Lemondrop

There's a lot to love about the dollar store. It's like a vortex of crazy, where auto supplies live in harmony next to expired hair dye. It's also a great source of party supplies. A few things you can co-opt into cuteness for your next bash:

Buy cheapie photo frames and put scraps of leftover wallpaper or cute wrapping paper in them, then hang in groupings of three or five.

Cut up long pieces of gift wrap in half or thirds and use as table runners and placemats.

Buy a bunch of janky games like paddle ball and let your guests play with them outside while you transition from main course to dessert.

Pick up plain melamine flowerpots and fill them with candy. Just add names for take-along place-holders.

Fill up colorful goblets or dessert bowls with mini soaps, potpourri or shells and stick in them your bathroom.

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Roll out plain butcher paper and have your guests doodle with markers and crayons on your table the way you did as kids.

Wind wire around fake flowers to make tacky-chic napkin rings.

Glue votive candles to the top of goofy ceramic salt and pepper shakers (roosters and kittens!) for kitschy candelabras.

Use small glass jelly jars to serve condiments or stack lime and lemon wedges for drinks

For edgy alternative placemats, use plastic signs like "Beware of Dog" or "Open for Business."

Tell Us: What's your best budget design trick, ever? Leave a comment to let us know, and we'll feature the best in a future post.