Sunflower Place Card

A simple sunflower clipping makes a bold statement when used as a natural summer place card.
Photo: Martha Stewart

Recycled Paper

When incorporating recycled paper into your party décor think of unique options that surpass bags of confetti. This lovely table setting features rippled placemats, napkin covers, chair accents and other small table accessories all crafted from reclaimed book pages.

Photos: Green Wedding Shoes

Sprigs of Herbs

Looking to dress up a simple set of cloth napkins? Decorate cloth napkins with strips of linen, several sprigs of fresh herbs, such as aromatic lavender, and a snip of twine for a bit of rustic flair. 

Photo: Project Wedding

Make a Wish

No need to blow out a candle to make a wish thanks to these wishbone napkin rings. To get the look simply wash and dry natural wishbones and coat each in a layer of metallic paint. This is an easy eco way to create a modern autumnal place setting.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Button Cards

Dress up a set of simple cloth napkins with pretty button cards. The cards, which can be found at secondhand shops, garage sales, or, as in the case of my family, nearly any drawer in my grandmother’s home, are the perfect size to serve as feminine, vintage-inspired napkin “rings.” Simply punch holes on either side of the card, lace some ribbon or twine through each hole and loosely tie on the underside of each napkin.

Photo: Country Living

Fair Trade Table Linens

Photo: The Africa House

Recently, I’ve been on the hunt for an interesting table runner. I have a beautiful, round white kitchen table, which I originally loved for its simplicity; however, lately, I’ve been somewhat bored by its, well, bareness. Theafricahouse.com offers beautiful tablecloths, table runners and napkins that are perfect for the everyday or for entertaining. But the beautiful designs and reasonable prices are not the best part: all products featured on the website are created under fair trade conditions. When you log on, in addition to checking out the many artful textiles, be sure to view the leather-beaded napkin rings, adorably adorned with a beaded heart design – the perfect compliment for any Valentine’s Day table setting.

Creative Napkin "Rings"

Photo: Etsy

Recycled vintage brooches pinned to neatly rolled or folded napkins are a simple way to add a bit of sparkle to any table setting. Online boutiques, such as Etsy.com, offer a mix of styles to browse, from elegant crystal pieces to bold, colorful floral shapes to unusual insect-inspired pins. For coherency, stick with a single color or theme and then select mismatched brooches that will match your desired style.