Tuesday, August 27, 2013

CONVERSATION STARTER NAPKINS DIY


My friend Barb is the best hostess you will ever meet! When she has people over for dinner, which is very very often, she always encourages the greatest conversations around the table.

Barb will ask us to tell our life story in 3 minutes. Well, that's always impossible, so we spend the evening taking turn telling our stories and listening to others. We learn wonderful thing about each other around the dinner table. We find interesting connections and similar interests and life experiences. We also find such fascinating things about people... even people we already know!

I now do the same when I entertain... but with a twist!






As soon as guest see these fun, unusual napkins the conversation starts!

I put a napkin with a different Conversation Starter at each place. I like fun, easy to answer questions to get the conversation around the dinner table started... and it does!

These Conversation Starter Napkins seem to get everyone at my table in a talkative mood!

Try these at your next dinner or family gathering. Wouldn't these make a great hostess gift too?






CONVERSATION STARTER NAPKINS DIY
white cotton napkins
fabric transfers
fun questions

I designed my conversation starters to be transferred to the napkins on my digital imaging program. You could also use Microsoft word, Picasa or even Picmonkey.

Have fun and be creative!






Make sure to make a "reverse" image of your text.

Here is a copy of 4 of my Conversation Starters in "reverse" image.

Each one is 3 inches. A good size to fit on my napkins.



Print the "reverse" Conversation Starters on fabric transfers according to package directions.

Iron one Conversation Starter on one white napkin according to package directions.


What an easy project... 


Don't be surprised if everyone at your table wants to answer all the Conversation Starters... they usually do!




48 comments:

  1. Tammy @ A Walk in the CountrysideAugust 27, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    I love this!!! Such an ice breaker for guests who really don't know each other!

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  2. SuzyAugust 27, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    What a great idea! I love it and just might have to be a copycat. lol

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  3. kristenAugust 27, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    what a fun idea!...thank you for sharing!

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  4. AnonymousAugust 27, 2013 at 9:01 AM

    Such a wonderful idea!! Thanks, Yvonne!

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  5. UnknownAugust 27, 2013 at 9:05 AM

    What a wonderful idea! I could see this being incorporated into all types of themes and holiday settings! Thank you for sharing and the printables!~~Angela

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  6. LisaAugust 27, 2013 at 9:26 AM

    Such a fun idea. We have a birthday party coming up soon. I may try to incorporate this! :-)

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  7. Southern LadyAugust 27, 2013 at 9:33 AM

    Cute idea!

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  8. thepaintedapron.comAugust 27, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    Very fun! We need the reverse around here, conversation stoppers, everybody is always talking at once!
    Jenna

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  9. Michele M./ Finch RestAugust 27, 2013 at 9:52 AM

    So clever, I just love this idea.

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  10. Jana@Transformations From the HeartAugust 27, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    Oh, these look like such fun! What a grand idea!! Love them :)

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  11. UnknownAugust 27, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    These are the cutest thing ever. I had to giggle a bit...at first I thought it said "Who is your favorite child?" I clearly need more coffee. Have a beautiful day!

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  12. www.mysoulfulhome.comAugust 27, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    Fantastic!
    A great hostess is a rare and wonderful thing! Barb & YOU are for sure!

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  13. YVonne from MichiganAugust 27, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    I'm going to start doing this! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  14. GinaAugust 27, 2013 at 10:37 AM

    I love this idea! What fun!

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  15. CarolynAugust 27, 2013 at 10:40 AM

    I have an idea, Yvonne, why don't you make them and I will buy them?!

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  16. CarolynAugust 27, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    I have an idea, Yvonne, why don't you make them and I will buy them?!

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  17. Terry @ La Bella VieAugust 27, 2013 at 10:46 AM

    Yvonne, these are beyond wonderful and I'm thinking of doing these for Thanksgiving!

    I'm confused though about how to go about doing the "reverse" images for different conversation questions. I use Pic Monkey for texts' and editing but don't know how to do it in reverse on Pic Monkey, any helpful hints?
    Again Yvonne I just love your blog and when I see Stone Gables email in my in-box, its the first thing I open!
    Sending you a big cyber-space hug for all you do!
    Most sincerely,
    Terry

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    Replies
    1. Yvonne @ StoneGableAugust 27, 2013 at 11:36 AM

      Here's a great and easy tutorial using Microsoft Word. Hope this helps Terry!

      Delete
  18. UnknownAugust 27, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    Fab idea Yvonne. Luv it!

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  19. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeAugust 27, 2013 at 11:10 AM

    GREAT idea and pretty too! Hope your week is wonderful Yvonne!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  20. Pinky at Designs by PinkyAugust 27, 2013 at 11:19 AM

    I remember telling our stories at your dinner table, it iS alot of fun and gets everyone talking. LOVE these napkins. Thanks!!!!

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  21. KathysueAugust 27, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    Clever, clever lady, I love these sooooo much!!
    Kathysue

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  22. KarenaAugust 27, 2013 at 1:26 PM

    Yvonne these are about the coolest thing I have seen in a long time!
    Great conversation starters!

    xoxo
    Karena
    2013 Authors Series
    "Love Where You Live"

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  23. AnonymousAugust 27, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    Great idea! Did you notice on one of your napkins you have the word "with" twice? It's the one about trading places. That could be a whole other conversation starter! They're really beautiful and so elegant looking too. Thanks for the idea!

    Lisa

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  24. Daniela @Frugal Aint CheapAugust 27, 2013 at 3:35 PM

    that is a neat idea...I don't have the problem to get people talking...my problem is that I can't get the conversation to stop. lol

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  25. DawnAugust 27, 2013 at 3:55 PM

    What a brilliant idea and a printable too. Great post Yvonne.

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  26. BabsAugust 27, 2013 at 4:53 PM

    What a great idea to print them on napkins! I just printed some little cards for children,school age and under, to use when the Grands are here. I love your idea of printing the napkins, and thanks for the images.

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  27. AnonymousAugust 27, 2013 at 5:30 PM

    What a fantastic idea! Will be making some for Thanksgiving with a grateful theme. FYI....there is a double "with" on one of your images...

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  28. Doreen@foxdenrdAugust 27, 2013 at 6:35 PM

    Now you got me thinking these would be nice for my daughter's wedding, but maybe too much work! I think I will stick to small dinner parties.

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  29. Jennifer@ClassicStyleHomeAugust 27, 2013 at 8:04 PM

    Great idea! I've always been tempted to buy the ZGallerie cocktail napkins with racy sayings on them, but my kids can read now. Not a good idea! These are more appropriate, lol.

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  30. DeborahAugust 27, 2013 at 8:59 PM

    What a great idea. If you don't mind my asking, where do you purchase your plain white cloth napkins. I've been looking for some to monogram but I haven't been able to find any without a shiney texture. I'm looking for white ones like those you printed your conversation starters on. Love them.

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    Replies
    1. Yvonne @ StoneGableAugust 27, 2013 at 9:32 PM

      Deborah, I think I got these on sale at the Pottery Barn Outlet near my home.

      Delete
  31. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLRAugust 27, 2013 at 9:33 PM

    What a great idea, Yvonne! Love this idea!

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  32. AnonymousAugust 28, 2013 at 7:49 AM

    Yvonne, what a great idea! I love it! Thanks for providing the patterns too! These are precious!

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  33. TinaAugust 28, 2013 at 8:07 AM

    Yvonne, this is a great idea! My daughters best friend is getting married in October; I was having trouble thinking of something to give them and here it is the perfect wedding gift. Thank you for the wonderful idea.

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  34. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid SassAugust 28, 2013 at 9:26 AM

    Yvonne-
    You always have the greatest ideas! I love this.
    Thank you!
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  35. Steph | The Event CrashersAugust 28, 2013 at 9:54 AM

    This is SUCH an awesome idea! I'm not awesome at DIY projects... but I definitely think I could handle this!

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  36. Donna HuisingaAugust 28, 2013 at 11:08 AM

    What a great idea and thanks for sharing the patterns too.

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  37. Nancy CarrollAugust 28, 2013 at 11:27 AM

    Oh what a fab idea!!! I love tablescaping and must try this! Thanks for sharing! I'm pinning to Pinterest right now!!!

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  38. CynthiaAugust 28, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    Well Yvonne, how fun is this?? What a great idea and we have get togethers often. I am going to use this and make them a tad bit Frenchy looking. Thanks so much for the cleverness here.

    Cynthia

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  39. PatAugust 28, 2013 at 12:56 PM

    Yvonne,
    Lovehtis clever idea for getting your dinner or luncheon group
    started with great conversation and I'm sure much laughter!!!
    Thanks for sharing!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  40. lanabirdAugust 28, 2013 at 1:32 PM

    I am not even a DIY person, but I am going to do this. Love the idea. Thank you.

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  41. Leslie HarrisAugust 28, 2013 at 1:34 PM

    I love this idea Yvonne! Thanks for the great tutorial...

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  42. UnknownAugust 28, 2013 at 5:09 PM

    What a great idea! I love how the questions are easy to answer but fun. I can see everyone relaxing at this table and just enjoying themselves. Oh and the laughter.

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  43. PinkGrannySeptember 17, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    I love the idea and can't wait to make them. What a great idea Yvonne. Thanks once again for sharing a terrific project.

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  44. UnknownSeptember 27, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    I've done this with cocktail napkins and had so much fun watching my guests exchange napkins with other. Everyone eager to answer to answer the next person's question! Also, for years my family has used Chat Pack conversation cards at the dinner table. Love that you created dinner napkins! Fab hostess gift!

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  45. GrandmomApril 7, 2014 at 1:16 PM

    What a great idea & execution. Since I am in no way a DIY'er , could you help with a bit more information? How do I create the image using Microsoft Word with it's having the background image (fleur de lis), the border, and the saying? To any DIY'ers that might be reading this, just shake your head slightly and say "Bless Her Heart."

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  46. Just Being Nan!June 25, 2014 at 10:18 PM

    I love this ides. I did something similar for our thanksgiving table. In the very center of the paper place mat I made a fancy Thanksgiving themed circle and in the circle I typed a Thanksgiving joke...

    Q: What kind of music did the Pilgrims like?
    A: Plymouth Rock

    Q: If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
    A: Pilgrims

    Q: Why can't you take a turkey to church?
    A: They use FOWL language.

    And, on the back of the paper placemat I printed the answer. Everyone loved it.

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