Now that the weather has gotten warmer, we are eating meals outdoors. While dining alfresco can be wonderful, it has it’s own challenges as well. If the wind blows or the pollen is falling, napkins can be sent all over the place. Who has time to wrap up utensils in napkins for entertaining?

Well, I don’t always want to do this so we decided to up-cycle one a plastic food containers and convert it to a napkin holder. It is simple yet a practical way to keep your napkins on the table instead of flying across your deck or lawn.

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5 Clever Ways to Reuse Plastic Food Containers for Entertaining

Before you toss that plastic container into the recycling bin, consider giving it new life at your next gathering! Here are five simple but smart ways to reuse them when entertaining:

1. DIY Snack Stations: Fill clean containers with different snack options—popcorn, trail mix, candy—and let guests build their own snack mix. Great for movie nights or casual get-togethers.

2. Condiment Caddies: Use smaller containers to serve condiments, dips, or toppings at a BBQ or taco night. No need to clutter the table with store-bought bottles!

3. Portable Drink Garnish Kits: Hosting outdoors? Pack lemons, limes, mint, or sugar cubes in containers and take your cocktail garnishes on the go.

4. Mini Flower Vases or Utensil Holders: Wrap them in twine or washi tape and use them as rustic table décor—perfect for holding fresh flowers, forks, or napkins.

5. Leftovers-to-Go: Offer guests a take-home treat or leftovers in clean plastic containers. It’s thoughtful and a great way to cut down on food waste.

HERE ARE SOME OF MY OLDER POSTS OF REUSING PLSTIC CONTAINERS

The when you get a plastic food container that are sturdy do not just throw it away. I reuse containers for all sort of things like starting seeds, making terrariums and making vases.   

 

I started setting the deck for dinner and when I went back inside to grab a few more things, the napkins were flying everywhere. 

I immediately grabbed a salad container that was drying in my dish rack, and hoped my napkins would fit inside. 

I was so thrilled that my everyday napkins, and all my cocktail napkins would easily fit in this container. 

The lid will keep the napkins from flying all over the place and keep other outdoor elements like pollen or bird poop from dirtying up your napkins before you are ready to entertain outdoors. 

We added a fun label just incase people had no idea what was in there… I mean some people might just avoid opening it. 

Outdoor Entertaining Hacks

1. Use plastic cups to serve your utensils at the buffet line
2. Plastic plates hold up better than paper 
3. Use a napkin holder to avoid flying napkin
4. Put cupcake liners over drinks and then put a straw thru it. 
5. Throw a Firefly Bug Party 

Keep Bugs Away with Citrus + Herbs

1. Stick cloves into halved lemons and place them around the table or seating area. You can also burn citronella candles or make bundles of rosemary, sage, and lavender to toss on the grill or fire pit to repel insects naturally.
2. Set out citronella candles to keep away bugs

Use Frozen Water Balloons Instead of Ice

Freeze water balloons and toss them into coolers or tubs to chill drinks. They won’t melt into a mess like regular ice, and once they thaw, they double as fun water toys for kids (or adults!).

 

What other Outdoor entertaining hacks can you share with us?