Two-tone ribbon shows off its colors on this simply wrapped box.

Joyous bursts of color dance above a table, imparting a cheerful radiance to a rehearsal dinner or casual reception. The dahlialike pom-poms appear to float in the air; in reality they are hung from the ceiling with monofilament.

A hand punch makes these cheerful dots (and a lot of confetti), while paper lining makes them stand out.

Origami paper in shades of orange and an understated tag create a stylish favor.

Personalize the entrance to the ceremony in an instant with wooden initials, whose warm color scheme welcomes guests.

A secret message hidden beneath coconut-and-cashew truffles is revealed as the chocolates are devoured. The packaging seems fancy, yet this is just a standard box trimmed with scalloping scissors. The tabs are usually tucked in, but we left them out, punched holes, and threaded ribbon through for a unique form.

Do guests a favor and present them with tokens of affection that you've planted inside these petite flower-topped boxes. Wrap each small box with a belt of layered ribbons or a strip of woven fabric, and cap it off with a single fabric blossom.

Cymbidium orchids in assorted colors are tucked into handmade paper cones, then affixed by ribbon to a board covered in pink linen to create a garden of floral favors. Each blossom is anchored in a tiny vial of water to ensure that it will bloom for a full week.

Spread a dinner napkin out, lying flat. Fold opposite sides in so they meet at the center. Then fold again at the center to form a narrow, ribbonlike shape. Next, fold short ends in so they meet at the center. Cinch in the middle with a ribbon in a coordinating color, and glue at back.

A cluster of potted zinnias adds charm to the table at a country or casual wedding. A sign next to the display asks guests to "Please pick one." The theme that inspires the favor continues at each place setting: Seeds packaged in glassine bags are attached to each of the tented place cards with yellow twine that is inserted through two small punched holes, then tied in a bow.

Wrap favors in brightly colored tissue paper and top them off with a paper flower -- a low-cost alternative to the real thing.

Scan and print art from a monogram book onto adhesive paper; cut out with a large scallop craft punch, and affix to lid. Fold a 1-inch piece of narrow ribbon in half; glue to underside of lid at center front. Fill and close the box, then wrap pleated ribbon around it, and secure in back with double-sided tape.

Lemons and grapefruits tied in yellow taffeta ribbons and piled into a glass compote make a bright, casual arrangement. The bows are secured by pins, and sheer yellow organdy drapes from the bowl. A coordinating menu card is trimmed with taffeta ribbon.

For the reception, re-create the beauty of etching with ease. All you need is a rubber stamp, white ink, and glass candleholders -- frosted glass holds ink best. One stamp can form a single motif or an allover pattern. (For a custom design, such as your monogram, have a stamp made at an office-supply store.) To use a large stamp on a cylindrical container, carefully roll it from side to side. Allow a day or two for ink to fully dry.

Humble supplies can take on an elegant air: Monogrammed stickers and crepe paper decorate clear plastic tubes filled with champagne-bubble candies. They're then piled into a glass compote around a smaller compote of crepe-paper flowers.

Ripe fruits symbolize abundance and fertility -- and make delicious favors. Tomatoes look beautiful and enticing in this rustic Italian display.