TABLEWARE Summertime -- and the setting is easy

Paper and plastic can combine to carry simple, elegant warm-weather meals.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Paper and plastic can set a summer table in style.
Throwaway paper and recyclable plastic combine as a hassle-free summer alternative to heavy china, dishwashers and children complaining about whose turn it is to wash. Sometimes guests may need to look closely to tell the difference between the paper on your table and "real" china.
Paper options go far beyond company picnic white or birthday party cute. Even solid paper plates come in more colors than the rainbow. Primary colors of deep blues and reds are joined by Fiesta-ware inspired shades of orange, lemon yellow and lime green and the pale shades of Carolina blue and lavender. Napkins, cups, bowls, forks, knives, spoons, tablecloths and placemats are made to match or complement the plates.
And then there are the patterns on paper tableware. Want to match your summer table with that new animal print sarong you're wearing? Amscan's "Animal Print" line has octagon-shaped dinner and dessert plates in a brown, cream and black animal print. Cups, napkins and a toss-away tablecloth are made in the same design.
Some patterned paper plates are as pretty as everyday china. Hallmark's Party Express "Tulips" line shows brightly-colored, realistic-looking tulips on the 101/2-inch dinner plate's white background. Complementing the dinner plate are dessert plates with a single pink tulip and napkins with a solitary red tulip.
Authentic patterns
Paper products also can be throwaway versions of real china in classic patterns and designs. C. R. Gibson's Creative Papers' "Blue Italic" pattern on paper plates and napkins resembles a pattern of antique Spode china. Ideal Home Range also makes paper products patterns inspired by the classics. Plates and napkins in an animal toile pattern are based on items in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, while the flower-decorated "Magnolia Grandiflora" pattern was inspired by items in London's Victoria and Albert Museum.
The cost for dining on paper ranges greatly. The final price tag depends on how many different paper items -- from plates to napkins to bowls to cups to placemats -- are required.
Paper dinner plates, in sizes from 9 to 101/2 inches, range between $2 and $5.85 for eight. Eight 7-inch luncheon plates can range from $2 to $3.60. Paper napkins sold in packs of 16 or 20 add another $1.39 to $6.40 to the table cost. Disposable tablecloths cost any where from 79 cents to $3, depending on the style and size.
Add plastic silverware in a matching color for about $1.50 for eight settings. Plastic reusable stemware costs $1 to $2 a glass.
Add up the cost to set a table for four and you've spent, minus tax, from $11.77 to $28.35 on your summer table.
If you are setting a table for four, you'll be able to set the table for two meals because the items are sold in packs of eight or more. And the plastic stemware can last at least all summer long.