Holiday Place Card Ideas
Place cards are frequently used in weddings due to the sometimes large number of guests and chaos that would ensue if guests were not directed to specific seats. Using place cards for your holiday meals can serve a similar purpose as well as add to the meal. Think about the meal and gathering you are hosting, whether it is formal or casual and how many people will be attending. Use answers to those questions, and other specific details about your gathering to create the perfect place cards for your holiday table.
Function
Place cards function as an unspoken, inanimate ushers to guide your guests to their correct seat at the table. Beyond having a reserved place to share the meal, they can become much more than simple little name cards. For instance, you can use decorations, gifts or even desserts as place cards making them do double-duty.
Significance
Place cards can dress up the table while only taking up a minimal amount of space. They are also typically easy to remove once the food is served, leaving more room on the table for the food. Setting up place cards that blend in with the rest of your holiday decor adds charm and personalization for everyone in attendance. Think about your holiday decor and use that as inspiration when you begin to design or shop for your place cards and holders.
Benefits
Using place cards has many benefits, particularly if there are some guests that don't know each other or don't get along. For example if your Aunt Jodi and Uncle Tom are divorced, yet both are a huge part of the family, and it makes it easier on the kids to have them both attend; you'll want to seat them far away from each other. If little Johnny and Melissa are always getting into mischief together, keep them separated by putting other children in between them.
Use your place cards to design and execute a seating chart that will allow children to have their own little space and make it easier for adults to socialize. Group people together who get along well, and place strangers next to people you think they'd get along with to encourage conversation.
Potential
Creating distinctive, original place cards may be a great conversation opener. They can also start new family traditions and get everyone excited to participate, or anxious to see what you come up with for the next gathering. Assign decorating tasks to the children who want to be involved if you're making homemade place cards. That will keep them busy as well as making them feel like a significant contributing force in the decorations and dinner preparations. Place cards can also serve as memorable favors that can be displayed or added to scrapbooks for nostalgic reasons.
Size
Plan out how you want your table to look and any special needs of your guests. That will determine the size of your place cards. For example, if you have multiple elderly guests whose eyesight isn't the greatest anymore, consider larger place cards that they can easily find and read without assistance. Keep the place cards smaller if the table is already full or you don't want them to overshadow another design element, such as a spectacular centerpiece.
Types
Incorporate features into the place cards that accentuate or compliment the rest of your room's decor, the table setting and the meal being served. For example, a formal Christmas dinner could include names written in calligraphy on cards with an elegant boarder. Informal Christmas dinners with a snowman decor may call for fun cards with a names spelled out with snowflakes and a snowman. Other Christmas ideas may include stars, trees, presents, gingerbread men, candy canes, wreaths, poinsettias, nativity items or other Christmas symbols. Thanksgiving place cards can incorporate turkeys, pilgrim hats, Indian headbands or fall foliage. Use bunnies or eggs for Easter. Valentines day place cards may include hearts or conversation heart candy.
Place cards can be anything from simple business card sized cards, fold-over cards, single cards tied around the chairs, personalized cookies, cupcakes or miniature pies. You can even use actual photos of each guest or a drawing of them if there is an artist within your group.
Other Considerations
Choosing the right place card holders or display is as important, if not more so, than the actual cards. Small wallet sized picture frames can be used as elegant holders or to hold pictures. Specialized card holders can be purchased featuring different designs or elements including stars, Christmas trees, snowmen or any number of other decorations. Edible goodies can be kept fresh in clear cellophane with decorative ribbon. Small pine cones are practical and festive if they match your decor. Put a slit in old wine corks to hold your place cards. Small stockings filled with little goodies could be used for Christmas.
Many place cards can be made well in advance and easily stored for later use, unless they are edible. Make a few extras in case you have unexpected guests. Confirm the spelling of everyone's names, especially if you are having anyone (particularly children) help you.
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