10 Uses For Paper Plates That Go Way Beyond The Obvious

I try to use our regular dinner plates as much as possible because I don’t like using disposable paper plates if I can avoid it. But we only own so many dinner plates, so paper plates are a staple when we’re having a lot of people over.

But after a few parties, barbecues, and family gatherings, I often look in the cupboard and find a preponderance of paper plates. (Forgive me, I just couldn’t resist the opportunity for alliteration!) So what’s a girl to do with such a surplus?

Find some interesting ways to use those paper plates, of course! I scoured the net for practical, creative, and just plain fun ways to put paper plates to good use. If you ever find yourself with a fledging collection of paper plates, you’ll now know just what to do with them.

10 Surprising Ways To Use Paper Plates

1. Emergency Dust Pan

Cut a paper plate in half and use it as a makeshift dustpan. (You can even use the other half of the plate as a “broom” if you’re really in a bind!)

2. Packing Helper

Paper plates can be a big help when you’re moving! Layer paper plates between each of your dinner plates, bowls, pans, and other dishes to cushion them in their boxes. The paper plates will also help prevent them from getting scratched up.

3. Hand Mixer Splatter Guard

Use a paper plate to prevent splattering the next time you use your hand mixer. Just punch a couple of holes near the center of your plate, feed the beaters through, and attach them to your mixer. This easy modification keeps wet ingredients from jumping out of the bowl and making a big mess.

Here’s a slightly modified method:

4. Paint “Placemat”

Next time you’re tackling a painting project, keep a couple of paper plates around. I like to put my paint cans on paper plates as added insurance against dripping. You can also use a paper plate as a place to set down your paintbrush when you’re not using it.

5. Microwave Splatter Guard

In addition to your hand mixer, you can also use paper plates as a splatter guard in your microwave. I like to keep a small stack of those thin paper plates near my microwave. I just grab one and place it over the top of the dish, so the paper plate absorbs any food splatters. Much easier than scrubbing out the microwave!

6. Gift Basket

My friend Autumn (author of It’s Always Autumn) wrote a guest post here on my blog a few years ago that was an instant hit. The idea she shared was so smart and simple that it’s been a consistently popular post ever since! Find out exactly how she turned a simple paper plate into a cute, gift-able cookie basket.

7. Paper Plate Frisbee

From Crafts By Amanda

Use a few paper plates to make a couple of paper plate frisbees! They’re nice and light, perfect for little hands, and much less likely than a real frisbee to break something if a throw goes amiss.

8. Paper Plate Ring Toss

From A Little Learning for Two

This project is doubly enjoyable because it’s a fun craft you can do with the kids, and a game, too! Cut a few paper plates into rings and use them for a fun game of paper plate ring toss. Since the plates are light, it’s almost like frisbee mixed with regular ring toss — give it a try!

9. Craft With Your Grandkids

From We Are Teachers

What kid wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to make a mess with Grandma or Grandpa? Paper plates are perfect for crafting, and there are dozens of ways to use them in fun crafts and games for kids.

There are 25 creative paper plate crafts to choose from at We Are Teachers that would be perfect for spending quality time with the grandkids!

10. Watermelon Purse

From Untrained Housewife

Show off your summer side by crafting yourself a fun and fabulous watermelon purse. If you’re apprehensive about a purse made from paper plates, I’m sure the little girls in your life would happily take it off your hands for you!

Do you have an unexpected way to use paper plates?