As you crack walnuts for pies and stuffing, save the shell halves that remain intact. The miniature "bowls" make natural holders for individual portions of salt and pepper -- especially handy for big gatherings at the table.

Think of this as no-decorating decorating: Dress up your favorite Bundt cake with a bouquet in the center. 

Choose dainty nontoxic flowers; we used muscari, brodiaea, and bupleurum. Cut the stems short, and arrange them in a glass that fits your cake. It's perfect for Mother's Day, and Mom can admire the arrangement after nothing is left but the crumbs.

Bring the lush greenery of the 50th state to your own backyard: Party snacks plain or exotic get an upgrade when served in cones fashioned from banana leaves (which are available at Asian and Latin food markets). Cut them into six-inch squares, roll each into a cone, and fasten at the seam with a bamboo skewer.

Update guests about happenings (the couple's arrival at the reception, cake-cutting, first dance) by asking young guests to raise descriptive paper flags at the right time. Vest, shirt, bow tie, and shorts, Crewcuts by J.Crew.

Get the Clip Art and How-To

This display is a centerpiece, a stack of party favors, and a table-number indicator all in one.

Fill small cardboard boxes with cookies or candies, wrap them with bands of paper and slender ribbon, and stack them on a silver compote in the shape of a pyramid. Attach a table number to the topmost box.