10 Hosting Items to DIY During Quarantine

I’ve been a lifelong fan of the DIY project (shout-out to my mom and grandmother for passing down their crafting gene) and now that I have a little more time on my hands it’s become an opportunity to get creative! And while I do believe in crafting for craftings-sake (don’t underestimate the power of making something with your hands when you’ve been stripped away of control and certainty), I also really like to be practical with my crafting. Creating things I know I will use, even if it’s months down the road, gives me a sense of purpose and practicality while balancing the right amount of fun. And to me that really sounds like the perfect way to cope with everything going on right now.

So here are 10 hosting related items you can DIY while at home during quarantine! Obviously you may not have all the supplies, but many items are easily available online or at Target and Walmart.

1. Napkins - These are my favorite things to DIY! There are so many ways to decorate and update your basic napkin. With everything from citrus or potato stamps to embroidery and paint pens, the possibilities are endless!

2. Napkin Rings - My favorite thing about these DIYs are how simple they can be! Spoiler alert, you can save the toilet paper rolls (if you’ve been lucky enough to find some rolls!) and use them as a guide!

3. Placemats - Placemats are always a great item to have on hand, especially if you plan to be gathering outside a lot!

4. Chargers - While similar to placemats, chargers are a fun way to make a gathering unique. You can get creative with supplies and use removable wallpaper, shelf liner, wrapping paper and truly so much more!

5. Tablecloths and Table Runners - Honestly these are also some of my favorite DIYs! While you can do the same techniques for napkins, I love the idea of tie-dying or dip-dying a simple canvas drop cloth! But having a minimalist black and white tablecloth is also really nice to have. Also getting creative with fringe and tassels to update a table runner (or even tablecloth) is such an easy DIY to tackle!

6. Cutlery and Serving Spoons - These DIYs are fun because you’re most likely to have almost if not all of the supplies handy! Whether you’re updating silverware, disposable utensils or wooden serving spoons, these DIYs are so simple the whole family could get involved!

7. Cake Plates - Making my own cake plate has been a favorite DIY of mine for years! It’s crazy how you can get almost all the supplies at the dollar store (true story, I’ve made a cake plate for $5 that I still use!). You can get crazy with the spray paint or keep them clean and clear! And don’t even get me started on the gorgeously simple dome and knob technique…

8. Vases - Flowers are pretty much my favorite thing ever at an event, and having the right style vase to go with them is key to completing the look you want. There are hundreds if not thousands of flower vase DIYs on pinterest, from tinted mason jars and nail polish marbled looks (below) to sticks hot glued to tin cans and aged terra cotta pot hacks. There are so many to choose from you’ll definitely be able to find the kind that will most meet your gathering style.

9. Serving Trays and Cutting Boards - A staple at any gathering, a unique looking tray or board can go a long way! You can easily update the one(s) you have with a simple leather strap ot drawer pull. Go the wood route and stain a piece of wood or use some paint stir sticks to make more of a custom piece. You can even keep it simple and paint a small section or break out the marble contact paper.

10. Gathering Decor - These are the DIYs I always wish I had the time to do. Making things that you know you’d use (like felt banners and pom-pom garlands) or updating items you typically use to decorate with (like baskets and books) are great ways to DIY something you know you’ll use!

For more gathering DIY inspiration, be sure to check out our Pinterest page!