I’m convinced hosting a great dinner party is made up of 80% natural talent and 20% memorable details. There’s something special about having a spot at the table reserved just for you, and it’s even more exciting when it’s shiny! These metallic place card holders are a quick way to add a little more charm to your tablescape without worrying about whether your guests will have anything interesting to talk about with each other. Shiny things help keep awkward pauses at bay, didn’t you know?
I played around with a few shapes before landing on something simple and something holiday specific. You could easily do each guest’s first initial, an easy icon such as an arrow, or maybe another short word such as ‘hi’. I experimented with the shape of a hand pointing to their name, but it was over before it really even started. Pro tip: Don’t over think your design.
Supplies:
–20 gauge metallic wire
–3 in 1 jewelry making pliers
Cut a length of wire that is about 15″ long so that you can maneuver it easily. I curled up my sharp end and then gently started bending my wire in the shape of a ‘J’ using the widest round part of my pliers. Then I made an ‘O’ a little more round by using the handle of the pliers themselves.
Next, I created a ‘Y’ and pinched the wire together where it doubled back on itself. Then I finished the tail of my ‘Y’ and bent it back up and behind the word in the shape of a mountain. This provides your card with something to get pinched in between or lean back on.
You’ll need to finish with a flat length that ends in another curl to help stabilize your shape. You can see how the finished design only shows the word and not the stand behind it.
I suggest experimenting on a piece of wire to get comfortable with how your pliers work so you don’t bend or scratch anything you’re wanting to use for a place setting.
Choose a different shape for each guest or make a handful of the same. They’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness and compliment you on your natural talent! –Rachel
Credits//Author and Photography: Rachel Denbow. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Actions.
Are you sure this is 20 gauge wire? This looks a lot bigger. Twenty gauge wouldn’t really stay in place like a larger gauge would.
I really like these. They’re simple but add an elegant and personalised touch. I might try them in silver for my table though!
Super cute idea!
Just wondering how the wire went from a dark brown to bright gold? i didn’t see anything in the instructions about it. maybe it was just the lighting in the pictures?
Super Idea !!!
love your diy
congrats pretty
www.normcoregirl.com
Gorgeous! This looks so fun and easy 🙂
yours turned out so nice! i love the ‘joy’ one. I don’t think I’d be able to wrap them as nicely!
These are so simple but so beautiful! I love the holiday themed ones that you’ve created here, but you’ve also got me thinking … so many options! There’s a lot of potential here for birthday parties, bridal showers, or even a small wedding!
Love this..so cute…and so pretty…
xo
Hems
agoldentulip.blogspot.com
These are sooo beautiful! I absolutely love them!
xo
This is lovely!
Winter OOTW (Outfits of the week) + IPAD MINI GIVEAWAY
These are so cute! I love how simple and shiny they are. Shiny is always good. 😉
xo
Kristina
www.eccentricowl.com
I love this idea! I’m going to have to come up with some of my own ideas and try it!
sooo simple and cute!
xx nikki
www.dream-in-neon.com
This is such a lovely idea! Will be trying this one out for sure 🙂
These are so cute!
this is absolutely adorable~~ thanks for the share~~
Simple & gorgeous!! Love.
Thanks Rachel 🙂
This is so sweet and perfect for holiday parties!
This is really cute and I cannot wait to try this 🙂
http://inspiremeland.com
Such a wonderful idea!! I fear it would take a long time to get my wire writing skills up to the greatness if yours though. 🙂
http://www.mahogany-closet.com/2014/12/bright-colors-to-brighten-your-mood-fit.html