like you I can't even imagine spending $15 for one napkin...not happening here. I would have loved to have been in walmart as you tablescaped! Ha!!

    Linda

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  2. You are so smart. Write that magazine and tell them!

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  3. You are indeed smart and creative about using bandannas for napkins. They would look great with raffia or other natural materials as ring, too.

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  4. Nice post! I make all my napkins, but I am horrified at the price of napkins, even at Walmart.

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  5. I think using a bandana is a brilliant idea! Stealing this one!

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  6. My hubby and I go to a LOT of Estate Sales and the first thing I look for are tablecloths and napkins. I love the ones I have but I will be going to Oriental Trading for some red ones for my white lace tablecloth with the solid red one beneath it. I think it will look beautiful. Thank you so much for this idea!!!

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  7. Wonderful idea Cheryl. I wonder if the Walmart in Canada has such a variety of bandanas. I've never noticed them there before. You're so cute to set up different place settings right there in the store. :) Happy November to you! Have a great week.

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  8. Well, aren't you clever, Cheryl! I love the gold patterned bandana in the last photo- would be pretty for Thanksgiving. I usually use paper napkins, but cloth really look so much nicer on a holiday table. I guess I better check out bandanas! thanks for sharing!

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  9. Very smart & creative! These are beautiful. Thank you so much for this idea!

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  10. Great idea! I love all the different patterns and colors. I'm sure there is something for every table setting!

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