Upscale Disposable Tableware, A Blog

Fall Harvest Tablescape🍂

                An outdoor fall harvest tablescape is a charming way to really appreciate the beauty and bounty of fall.  This is a lovely time of the year as the leaves turn into different earthy tones and many people look forward to the seasonal harvest.  I never really appreciated the leaves turning colors until someone from Florida told me their friends asked them to bring leaves back from up north!  This was a reminder for me to be more thankful for the blessings I take for granted.  It’s so important to appreciate our blessings that we have a holiday like Thanksgiving to help remind us!  Entertaining is easier when there is disposable fine partyware from Fineline Settings to help me set an inviting table for a fall gathering. 

I started by choosing the perfect place to set the tone for this fall party.  I picked a place in the countryside where the guests will be surrounded by marigold and terracotta colored leaves.  I also incorporated these familiar colors along with some pink for a play on color in the decor. 

I chose a champagne tablecloth to compliment the centerpieces and tableware.  For the centerpieces I used yellow, orange, white and pink flowers to keep with the color palette.  Dried grass always makes me think of fall so I added a few pieces for some texture.

Then, I placed the 10.5” Flairware dinner plate directly on the tablecloth and layered on the 7.5” Flairware salad plate.  I also used the 6” Flairware dessert plate to the left side for some bread.  For the utensils, I chose the 3 piece pocket napkin set in gold which comes assembled already.  I love how elegant they look and that I can simply place them on top of the salad plate. 

For the beverages, I used the stemless mini goblets in clear which is great for serving water.  Since it’s fall, Moscow mules are perfect for serving spiced apple cider.  The cups are not only functional but the copper look and style of them really make this a fall table.  I also chose kraft paper straws for their earthy color and love that they are biodegradable.

I finished the table by adding a few small cream colored pumpkins to bring the harvest into the table.  This simple tablescape is so easy and effortless to put together.  All that is left is for family and friends to gather around, enjoy the harvest and give thanks. 

Fall is an enchanting time of year as the leaves transition into different colors and a time when we celebrate our blessings.  Hosting a party this season can be stress-free when you use elegant partyware from Fineline Settings.  Set up and clean up is a breeze with this simple solution so you can get back to giving thanks and enjoying company.  Honestly, the longest part of setting this table was putting those floral arrangements together. 

Right now, there are probably lots of brides, mother of the brides, and wedding planners who are all excitedly scrolling online for wedding inspo.  I just adore weddings as they are a celebration of love, happiness, beauty and the beginning of a couple’s adventure in life together!  I’m a self-proclaimed romantic and I’m absolutely inspired by weddings.

Wedding trends for 2019 include lots of greenery and blush tones.  There are several reasons why bringing the outdoors inside is popular.  First of all, a couple won’t have to worry about a backup plan if it rains on their wedding day.  Having lots of lush greenery around is reminiscent of a garden and sets the tone for a romantic evening.  It also is a great way to cut down cost but still have beautiful décor.  These days, weddings can cost an average of $30,000!

In addition to adding more greenery to a wedding, varying blush tones are popular and a classic wedding color.  This color is pretty and adds a sweet softness to the overall wedding vibe which may be why it’s timeless.  I love this color and used varying shades of it in my own wedding.  

With these two trends in mind, I used disposable partyware from Fineline Settings to create a romantic blush and greenery wedding tablescape.  Their disposable plates, cutlery, and stemware make it convenient to set up and clean up after the party is over.  The products are elegant and beautiful enough that I used them at my own wedding with close to 500 guests! 

For the tablescape, I used a neutral toned tablecloth to naturally go along with the greenery.  I laid a light blush chiffon runner on top, making sure it gathers in random areas along the table.  Then I placed some seeded eucalyptus branches on top of each other along the center of the table to create a faux garland.  Seeded eucalyptus is a very popular greenery in 2019 because of its beauty and elegance.  To finish off the centerpiece, I added a few white candles in glass votives.

I started each place setting with a disposable blush charger.  Then I layered on the 10” and 7” Round Foil Trim Plates Combo in bone/gold.  I gathered a fancy white napkin over a gold fork, knive and spoon from the Heavyweight Cutlery Combo and tied it with raffia.  I like that the cutlery matches the gold around the trim of the plate and the raffia continues the natural theme.  For the drinkware, I chose the 8 oz 1 Piece Wine Goblet and the 6 oz 2 Piece Wine Goblet in clear since they go nicely together.  That’s all there is to setting a simple and pretty wedding tablescape!

Getting married is one of the most important moments in a person’s life and it should be treate with special attention.  Everything from the dress and suit to the wedding tabletops should be extraordinary!  This blush and greenery wedding tablescape sets an elegant and romantic tone for an unforgettable reception filled with joy, laughter, and love in celebrating a significant milestone in two people’s lives.   

With warmer weather ahead of us, there are promises of sunny days for outdoor activities like this Americana picnic!  It’s always fun to spend time enjoying nature with family and friends and to bring along a packed picnic.  I chose a historic old mill for the perfect backdrop to enjoy one of America’s favorite outdoor pastimes.  To make this even more fun, I used several partyware products from Fineline Settings to add nostalgia and ease into the picnic.     

There is nothing more symbolic of America than the bold red, white, and blue colors of the American flag.  These colors carry so much history, pride and unity.  I wanted to use these colors in varying shades for a familiar but modern look.  I chose a light blue picnic blanket for a bright and breezy vibe.  To keep with tradition, I added a wooden crate, a lantern and a wicker picnic basket.  A wicker picnic basket is another classic item that every exciting and nostalgic picnic needs.  I tossed in a few throw pillows to make it more comfy and inviting.  To top it off I added some flowers in shades of red, white, and blue to really make this beautiful and special.     

It’s great to be outdoor, but the most exciting part of a picnic is the food of course!  That’s why I feel it’s important to have wonderful partyware to serve the food.  I used a 35 oz carafe to bottle up a delicious raspberry lemonade.  Lemonade is another picnic staple and I like the coral color from the raspberries.  I love that the carafe has a lid to keep the drink from spilling during travel.  I also used the 16 oz mason jars for serving drinks.  They come with a screw on top lid with a hole for the straw which will help minimize spills and keep bugs out.  To make it more practical and fun, I took the lids off so I could place a classic red and white picnic napkin inside the jars.  Then I put a knife, fork and spoon in each to make it easier to hand out during the picnic.  I used the white disposable cutlery from the Conserveware line since they are biodegradable.  If we happen to accidentally lose a few in the wild, we won’t have to worry about harming the environment. 

I also chose various sizes of plates from the Conserveware line for serving the food.  They are available in several shapes and sizes, but I used the 10x5” rectangular plates, 10” square plates, 8” square plates, and 6” square plates.  The rectangular plates are great for displaying food.  I used one to serve classic ham and cheese sandwiches.  This will make it easier for everyone to grab a sandwich for themselves.  The 6” square plates were perfect for serving various fruits like strawberries and blueberries.  I like how these berries are red and blue to keep with our theme.  The 10” and 8” square plates are great for each person to take a little bit of everything for a delicious meal.  Since these are disposable and biodegradable, cleanup is easy since they can be tossed in the trash and are environmentally friendly.   

                Memorial Day and Independence Day are coming up and are great reasons to gather with your loved ones and have a picnic.  These holidays remind us to appreciate those who have served and is currently serving our country as well as be grateful for our freedom.  Make these significant celebrations more memorable by having a red, white, and blue Americana picnic in the outdoor space of your choice.  You can have even more fun by serving classic American picnic foods with fun drinkware and smart biodegradable plates and cutlery from Fineline Settings!  

Weddings are one of my favorite celebrations since there is so much beauty involved on so many levels.  I’ve been inspired to create a Something Blue Wedding Tablescape using elegant and affordable partyware from Fineline Settings.  According to some wedding experts, mixed shades of blue is a popular color palette for weddings in 2019.  With this in mind, I wanted to style an inviting table filled with gorgeous and romantic elements that would be perfect for this occasion. 

To start off, I used pedestal arrangements for the centerpieces since they are also another popular trend for weddings this year.  I chose glass pedestals to go along with the glass candle holders.  For the flowers, I used blue hydrangeas to stick with the color palette.  I also used different size roses in white and light pink to add some complimentary contrast.  Roses are classic weddings flowers and always make a situation more romantic.  Grass is another popular element in wedding décor in 2019 so I added a few grass sprigs for drama and texture.  I filled in the rest of my arrangement with different greenery and smaller floral pieces to bring it all together. 

Then I added some candles in short votives and tall tapered candles in between the floral arrangements to make it even dreamier.  A candlelit dinner or lunch always makes for an intimate dining experience, right?

For the place setting, I started with a dusty blue charger and then layered on the Caterer Choice 10” and 7” bone plates with gold trim.  I like how it comes in a combo pack which makes it easy to use.  Then I simply placed a knotted blue napkin over the top to keep with our blue color theme.  I added the Golden Secrets gold cutlery that also comes in a combo pack of forks, spoons, and knives to either side of the plates.  For drinks, I used the Flairware 8 oz 1 piece wine goblet and Flairware 5 oz 2 piece champagne flutes which is perfect for water and a toasting beverage. 

That completes the Something Blue Wedding Tablescape with mixed shades of blue and romantic elements that will be sure to invite love into a room.  The partyware from Fineline Settings really helps set the table for a gorgeous and memorable celebration.  You will look back and have no regrets about the beauty of your tablescapes! 

A little while ago we gave you an insider’s glance at how our sample requests are processed. Since it is part of our on-going mission statement not only to provide you with the highest quality products, but also to relate and bond with you as a company that has become a family, we thought we’d take you inside another highly integral aspect of our commitment to excellence… our Print Production.

Here at Fineline, we offer printed options for dozens of products we sell. If a customer is looking to spice up an event or brand themselves, we can print graphics in an array of colors and sizes onto their requested product! Sometimes, we can even print multi-colored logos, or on multiple sides!

We take a great deal of pride in this service, as it gives a personal, hand-crafted touch to a customer’s event! Just as before, let us show you some of the hard-work that goes into a printed order here at Fineline Settings!

As printing requires a special eye for detail, our Print Production Specialist is thoroughly trained in every aspect of the position, especially because a print job’s most important step is not the actual printing, itself. A print job officially begins with ink mixing. The inks that we use are food safe, and we thin them with a, well… thinning compound. We do this to find the ideal viscosity of the ink to assure it prints clearly and accurately on the surface of the product we intend to print on. Every job is different, and some products or logos require an ink consistency like honey, while others may require a thinned viscosity much like coffee creamer. Sorry for the weird analogy… but I guess it’s close to lunch time for me, and I’m hungry after all of this printing!

Once we are satisfied with the consistency, we pour the ink into our inkwell, which is lined with a ceramic ring that helps spread the ink evenly over the logo plate.

This is what we call the printing plate. It is gently but securely screwed to a metal base, and once we are sure there are no imperfections or dirt, we attach the inkwell carefully to the plate. This step is very important, as the metal base is magnetic, and if the plate is not attached to the inkwell with a quick flick of the wrist, it can cause the inkwell to jump and spill ink everywhere! Yes… this has happened to me, and our Print Production Specialist… and nothing ruins a nice pair of shoes… or a shirt… or pants… or your mood- like spilling bright red ink all over everything.

Once we have successfully avoided the above-mentioned mess, we bring the plate and inkwell to the actual print machine, and we slip the metal base onto the track, lock the inkwell into position, and attached the printing pad, and then we’re ready to start!

… Just kidding.

This squishy blue thing is our printing pad. Just like with ink viscosity, each print job requires a specific pad. It is a soft, rubbery material that picks up the ink from the plate and then transfers it to the product.

Now that we have set the machine up, now it’s time to test… and test… until we get the perfect print. From here we adjust the alignment of the machine, assure the air pressure which the machine functions on is regulated, and fiddle and fiddle until we are satisfied and getting a consistently ideal result. Some jobs are easier than others… while some can be… challenging. Regardless, we always get it done, whether it be ten cases… or two hundred cases!

Every item is printed, packed and labelled by loving hands. Yes, sure, it takes time… but patience is a virtue and exceptional quality is kind of our thing.

Perhaps the second most important step of a print day… is after we’re done printing. We set aside at least 30 minutes so that we can adequately clean up and get ready for the next day (as one print job often takes multiple days to complete). Our Print Production Specialist takes special care to clean every inch of the plate, the base, and the inkwell. Each piece must be cleaned thoroughly, as even a drop of dried ink (especially between the logo plate and the metal base) could cause irrevocable damage! We make sure that by the end of the day that all pieces are set safely away, and the machine and air compressor is shut off! All the while, looking forward to the next morning when we get to do it all again, refreshed, invigorated and excited to complete our jobs on schedule!

If you’re not just entertained by this insider sneak-peak, but also interested in how YOU can upgrade your events with a personalized printed item of your very own, then click the link below and one of our amazing printing experts will get in touch with you and help guide you through this process!

Thanks again for taking the time to join us on this little adventure, and we hope it helps you better understand the love and care that goes into every order we receive, from samples, to stock orders, and specially printed products! We hope you have the best day, and a wonderful holiday!

Spring is finally here and with Easter and Mother’s Day coming up in the next few months, I’ve partnered up with Fineline Settings to create an easy tablescape that will work for both occasions!  Their disposable partyware and flatware are not only great quality, but also affordable.  What’s also exciting is that you can request samples so you can make sure their products are right for your gathering.  Now that is piece of mind when you are planning the perfect party!

My tablescape is inspired by the beauty, colors, and warmth of spring.  All shades of pink, coral, and peach are a trendy combination this year.  This palette invites feelings of joy, sunny days, and fun into any work of art whether its related to food, crafts, or party planning. 

I started with a pastel yellow tablecloth to create a soft spring mood.  Then, I added a garden variety of flowers that come in different shades of pink, coral, and peach for the centerpiece.  I removed the larger flower heads from the stems and laid them side by side to create a faux garland in the center of the table.  Then I layered in smaller flowers like roses to create more texture. 

From the Fineline Settings website, I chose the Round Foil Trim Plates Combo in bone/gold. I really like that it comes with a 10” dinner plate and a matching 7” appetizer plate that can be layered on top of each other.  I also chose the clear 10 oz Flairware bowls to place on top of the appetizer plates which will be great for a soup or salad.  For utensils, I used the Heavyweight Cutlery Combo in gold that comes in a convenient bag of forks, knives and spoons.  I love how they look like real utensils but they are disposable.  They also match the gold trim around the plates and gold makes everything look a little fancier!  For the drinkware, I chose the 8 oz 1 Piece Wine Goblet and the 6 oz 2 Piece Wine Goblet in clear since they match beautifully together and also tie in with the 10 oz bowl.  For the finishing touch, I folded a cloth-like napkin into a rose and placed it in the clear bowl to continue the floral design from the centerpiece to the plates. 

This styled tablescape will be sure to bring in the spring sunshine to a lovely Easter brunch or make any mama feel special during Mother’s Day!  It’s simple touches like this that turn moments into memories. Make your celebrations even more memorable by serving it on elegant partyware.  Happy spring!

You trust in earth friendly products – You live a conscious lifestyle – You believe in sustainability - You want to be environmentally responsible - You have made the decision to convert to Fineline’s Conserveware sugar cane fiber packaging – BUT what about the cutlery? Look no further, Fineline Settings is now providing you the ability to offer compostable food packaging, tableware AND now cutlery.  Fineline Settings can offer you an end-to-end environmentally friendly food service packaging solution along with matching CPLA (crystalized PLA) compostable cutlery.

Have you ever found yourself confused by environmentally friendly “words”? What do the words mean exactly or what is the difference between words. For example, biodegradable, compostable, renewable and reusable. Well, Fineline is working all angles to help educate you while also providing a broad selection of disposable items to suit every food packaging need.  It is our goal to provide you the right environmentally sound packaging solution in an operationally superior setting; while providing elegant design and array of material choices to suit your take out needs.

With more and more consumers understanding the benefits of composting, we are following that lead by introducing a functional, elegant, and compostable line of cutlery. Our latest product launch of CPLA compostable cutlery comes front and center in the environmental movement and helps tell the story of our earth friendly Conserveware product line. CPLA compostable cutlery is BPI certified versus the plant based biodegradable options that combine multiple materials leaving questions to their ability to compost in a reasonable amount of time.  

Forks, Knives, and Spoons are one of the final components to insuring your take-out program is in compliance with most municipal composting ordinances. Gone are the days of weak and flimsy compostable cutlery that can’t stand up. Our new disposable, durable, and compostable line of cutlery comes in black or white.  Fineline’s new Conserveware cutlery is also available in labor saving pre-rolled kits, F/K/S kits and bulk. Fineline takes composting program guidelines very seriously.  We proudly and prominently display the compostable notation on the handle of all our Conserveware cutlery.  

Now, in case you are like me and get confused by all the earth friendly terminology; here are some helpful hints about what we provide.

Compostable material is considered the more earth friendly materiel because it eventually turns into nutrient-rich substance for the soil in proper composting facilities.  Products must have BPI certification to be included in this class of products.  Products also must be handled in a compost certified facility.

CPLA products can be recycled or composted in commercial composting sites with 90% complete breakdown in 90 days and CPLA cutlery is BPI certified. 

Recycling is the process of converting waste material into reusable objects. This process helps cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, potential waste of useful material and air/water pollution among many other community friendly advantages.  Using 99% post- consumer recycled content can be found as the basis material for Fineline’s ReForm collection.

Sustainability is the notion of living a socially aware lifestyle. This includes considering our ecosystem and natural resources as equally valuable for future generations to enjoy.

Fineline is committed to insuring you have the most innovative, earth-friendly option packaging options to insure your that your food presentation is a hit!

As always remember Fineline is here to help you Celebrate with Style. Show us how you use compostable Conserveware in your daily lifestyle. Tweet, tag, or link to us at Fineline Settings.

Catering to Catersource New Orleans 2019

Certain times of the year Fineline Settings supports different industry venues to showcase packaging products and disposable table settings. As a manufacturer of all things catering, packaging, tableware, and cutlery, we work to highlight and celebrate YOUR style.

February 24-27, Fineline Settings will be at Catersource New Orleans 2019 kicking off Mardi Gras in style with a look at how we can help bring a little extra energy to your sales. Come to our booth and look for the colorful Quenchers line of products to fit your Mardi Gras themed event. In fact, we have cater trays for those King Cakes and lids to accommodate the baby and beads for easy transportation. OR get really fancy and make “Personal” King Cakes and package in our tiny domes or tiny trays & lids (you know for the teeny tiny baby and the itty bitty beads 😊).

Be on the LOOKOUT – We will be displaying our new sturdy paper straws for any beverage and compostable cutlery in bone, white, and black. ALSO we have new PETE lids for the bagasse products in the Conserveware category of packaging. In true Fineline approach, the straws and cutlery come individually uncovered for container handling or wrapped for sanitation and public access. (BTW the cutlery has a compostable stamp on the product for authenticity.) The lids for the bagasse products come dome or flat. If artistic flare is what you are looking for some lids have a scalloped edges helping set the tone for your creations. Those are just some of the new products we are launching for 2019.

At Fineline we believe our greatest asset is our workforce – so come meet us! We send our national sales team to facilitate, inform, & demo our products while learning and collaborating with chefs from around the world to keep up-to-date on new food trends and styles. We feel this united approach of learning and supplying is the one-stop-shop variety that helps fulfill your packaging vision for today and anticipate your packaging desires for tomorrow. Shows like Catersource New Orleans 2019 give you every opportunity to touch and see first-hand all the great new products available and reacquaint yourself with our most popular products.

Coming soon - Fineline Settings will be helping National Restaurant Association (NRA) Chicago 2019 celebrate 100 years May 18-21, 2019 at McCormick Place downtown Chicago, Il. Come over and network with Fineline Settings national sales team and celebrate in style at our booth.

We would love to see how YOU use Fineline Settings to CELEBRATE with STYLE. Always remember to tag us @finelinesettings

Visit us in New Orleans at Catersource 2019, Booth #437! 

This week we’re going to chat about something a bit different than usual… and we’re super excited about it!
Fineline’s highest priority is to make sure that our customers’ expectations are always exceeded… but that starts w-a-a-a-y before our customer is setting the table at their event. This post is about a very special aspect of our team, and that is our Sample Processing Department! From Kits to custom sample requests, we’re going to walk you through our day-to-day effort that goes into assuring our products make the best first impression possible!

In order to meet these standards, we’ve assembled an excellent, hard-working team who take great pride in everything we produce, and they strive to make sure every item meets our expectations of excellence and distinction.

So, what is the actual process of putting together a sample order, you might wonder? What’s the big deal, even? Well… that’s what we’re about to talk about! So come along and follow us behind the scenes, and let’s get into the nitty gritty details of the average day…

Our day starts with taking up-to-date inventory of our pre-made sample kits. We try to assure we stay ahead of our orders, as this saves a great deal of time! We feel this evolution provides our customers with a wide variety of products that they can easily compare, making it possible for them to find the perfect style to fit their individual needs! This also allows us to consolidate several kits down into a smaller inventory, which adds efficiency to our team’s day!

Every kit is unique and assembled with great care. We take the time to assure we have the perfect box size, and that every item is protected inside the case via bubble-wrap, foam and cardboard dividers.

The second most important step in putting together sample orders is to assure that they are packed efficiently and securely. This makes sure nothing gets damaged in transit. And so, we spend much of our time finding the most effective way to fit each product into the selected box. We call this “nesting”.

All sample orders come in different shapes and sizes, and when it comes to our pre-made kits, we have some that are small and quick to assemble (with only a few unique products contained); while there are other kits can have almost one-hundred individual items that need to be identified, sorted and packed!

Once we receive a copy of the sample order, which is first entered into our system by our all-star customer service team, we immediately get to work on pulling the requested products from our large sample room. Our sample room holds every single product we sell! Sometimes it’s a bit cramped with how often we release new and innovative products, but we’re Fineline family here, so it’s fine!

As described a bit earlier, we make sure to select only the highest quality items from our stock. This is a vital step, as sample orders are not just requested by customers, but by our own awesome Sale’s Representatives who can ask for a wide variety of kits and individual samples to show during meetings with prospective customers! Not to mention, the items you see during tradeshows (see you soon at Catersource, by the way!) are all put together by our Sample Processing Team! So, everything needs to be spectacular!

Once the items pass our inspection, they are safely and lovingly packed together into a high-quality box and sealed completely on all sides. This requires us setting the selected items up and taking their stand-alone measurements. This help us find the perfect box, out of the hundreds of sizes that we keep on hand. We also try to make sure we keep a bit of extra space to make room for packing products such as bubble wrap.  After that, we calculate the weight and dimensions of the box so that our hard-working Shipping Team has the information that they need to create the shipping label! This is another vital step, as even just one number out of place can mean the sample request may not make it to its desired destination! We can’t have that!

Then, with fond farewells, it’s shipped off to you, our customer, who we hope will find as much joy in reviewing our products as we have in selecting and sending them to you!

The morale of the story…? Every sample order is as unique and beautiful as a snowflake (I know those of us amid this chaotic winter weather may cringe at the mention of snow… sorry, but it can’t be helped). We want you to know that it means so much to our team that we can provide you with these hand-crafted kits, and we hope that this little insight into our process has brought you closer to us, and helped you see just how much your satisfaction means to all of us!

Stay warm, everybody, and don’t forget to check out our redesigned website! Now more efficient and eye-catching than ever, your search for elegant and high-quality disposable catering ware has never been easier!

New Year’s celebrations are over. The big bowl game winner is decided. BUT winter is still a POLAR VORTEX?! The weather is downright unfriendly, bitter, and angry at our need for warmth.

Trying to overcome and change the monotony of cold winter days and frigid frosty nights, change can be simple but risky. Have you ever heard “the biggest risk we can take is the risk of doing nothing.”

During this time of winter blues, cozy up to your computer:

• Do your research (look into what it would mean to make a fresh start)
• Make a plan (visualize and design what the new start looks like)
• Execute the plan (remember a good plan has room for adjustments)

Fineline Settings is your ally in this fresh start. We are the helper you weren’t expecting at the party. Our collection lines are detailed and are diverse to match any event you are planning. From the smallest intimate first-class event to the grandest fun festivity.

For example, our Renaissance collection you can match everything from your table ware of dessert, salad, dinner plates to the soup bowl. You can rest assured that everything at the table looks uniform with the corresponding stemware and stemless. For the finale, you can customize your look with the matching style color plates.

Most of our collections have the same matching components and some collections also carry matching lids for those times you want to add for a take-home item or a to-go purchase. Wavetrends is one of those collections that carries an assortment of lids for each of those plates and bowls for easy transportation.

Now as we try to get through the polar vortex season, don’t forget we carry ice buckets and pitchers for those drinks and cocktails that need to stay chilled along with the matching scoops.

Show off how you are handling the winter blues by tagging us on Instagram, twitter, and Facebook. Let us see how you celebrate in style during this polar vortex.