Don't recycle corrugated cardboard—reuse it! Cut, and tied with raffia, it makes fun, texturally interesting napkin rings and adds a creative touch to a plain vase. Add autumn-hued fresh or dried flowers to complete the project.
Ingredients
Preparation
To make a napkin ring for each guest
Step 1
Cut a strip of corrugated cardboard measuring 2 inches across the ridges and 10 inches down. This will create a natural roll. If available, use an empty paper towel roll as a form for making the rings. Roll the length of corrugated cardboard to form a ring, securing it inconspicuously in a couple of places with tape. Wrap 2 or 3 strands of raffia around the middle of the napkin ring several times, and then double knot it. Cut the ends so they are 1 inch long. If using dried flowers, cut the stems so they are 1½ inches long and slide them through the raffia to secure them. If using fresh flowers, wait until 1 hour before guests arrive to trim the stems and attach them to the napkin rings.
To decorate the vase
Step 2
Cut 1 piece of corrugated cardboard measuring 3 inches across the ridges and 15 inches down the ridges. This will create a natural roll. Roll the length of corrugated cardboard around the center of the vase. Secure it inconspicuously with tape. Wrap 2 or 3 strands of raffia several times around the middle and then double knot it. Cut the ends so they are 1 inch long or tie a bow and trim the ends. Slip 2 dried flowers, with the stems cut 1 1/2-inch-long, through the raffia to secure them. Arrange flowers in the vase.
