What should I do with leftover paper napkins and paper plates that I use during

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   Sparkleaposted 10 years ago

   What should I do with leftover paper napkins and paper plates that I use during the holidays?
   
   Each Thanksgiving and Christmas I use decorative paper plates, dinner napkins and small napkins.  I have many stored in a bin that have never been used (from years passed!)  Should I re-use them, throw them away (& buy new ones) or give to a charity like Volunteers of America?  I am overwhelmed with so many. Any suggestions?

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   Faith Reaperposted 10 years ago

   Hi Dear Sparklea, I would certainly not buy any new ones but re-use the ones you have already.  Plus, if you have that many, you can also give them to charity as you have indicated or, especially, to a homeless shelter or ministry that prepares Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to whose who are less fortunate.  I am sure they would love your lovely paper plates, dinner napkins and small napkins and create a more festive atmosphere to brighten the season for those who are being served. So, being you are overwhelmed with so many, you can actually do both, but please do not throw them away!  Never throw anything away that can be re-used or appreciated by those less fortunate.  At least that is how I feel about not throwing away anything that can be re-used unless it is, of course, not appropriate to be re-used.
   
   God bless you.  Merry Christmas, sweet friend.

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      Sparkleaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you dear Faith...I could not stand throwing them away!  I have reserved some small paper plates/napkins for this Christmas.  God bless    I so appreciate your taking time to answer this!
      Sparklea

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      Faith Reaperposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, meant to mention that I received your lovely Christmas card yesterday.  So beautiful, like you!  Hugs and many blessings to you and yours

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   ChristinSposted 10 years ago

   definitely use them or recycle don't just throw them away.  You can give them to charities that feed people and I'm sure they'd be glad to have them, or just use them yourself, anything but throwing away perfectly usable items I'd say.

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      Sparkleaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you ChristinS: I just told Faith Reaper I do not have a peace about throwing them away.  I have decided to keep some for this Christmas and give the rest to charity.  There is a place around the corner.  SO appreciate you taking time to respond

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   lisavollrathposted 10 years ago

   If you enjoy having new plates and napkins each year, donate whatever is leftover this year to charity. If you don't mind having the same designs every year, or don't mind mixing and matching, keep them, and pack them away with your holiday decorations.

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      Sparkleaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      lisavollrath: All answers seem to line up and I so appreciate your advice!  They are in good condition and I WILL re-use them.  There is an unopened package I will use this year.  Blessings, Sparklea

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   Jackie Lynnleyposted 10 years ago

   Well I have read everyone elses answers so a different idea if you are into that is to use or save to use them for Christmas crafts. Maybe give to a child in your family or that you know to do something with. The napkins could be folded to (glue) lace around back to back plates with a hole and garland string to hang them for decoration; maybe at school or a party? I am one to not waste anything either believe me and I guess that is how ideas are born!
   Someone told me about taking a load of new and almost new clothes to the trash dump once and that has hurt me ever since! I bet Salvation Army was no farther away! I cannot understand anyone who would do such a thing with so much need in this world. I am sure paper plates come far down the list compared to that but to think of the joy it may bring to someone makes them seem of far more value, doesn't it? Just an added idea.
   God bless and Merry Christmas!

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      Sparkleaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Jackie, thank you for your great suggestion!  I have recycled Christmas cards and made post cards out of them, never thought to be crafty with these!  I so appreciate your taking time to comment...and I WILL try to get my creative juices flowing! 

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   DDEposted 10 years ago

   You can still use the decorative paper plates for kids  Giving to charity is also a great idea.

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      Sparkleaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you DDE!  Kids are SO creative, and I appreciate your comment.  Blessings, Sparklea

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   Cerulean Crayonposted 10 years ago

   I put them away with the Christmas cards I received that year. I tape the envelope the card came in to the card (on the back, with address facing outward....I can see the postmark date).
   
   I have the option the next year of putting out a selection of plates and napkins. But I also have the option of using them in a Christmas card scrapbook.

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      Sparkleaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      THANK YOU Cerulean Crayon!  This is a great answer.  I SO appreciate your feedback.  Blessings Sparklea  I love the idea of taping the envelope the card came in to the card...never thought of that!

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      Cerulean Crayonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      So glad you like it

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