Thanksgiving is approaching fast. Here at the Bennett house, we’re prepping for our usual jaunt through several homes, followed by a Friendsgiving feast that we’re hosting the next weekend. This time of year always gives me that perfectionist, decorator’s itch to have the most crazy awesome, fully decorated table spread for the holidays. Centerpieces, table settings, the works. However, the time I have to put forth to make that awesome spread? Oh, I think I’ve got maybe forty minutes? Tops. Usually, I can make one cute thing, and leave the rest, so I try for something that I can either use again, or something that won’t take too much time while still looking flashy.
So I was incredibly excited when Tabitha, the creative force behind Winston & Main, signed on with us to design a series of crafts you can easily create for your next holiday party (or wedding). These geometric place settings, the first in our series, are everything I want—fast, functional, and they work for more than just the holidays. Literally anyone could do this, for a wedding or just for a dinner party. Inexpensive, adorable, done. It’s everything I want out of DIY during the holidays, and I can make them while I catch up on Scandal.
Materials:
- 2” wood blocks
- 1/8” pattern tape
- Acrylic paint (magenta, pink, gold)
- Paint brush
- Card stock
Cost Estimate: $20
Time Estimate: 45 minutes, plus drying time, so you’ll want to do these at least a few hours or a day ahead.
Directions:
1. Use the pattern tape to make a few triangle shapes on one side of each block.
2. Paint the triangles magenta, pink, and gold, in whatever pattern you choose.
3. Let the paint dry, and then carefully remove the tape.
4. Print your guests’ names in a simple, modern font (we used Bebas) and cut each card to 3.5 x 2 inches. Or, just take them to Kinkos, and let them do the cutting.
5. Top each card with one of your geo blocks. Modern and pretty.
Modifications:
1. Change your colors to match the rest of your decor, or try painting your blocks a base color before painting your geometric shapes.
2. Use a different font for your names, or a different paper shape or color.
3. Thumbtack your card to the cube or make a cut on the top of the cube to display the card differently.
Tips & Tricks:
1. If your lines are a bit fuzzy, you can clean them up with an X-Acto knife or a little sandpaper.
2. Spray your blocks with clear matte acrylic before painting to ensure cleaner lines.
