Favorite Things Party Printables: Labels, Invitation and Banner Letters

A Favorite Things party is easiest to pull together with three printed pieces: fancy labels for the food and drinks, a fill-in-the-blank invitation, and a banner built from individual letters. Together they add color and personal touches to the table and walls without much cost.

Here is how to design each piece yourself, in any design app or by hand, and how to print and show them off.

What goes on the fancy labels?

Fancy labels work best as a blank frame, so you can reuse the same shape for every dish. Choose an ornate border, such as a scalloped edge, a flourish or a double line. Leave the center empty so you can write or type a different name each time.

• Pick two or three colors and repeat them on every label so the table looks planned.
• Use a simple, readable font for the name of the item. Save the decorative script for a small heading.
• Make a few extra blank labels for last-minute dishes and for guests who bring something.

Labels can sit in front of platters, wrap around cups, or fold into small tent cards. For tents, make the label twice as tall as you want it to stand, then fold it in half.

How do you write the invitation?

Keep the invitation generic, with blanks to fill in, so one design suits any host. A short card is plenty. Include these lines:

• A headline, such as “You’re invited to a Favorite Things Party.”
• Blanks for the host, date, time and address.
• A line asking guests to reply by a set date.
• A line telling guests what to bring, if the party works that way.

Print two or four cards per sheet of letter paper, then trim them. Fill in the blanks by hand with a fine-tip pen for a personal look. Match the border and colors to your labels so the whole party looks like a set.

How do you make a banner with any words?

A banner that only says “Favorite Things” limits you. Make every letter of the alphabet instead, and you can spell a guest’s name, a greeting or a different party theme later.

1. Design one letter per page, large and centered, in a bold font. Use a pennant, a flag or a plain rectangle as the backdrop.
2. Repeat the layout for A through Z. Alternate your colors from letter to letter for a cheerful pattern.
3. Print on cardstock, which hangs flatter than regular paper.
4. Trim each piece. Punch two holes near the top corners of each one.
5. Thread ribbon or twine through the holes, in order, leaving a small gap between letters. Leave a wider gap between words.

Count your letters before you print. Most words need repeats of certain letters, so print extra copies of vowels and common consonants.

How should you print and display everything?

Cardstock gives the banner and tent labels more stand-up strength. Plain paper is fine for invitations if you glue them to a folded card. Do a test print of one page first to check color and trimming. A paper trimmer gives straighter edges than scissors.

Hang the banner across a wall, a mantel or the front of the food table. Set the labels out right before guests arrive, since they can curl in humid rooms or near warm dishes. Keep any leftover letters in an envelope for the next celebration.

Can you use the designs for other parties?

Yes. Swap the colors and the wording, and the same label frame, invitation layout and banner letters suit a shower, a birthday or a holiday gathering. If you share your designs with friends, keep them for personal use rather than selling them.