www.marthastewart.com

Martha suggests tiny potted orchids as party favors, and I think they would be lovely as placecard holders as well. If you find small potted plants on sale – they certainly don’t have to be expensive orchids – it would be such a nice way to welcome guests to a ladies dinner! (It’s my experience that guys don’t really like carrying flowers home, and for couples it still just feels a little effeminate of a table to me. But that’s just me, to each their own.)

Martha used butterfly-shaped paper perched on wire holders, which looks wonderful, of course. But if you don’t feel like going to all that trouble and buying all those special little items, just throw a piece of paper around the stem with a name on it and be done with it – it will look wonderful regardless.

Here’s another one from Martha that also looks gorgeous, and more simple.

www.marthastewart.com

It’s so beautiful against the white! You all know I’m such a sucker for for a clean white table with just a little bit of greenery.