Party planner Jackie Fogartie (of the eponymous Jackie Fogartie Events in Charlotte, NC) shares this super simple — yet surprisingly elegant — idea for hosting a wine and cheese party: a DIY chalkboard table runner!
The table runner makes it easy for guests to identify wine and cheese pairings, but it's not limited solely to swigs. I think this would work equally well to label platters at a buffet table or list suggestions for fun little things like DIY sundae bars!
To make your own, you can purchase chalk cloth (also known as blackboard fabric) from many online shops like Joann, lay down a sheet of chalkboard contact paper, or even cover a piece of canvas cloth with chalkboard paint. Chalk markers (which wipe off with water) give a clean and non-smearing finish on contact paper and painted surfaces, so you don't have to worry about getting chalk dust on your food.
Simply jot down names and add arrows for a casual and rustic look, or design a detailed calligraphy piece for a more formal affair. Best of all, you can later erase and recycle it for future parties.
See more at Jackie Fogartie Events.
MORE CHALKBOARD IDEAS ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• Chalkboard Wine Rack
• DIY Offi-Inspired Chalkboard Table
• Easy, Cheap DIY: Chalkboard Your Mini Fridge!
(Image: Jackie Fogartie)
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Oh..this post post put me in the mood for some red wine and brie, be right back! haha
Very cool idea. How did I not know this cloth existed? Could be fun for kids parties, or even kid's playtimes too.
Very cool idea. How did I not know this cloth existed? Could be fun for kids parties, or even kid's playtimes too.
I'm afraid that by end of night, the wording would be all smudged and maybe a few folk will have chalk at the end of their sleeves...but it is a neat idea.
Someday, I'll be educated enough about wine to actually feel confident enough to have a wine party. Thanks for the inspiration!
I think I'd rather have a chalkboard on the wall behind the buffet and have colored place mats underneath the bottles and corresponding plates. That may eliminate the possibility of getting chalk on your sleeves.
Chalk always looks adorable, but it's just so messy. I think it definitely only belongs in places it can't be bumped and smudged. You could do this same thing mess-free with a roll of butcher paper and some markers.
Cute idea! Seems like you could do a throw-away version of this with black butcher paper and get the same effect.
The author didn't use chalk--she used chalk markers, which clean up with water. (third paragraph, last sentence)
The idea is neat, I'd feel pretentious telling any of my friends what to pair with what.
Still gives the feeling of chalk near food. Are you going to tell each guest it's chalk marker? I don't know...
I agree with Britomart.