Entertaining: Chalkboards

How many times have you been asked "What's for dinner?" or "what wine is this?" when you have friends over? There are times when you want to be able to let your guests know what's on the menu, but don't want to have to tell each of them individually. And you certainly don't want to have the formality of printed menus. A cost effective, fun, and unique way to do this is by using Chalkboards.

When and why would you want to use a chalkboard?

• If you're having a large gathering, such as a dinner party.
• It's great to use at a Potluck Dinner - guests can write on the board what they brought, so that the chalkboard becomes a collective effort - it's also a great ice-breaker.
• Use it to tell the wine people are drinking with what course.
• Guests can write what wine they brought.
• Leave it blank so guests can leave a comment.
• Have individual miniature chalkboards on easels at each table for presenting the menu at a wedding or large formal dinner - this adds a rustic charm.

Where can you get a chalkboard?

• Office supply stores.
• Home decor stores such as Pottery Barn.
• Make your own using chalkboard paint* and a prefabricated frame from a craft store.
• For a more permanent chalkboard, think about painting a wall or part of a wall with chalkboard paint*.

The whole idea of having a chalkboard is to provide your guests with information or to have it easily accessible so they can write on it - so hang or lean it in a location where guests will be able to see it such as the kitchen or the dining area. If the party is outside, hang or lean it near where the food is going to be served.

If you're only presenting information such as a menu and/or the wine, hang or lean it against a wall tucked out of the way but in an easy viewing area. If you want your guests to add their own items or to comment, place the board in an easily accessible location where it can't be knocked over and also provides a stable writing surface for guests.

* Chalkboard paint can be purchased from craft stores, home improvement stores and internet stores.