Summer officially begins on June 21st but it’s not too early to begin the start of the cookout, pool party or get-together season.  It’s always fun to gather with family and friends to hang out, eat and play but buying party supplies for multiple gatherings can become expensive by summer’s end.  To combat this problem, I decided that I could make some of my own party fare with a more customized look and save some money which is always a good thing.

Every party needs plenty of paper towels for messy little and big hands but the cost of buying designer napkins can add up quick.  A roll of paper towels is the most cost efficient way to go but it’s not very pretty just sitting on a table.  The solution to this problem is to make individual napkin packs for your guest.  Tear off the number of paper towels that you need for each guest and a couple extra.  Fold the paper towels length ways into about an inch size in diameter.  Next you will need to make a wrap to go around the paper towel to hold it folded.  You can use scrapbook paper, wallpaper or whatever you have lying around.  I had some paint chip samples that I had from a home improvement store that I was going to toss.  I cut the paint chip sample into one and a half inch long pieces with the names removed and used double stick tape to adhere the ends together.  Within a few minutes I had custom made napkin packs for only a few cents a piece.  You can also insert plastic forks, spoons or knives into the napkin packet so your guest can gather their utensils and napkin all at the same time.

Napkins are essential to any gathering but I believe so are party favors.  They make your guest feel special and make you a popular hostess.  Since candy is always a crowd pleaser among the young and old, I decided to make candy pops.  I enlisted the help of some of my recyclables that I already had around the house awaiting their new destination.  My paper towel cardboard rolls came in handy for this project which I cut into one inch sections.  I then cut pieces of gift tissue paper about four inches wide and four inches tall.  I laid the cardboard cut out onto the piece of tissue paper and filled it with my favorite candy.  Once filled, I rolled the paper around the cardboard cut out and secured it with a piece of tape.  I then twisted the ends and secured them with pieces of ribbon and then it was time to display them in a dish at the party.  I now have created my own candy pops for the kids and adults to enjoy at the party or to take home to enjoy later.

Your guest usually will leave with either wet clothes from a pool party or with candy from their party favors so make sure to have something that they can put their belongs in that they won’t have to return.  Since recycling is earth and budget friendly, I suggest making a bag box.  Save any empty tissue boxes and your grocery plastic bags.  You can leave the tissue box as is or decorate it with some scrapbook paper.  Fill the box with the plastic bags and label it so that guest can grab quick bags for the road instead or snooping through your cupboards to find one. 

Earth Day was April 22 but it’s never too late to do your part.  Each of these projects involved some type of recycling and using what you’ve got.  Think outside the box and discover what new uses old things have.  Your “mother” will thank you!

Carleigh Carmichael is a local writer whose philosophy is why buy it for more when you can make it for less.