Well, The Hostess with the Mostess does it again. We are always on the lookout for party ideas that make your life simpler. And one that is simple, elegant and practical all at the same time just can't be ignored. Having your guests add their name to their respective drinking receptacles makes life easier for everyone in the course of an evening. No more awkward exchanges while guests inadvertently down each other's drinks. But we love her execution of this particular idea — the green, striped paper straws for example, are a beautiful addition.
Hop over to Hostess with the Mostess for all the details on how she brought this idea into fruition, as well as other inspiring ideas for a rustic, fall potluck party. The photo booth is a nice touch too.
(Images: The Hostess with the Mostess)


White Enamel Flatwa...
I wouldn't say this is a party idea that makes my life simpler - to collect and wash 24 baby jars, then cut and cover them with brown paper...no...that would definitely make my party prep take longer. I usually just use plastic cups and stick a sharpie by them. I know, now none of you will want to come to my party :-(
Sorry, not cut the cups. Cut the brown paper and cover the jars!
These are cute, though. I'm going to stop typing now.
I actually don't care for the brown paper but I am all about paper straws right now--I did blue and white ones in half-pint milk cartons for my son's recent birthday. So retro sweet!
offering guests jars as drinking receptacles is horrible. I am also a fan of the marker approach. If you don't do disposables, use a crayon. Then get some inexpensive glassware from Ikea and put it away after your party is over. but seriously: no to the jars.
I love the look of the paper straws...but they're only temporarily functional. About a half-hour into said drinking, you're left with a soggy mess.
It's terrible, I know, but I usually end up doing plastic cups for big parties. I do, however, make sure they all end up in the kitchen sink to be rinsed and recycled. I would love to have the space to store a nice supply of simple glasses for parties, but I just don't have it at this stage in my life. One day, when I buy a house, I'll have Ina Garten's kitchen, but it's just not happening right now. So, Sharpie it is for me. Plus, if I need to choose between putting the time and effort into the food and entertainment or the dishes, dishes lose. Big time.
you could sharpie glass!
First, these are not baby food jars & are perfectly acceptable to serve to guests to drink in. They have no chemical off-gases, can be used over and over, even to put up jam or pickles!!!