I was trying to find ways to stretch a party budget recently, and began to look for favor ideas that doubled as decorations or table centerpieces.  It seemed like a perfect way to save a little money, but still have a fabulous look for the party.

What about using orchids as centerpieces, but tagged with a “please take home” note?  Photo below from MarthaStewartWeddings.com.   Or individual bud vases as favors and your table decorations.  You can purchase glass bud vases for less than $1 each (check craft stores, walmart, etc.) or small terra cotta pots (even less expensive) and put a single flower in each, set it at each guest’s table setting with a tag letting them know they should take it home.  Herbs are perfect to put in the mini terra cotta pots.  Gorgeous and very budget friendly! If you don’t want to make your own tags you can purchase customized tags for your plants HERE.

Look at these super cute matchbox favors that double as place cards, from MarthaStewartWeddings.com.  You can also print a message on decorated paper (make a rectangular template) and simply cut them out and attach to the top and bottoms of matches with double-sided tape; easy!:

And one more from Martha Stewart… give your guests waterproof bags to take home the flowers from your centerpieces!  I also love the idea of have large vases of long stem roses or other beautiful flowera and having guests take one and put the stem in these pretty bags as they leave.  Instead of making a grand entrance they’ll be making a grand exit!

Planning a “southwest” theme party?  Then check out these adorable little cactus favors/centerpieces:

And what about the ever popular “candy bar” idea?  But… instead of setting up a separate place for the candy bar, why not use filled candy jars in the middle of your tables as your centerpiece, and include bags (and a scoop) for guests to scoop candy for taking home?

What other ways could you use favors as decorations?  We’d love to hear YOUR ideas!