Spring Fling

First, set the stage by making a trip to your local florist for some springlike blooms and plants. Not only will the flowers you select provide a fresh backdrop for your party, but they also can serve as your color palette for the accompanying projects.

Flower blooms, petals, and leaves -- pressed between two clear dessert plates -- make an attractive place setting. Use delicate flowers that are easy to press, such as pansies or violets (if young children are attending, edible flowers are the safest option). Beneath the pair of clear plates use pastel plates to fit the spring color scheme. Choose dinnerware without a pattern, so it won't compete with the flowers.

Dress up plain white cotton napkins with pretty buttons sewn in the corner. Then roll the napkins with the buttons face up, and secure with ribbon, cued to your color scheme. Tie the ribbon in a bow or thread through a mother-of-pearl buckle. The buckles shown here are antiques, but you can find new versions in the doll section of a crafts store.