How to Make Holiday Place Setting Name Cards

Joe CruzJoe CruzUpdated: Nov. 04, 2021

These designs for one- and two-sided name place cards ensure your guests know exactly where to sit.

Next Project
Time

A full day

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

Here are two designs for a fun and easy project using a scrap 2x4 and chalkboard paint. Learn to make one-sided name place cards so your guests know where to sit, and two-sided name place cards so your guests know where to sit and you don't forget their names!

Tools Required

  • Hearing and eye protection
  • Miter saw
  • Tape measure

Materials Required

  • 150-grit sandpaper
  • 2x4
  • Chalk
  • Chalkboard paint

Project step-by-step (6)

Step 1

Cutting One-Sided Place Cards

  • Cut about one foot off a 2×4 to make it manageable to work with.
  • Set your miter saw at 30-degrees to the right.
  • Place the 2×4 on edge against the fence and trim off the end of the 2×4 at 30-degrees.
  • Make a pencil mark 1/4-in. from the short point of the 30-degree angle.
  • Set your miter saw at 90-degrees and cut on your line.
  • Repeat until you have enough place cards for all your guests.

Step 2

Cutting Two-Sided Place Cards

  • Set your miter saw at 30-degrees to the right.
  • Place the 2×4 on edge against the fence and trim off the end of the 2×4 at 30-degrees, as in Step One.
  • Make a pencil mark two inches from the long point of the 30-degree angle.
  • Next, flip the 2×4 over on the other edge, place it against the fence, and cut the second 30-degree angle on your line.
  • Repeat until you have enough place cards for all your guests.

Step 3

Sanding

  • Use a sanding block with 150-grit sandpaper to soften all the sharp edges, removing any saw marks.
  • Work your way down to 220-grit sandpaper.

Step 4

Prime & Paint

  • Prime each piece with spray or brush-on primer, then let it dry thoroughly.
  • Spray or brush chalkboard paint on the large flat surfaces where you will be writing names. Two to three coats are recommended. The drying time is 24 hours.

Step 5

Accent Color

  • You can accent the sides and top of your place card with a different color if you desire.
  • Use blue painter’s tape to cover writing surfaces you have already painted.
  • Spray or brush on the desired accent color and let it dry thoroughly before removing the tape.
Step 6

Prepping the Chalkboard Surface

  • Before writing on the place card for the first time, rub the side of chalk over the entire chalkboard surface.
  • Erase, and the chalkboard is ready to use.

Originally Published: November 23, 2020