Ideas add pizazz to party decor

Dear Readers: Here are some fun and unusual decorating ideas for your next party or backyard barbecue -- just in time for the upcoming Labor Day (Sept. 4) weekend. Try some of these other uses for ordinary items:
Use an old punch bowl to hold a large salad.
Use a wooden bread basket for holding silverware and napkins on the buffet table.
Use an ice bucket to keep cut-up veggies cool and crisp. It also makes a great serving container at a picnic.
Buy a terra-cotta planter for keeping a selection of wines chilled. Just put a cork in the drain hole. If you want to use the planter permanently for this reason, use an aquarium sealant around the cork to ensure a permanent seal.
Use backyard greenery for a wonderful centerpiece. Wild or garden flowers, berries and ivy can be used with fruit or peppers for an eye-catching arrangement.
Cut small holes out of the tops of different-colored bell peppers, apples, etc., and use them as colorful candleholders.
A really fun idea for place cards is to use an instant or digital camera to take a photo of each guest as he or she arrives, then place the photo as a place card.
Make a name or photo cardholder by using apples and wire. Cut wire to desired height, wrap one end around a pencil two or three times, then remove the pencil. Stick the straight end into the top of the apple and carefully separate the looped end just enough to slide in a place card or photo.
Fast facts
Other uses for large paper clips:
Great replacement for zipper pull on purse, jacket, sleeping bag, etc.
Mark your place in a book -- slip it onto the side of a page at the paragraph where you will pick up from.
One or two hooked together can give you some extra length to a costume jewelry necklace -- and it can be hidden under hair or collar.
Make a "go fish" game for kids. Cut fish shapes out of construction paper and glue a large paper clip to the back of each. Make a fishing pole using a magnet as a hook, and have kids see how many fish they can catch.
Dear Heloise: Need a label to remember what you put in a container, but can't find one? Try cutting the flap off the back of an envelope, then cut along the sticky edge, and bingo, instant label. This worked for me, and I thought it might come in handy for your readers. K.D. Bond, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: Many coupons expire on the last day of the month, but if all manufacturers would universally just use month and year for expiration, it would be so nice to pick up a stack of coupons that said "Expires June 2008" and not have to look at a calendar to see which ones are still good. This system works well for license and inspection tags on cars -- why not coupons? Melissa S., via e-mail
Send a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate