Monday, June 4, 2012

Porch Party: DIY Oilcloth Buffet/Bar


On Friday I needed an extra table to serve as a bar for my Junie porch party. I have a lot of pretty tables but none of them were the right size and shape. So I pulled out one of our small show tables, you know those folding 2' x 4' tables that most of us have on hand.

I got this idea last week when a customer ask if I could make a tablecloth to cover one of these tables, that she uses one as an outdoor buffet. She wanted the tablecloth to hang to the ground so you couldn't see the legs. The cost for a tablecloth of this size would be very high so I suggested that she do this instead...

Folding Table Bar Tutorial  
 Time: 5-10 minutes
Oilcloth: 4 yards 
Cost $32.00 

Supplies needed: 2'x 4' folding table, scissors, staple gun.

I grabbed up some not-so-gently used green gingham oilcloth that I had laying around in the storage room, it was perfect for my quick and dirty project. As you can I see, I didn't even use proper scissors! Did I mention that I made this 30 minutes before the guests arrived?
 I used 3 panels of oilcloth that measured 22" by 47". I started on the sides and stapled them so they just touched the floor. I made little pleats to make the corners nice and pretty.
 Two ends complete. I left the back open since no one would see it.
I took the last panel and stapled it across the front of the table.
What I like about this is that you can lift up the front panel and stash extra bottles under the table. It's great to have extra's close by but out of sight.
I used a Scalloped Splat Mat from the stock to use a table topper. I picked the yellow hibiscus to match the settee that's also on the porch.
It' worked out nicely!! I'll be able to take out the staples, roll up the fabric and have it for my next porch party or craft show! Easy-peasy!!

Happy Summer,
Kelly

11 comments:

Unknown said...

LOVE YOUR BOOK! I'm so happy I got a copy. I now need to stock up on the oilcloth and get working! My favorite would have to be the light blue polka dots, oh and the Calico by Riley Blake. It would be great to win some! Thanks so much!

Unknown said...

LOVE YOUR BOOK! I'm so glad that I picked up a copy and I can't wait to get working on the project. I just need to save up and buy the oilcloth! So my favorites would have to be the light blue polka dots and the Calico by Riley Blake. Thanks so much!

Jennifer Gregory Miller said...

This is so clever and simple! I love it!

Margaret said...

I think the the Silver Lace oilcloth would be a fun one to use for a "bar skirt."

Unknown said...

Great idea, I can see using this for a lot of different occasions by keeping the skirt fabric simple and then changing out the topper depending on the party.

Tanya said...

The pink strawberry oilcloth, so girly and cute!
crystalball137[at[hotmail[dot]com

VickiT said...

What a fabulous idea. Thank you for showing that. I have 2-3 tables just like that already. I really love the checks with the yellow fabric. I would never have put those together myself as I'm a big sissy that still can't get over the way I was taught years ago to never mix prints but I keep seeing such cute mixes like this and have been really pushing myself to ignore what I was taught because this looks awesome.

Unknown said...

Oilcloth make me happy. I have a few yards hidden under my bed, just for emergencies. I feel an emergency coming on.

heatherowe said...

I love the vintage look of the white polka dots on aqua! Thanks for another great giveaway!!

heatherowe @ aol.com

Louise Ambrosi said...

I love the hibiscus range in your store and also strawberries. Thanks for such inspiring ideas with oilcloth. Great blog!

Kelly McCants said...

Louise you are our lucky winner!! Give send me an email and we'll chat about your winnings!! Kelly@modernjune.com