how to bring some color to my reception tables?

[doodle]

we were originally going to get linens in our four colors (royal blue, eggplant, aqua, and lime) and alternate them all over the room, but our venue will only give either white, ivory, chocolate, or black for free in the package we got, and it charges $16 per linen to rent any other colors, which seems steep to me. we''re allowed to get them from somewhere else if we want to, so i was wondering, firstly, if anyone knows of cheap places to buy or rent tablecloths or overlays, and secondly, if anyone has any alternative creative ideas for bringing some color in. the only thing i could really think of was something similar to the picture in the link below. i''d appreciate any ideas; i know some of y''all are insanely creative!! thanks!
possible table idea?

 

[goldenstar]

Do you know anyone that can sew? You can buy fabric for overlays and finish off the edges on your own. Its a simple DIY.

I love that idea you posted!

 

[Gypsy]

Ditto. Also pretty runners occur to me as well. And of course... hideously expensive floral arrangements.

 

[MMM]

a budget tip my caterer gave me is to use chair ties as table runners! they are way, way cheaper than actual table runners, even though they are basically the same size! and they come in a myriad of colors and fabrics.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 4/16/2008 1:51:16 AM
Author: MMM
a budget tip my caterer gave me is to use chair ties as table runners! they are way, way cheaper than actual table runners, even though they are basically the same size! and they come in a myriad of colors and fabrics.

That''s brilliant.

 

[doodle]

that IS brilliant!! i asked my florist about the ribbony thing and she said using that much ribbon per table could wind up costing as much as linens. at $16 per tablecloth, i find that doubtful. oh sheesh, i wonder if they charge for colored napkins, too...