Cedar Hill Farmhouse

updated COUNTRY FRENCH

Wildflower Party Buffet Line

By 42 Comments

                           
When I first started planning this party, I pictured a long table in a field of bluebonnets with the table all set with beautiful plates, silverware and glassware and cloth napkins, all elegantly displayed in the setting sun.

Then reality set in.  This was supposed to be a picnic after all.  We had no staff to serve dinner, so it would have to be buffet-style.  So my idea of a beautifully appointed table went out the window.  I opted reluctantly for disposable plates. I even bought them.  Well, if you know me, then you know I just couldn’t pull the trigger.   I love real plates, and just have a hard time using paper ones.  I returned the paper plates and started reworking my plan.  To be quite honest I had enough plates to serve our 55 guests at the ranch, but didn’t like the idea someone breaking some of my favorite dishes.   I decided I needed a set of dishes that if broken, I wouldn’t care.  The hunt was on for the absolute nicest plates I could find for…  $1 a plate.

I found out quickly that is not an easy chore, even at Walmart.  The only place I could find plates at my rock bottom price were at the Dollar store and Ikea.  The Dollar Store surprisingly had some cute ones, but I wanted one set that were all the same, and the Dollar Store just had 10 of this kind, and five of that.  So I opted for the 9 inch glass plates at Ikea.  I bought 40, since I decded the kids could use paper plates (even I have my limits.)

I placed the plates in this very large wicker tray I got at Hobby Lobby. The bluebonnets on this table are in vintage blue Mason jars.  Next to that table, I placed my ironing board, laden with more goodies.
Is it just me, or do you change your mind at the last minute?  I had found some marvelous blue and white Toile cloth napkins for a dollar each.  True confessions… they are actually bandanas.  I bought them from a wholesale bandana store, and the toile bandanas, regularly $5 each were on clearance for $1 a piece.
I actually bought them to use as cloth napkins for our party, but… well… it seemed strange using cloth napkins if some people wouldn’t even end up at a table, but would be eating their dinner sitting in a rocking chair.  I hated to have some people feeling left out if there were decked out tables, and some people had to sit elsewhere, with their plates in their laps.   Sooooo…  I opted not to use the bandanas for napkins.  And the thought of trying to remove barbeque sauce from 40 plus napkins just didn’t appeal to me, so I used paper napkins. I know Peggy is shocked, but it’s not exactly a formal dinner.   I normally use cloth napkins, but hey, this was supposed to be an outdoor picnic.  The adorable basket held our paper napkins in the serving line.
Next came the basket filled with paper plates for the kids.  I used a stamp set and card stock to make this sign that is attached using twine. The basket is lined with my blue and white toile of course.
Since I was concerned about how sturdy the ironing board would be if we had a gust of wind, I decided not to use it to serve food or to hold lots of breakables.  So, I ended up using it for our flatware, napkins, and the kids plates.  I also stuffed some plastic cups and pinic sets (plastic fork, knife, spoon, napkin, salt and pepper packs) in the basket in case the parents wanted to use them for their kids.

I found this trio of baskets at Hobby Lobby.  I used card stock and a cute truck stamp and the letter stamps to label each basket.

Again, I just couldn’t make myself use disposal silverware for the meal, since if some pieces go lost,  I didn’t want to spend days searching the pasture for lost silverware.  So I went on the hunt for the absolute most adorable, cutest flatware  I could find that was less than $1 per piece.  Walmart won this contest with these adorable forks, knives and spoons.

 They came out to about 20 cents per piece, sold!!
So if you used the bandanas as napkins, with the Ikea plates, Walmart flatware, and Mason jar glasses, you could spend less than $5/person per place setting, and have no worries of lost or broken items, since the glasses, flatware and dishes would be easily replaceable.

 

Did you miss any of my other party posts?  There right here.

The Big Table

 

Comments

  2. Vickie @ Ranger 911 says

    Everything looks just beautiful! My sister is like you and just can’t use paper plates. The ironing board was a clever idea-it’s one more of the things I regret getting rid of when we moved. 🙁

    Reply

  7. Bliss says

    Dam cute. Can I say dam? Well I did. Twice. I would of used paper napkins too, just something about guests in a casual setting with BBQ says paper. Cause I’m the guest that always needs more than one.

    ~Bliss~

    Reply

  9. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    I just love all your ideas and the changing of your mind, too. Sounds like what I would do. BTW, never heard of a wholesale BANANA store!! I know you meant bandana. Why does spell check say I spelled that wrong? hmmmm. I got tickled at your type-o.

    Reply

  10. Anne says

    Anita,
    It all looks so pretty.How lucky for all of your guests.I used to have a wooden iron board.Those are so cool.They make great tables.
    Anne

    Reply

  14. Sarah says

    Anita, love seeing all the details of your party. The mason jar lights int he trees are magical, and I so get the real dish/silverware thing. I’m the same way. Love, love, love those toile napkins. Where did you say you found these? Thanks for sharing the beauty and creativity of this party. ~ Sarah

    Reply

  22. Angie says

    Oh, how beautiful! This is something I struggle with when I have a large group over. It’s nice to know it is possible to have a nice affordable dinner party. I’m sure you had some very happy guests!

    Angie

    Reply

  23. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    Anita, this is gorgeous! I love the glass plates and the vintage ironing board looks perfect for a server! 55 guests! Wow! That’s a huge undertaking! It all looks so pretty! You did an amazing job!

    Reply

  25. On Crooked Creek says

    Anita,
    Lovely picnic!!! Those stamped labels…”Little Buckaroo Plates”..too darn cute!!! I’ve used red bandanas tied with jute with my blue and white enamelwear for our Fourth of July picnics. I’ll be back to see more!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    Reply

  26. Latane Barton says

    What a picnic, girl!! Everything is so pretty. I’d just sit and enjoy instead of eating but hey, didn’t you say you were serving barbeque… heck fire… count me in.

    Reply

  29. Sandy says

    Gorgeous items for a perfect picnic! I like you, don’t like using plastic ware. What a great find at Walmart and the Ikea dishes are perfect!

    Reply

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  34. Etcetorize says

    So gorgeous! This was quite the picnik party. I’m definitely coming to you for advice the next time I have a shindig. Thanks so much for linking up at Etcetorize~

    Reply

  35. ~Tablescapes By Diane~ says

    Hi lovely lady.
    Your party looks so pretty.I love the bluebonnets in the Mason Jars on your tables, and plates in a large wicker tray this was a great Idea. How lucky for all of your guests.You did a lovely party Anita good for you.Thanks so much for your sweet comments, and I hope you have a wonderful week with your family.
    XXOO Diane

    Reply

  39. Shannon @ Cozy Home Scenes says

    Sounds like you love to make your guests feel welcome! These are all very pretty suggestions for any kind of simple get together, and the Little Buckaroo Plates basket idea is really adorable. Thanks for sharing at Your Cozy Home Party.

    I also wanted to say thanks for featuring my napkin rings on Facebook yesterday. I don’t have account there, but I did see it and very much appreciate the feature!

    Reply

  42. Anonymous says

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    Reply

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