The Christmas holiday is fast approaching, and for many of us that means hosting several dinners and parties. What is something new, inexpensive, and easy that you can do to add some festivity to your table? I turn to paper crafts. Cheap and fun to make, these simple items can really transform a setting.

One that I think is very handy, and that the kids can pitch in on or do themselves, is a silverware holder. It starts with a simple paper bag; just a lunch sack from the grocery is fine. Take one out of the cellophane and don’t open it up. Simply fold the bottom upwards for the makings of a pouch. I really love the look of zipping the sides through a sewing machine on the zigzag stitch. But hot-gluing the sides and adding a bit of Washi tape for decoration also looks very nice.

A pack of glittered snowflakes added a nice touch to the bags. I printed the words with a stamp I’ve used for years on the envelopes for our Christmas cards. You could write the guest’s name instead. But you may decide to decorate with a theme. I found gift tags that I will use for my presents and realized they would make great additions to the cutlery holders as well.

Perhaps you are having a casual party and aren’t sure how to make the table cheerful. Simple disposable plates in red or a Christmas pattern. topped with these envelopes, will look charming. Tuck in some plastic silverware and you have most of the battle done! A simple runner comes together quickly, using burlap bought in the fabric department and cut to the size of your table. Mason jars suit the rustic look, but if you use clear or red plastic cups your clean-up will be a breeze. You can find clear glass candlesticks for a dollar at thrift shops like Goodwill. Gather some to tuck fun candles into, and you have a cheerful and easy holiday table!

What if you are hosting a more formal dinner with your grandmother’s china and, though you’d love the kids to be engaged in a craft, you cringe inside to think what they might look like on your table? These can also look classic when paired with real silverware and dinnerware.

I think that white bags would look wonderful with graphic Christmas designs. I have also seen some very fun candy striped sacks! Allow your creativity to run wild and have some fun with your kids at the same time. They will be so proud to tell guests that they helped to make these.

Perhaps you are hosting a large family gathering and having a buffet. These are perfect for placing on the dining table, while you stack the plates on the buffet. I know I almost always forget to get a napkin as I pass through the food line. Take care of that problem by filling your envelope with not just silverware, but a folded napkin and even a fun straw for their drink. People with their hands full of food will appreciate the convenience—and your thoughtfulness!

And speaking of fun, why not go one step further and add a game to your table setting? We played this several times with a large family group and it was very entertaining. Before the day of your gathering, find out something interesting about each person who will be attending. It can be as simple as the fact that an aunt with raven black hair was born a redhead, or that Grandpa Charlie was called “Chester” as a young man.

Type up the fun facts on the computer, print them, and cut the paper into strips. Tuck one in each envelope. Tell your guests that after the meal, they will each read their slip and see if they can guess the answer. After that, let anyone holler out what they think. No need to keep track of who answered correctly for each one, or to have a prize. The prize is learning fun facts about relatives that you may not know so well!

I hope you will try this for one of your holiday gatherings. And if you try it and the kids clamor for more, check out this craft from Martha Stewart. You simply print and cut out the pieces, then assemble then. The log is hollow so that you can secret a candy inside. This is where I tucked the family trivia questions on my table. A small hint—I hot-glued a penny to the bottom of each to help them stand up.

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and joyful (stress-free) gatherings!