Brown Paper Bags & Party Styling Tips

While planning my Red, White and Pie party I wanted to display fresh fruit and needed a creative and inexpensive way to do it. I decided to use brown paper bags to keep with the simple and nostalgic vibe I was using throughout the party.

First, cut the paper bag to 5 1/2 inches

I used one of my favorite punches from Martha and created a detailed edge around the top.

Next, I tore strips of scrapbook paper and using double stick tape wrapped it around the sides.

I tied red and white twine around the bag as the finishing touch.

Fill the bag with fresh fruit and you have a simple, easy and pretty brown paper bag serving dish.

Now the fun part and a little style secret. My husband walked in and saw the bags full of fruit and turned to me with a shocked expression and asked how much money I spent to fill them?!? Silly guy, he thought the entire bag was full!

The bag was “full” of cherries, but I only bought half a pound and cheated the full look. To fill the entire bag with cherries it would have taken at least 2 1/2 pounds at a whopping $15-20 (ouch!) So, today I’m going to share a little style secret with you to help you get the most bang for your buck and still make it look great!

I wanted the bags to be sturdy and stable so I placed a small scrap of wood in the bottom.

Next I used paper towels to fill in and build up a base.

I didn’t want any white showing so I tore off some brown craft paper (I buy rolls of it at the dollar store, it’s great to have on hand) and placed it on top of the paper towels. The craft paper is also sturdier and provides a nice solid base for the cherries to sit on.

And finally, I put the cherries in the bag.

There you have it a nice full bag of cherries without the hefty price tag. Now go grab some brown paper bags and dress them up for your 4th of July celebrations!