In the early 1960s, disposable tableware was a fresh idea. Until then, most folks used dishes that needed washing after every meal. The shift toward paper was pitched as a way to save time, especially during the summer when entertaining picked up. These new retro paper plates came in bold colors and eye-catching patterns that matched everything from placemats to parasols. The look was fun, a little quirky and fully in step with the mid-century mood.
These designs weren’t meant to imitate fine china. The point was to be practical and cheerful, with no pretense. Plain or printed, the plates held up well enough for burgers, salads and cake. You could find ones sized for kids or grown-ups, and styles ran from stripes and florals to checkerboards and polka dots. Disposable didn’t mean dull — these were made to stand out on a table, and they often did.
While styles have changed and expanded over time, many of those same retro paper plates are still around in some form (though paper placemats seemed to have fallen out of vogue). Today, you’ll find a bigger range of materials like bamboo and compostable pulp — as well as less eco-friendly varieties like plastic and styrofoam — but the classic paper plate hasn’t gone anywhere. In fact, vintage designs are often reissued, and newer versions draw on that mid-century charm. The appeal lies in their simplicity and that unmistakable touch of nostalgia.
There’s something about paper that still works for informal meals and relaxed gatherings. And for families, especially with kids, they’re practical and easy to clean up. They’ve also become a go-to choice for themed parties, where the right plate pattern can help set the scene without much fuss.
Below, we’ve collected some examples of retro paper plates, napkins, and party supplies from their early days. Scroll through to see the cheerful prints, clever ideas and why this once-new trend still has staying power.
Retro disposable party decor: Paper with throw-away chic
We propose paper, Madame Chairwoman, when the committee comes to lunch in your garden.
Set out the tables under huge oiled-paper parasols from Japan; ours are dotted to match plates, napkins, and other accessories.
Toss a salad of giant paper tomatoes instead of a centerpiece — we suggest a bright enamel colander as a container.
Keep your guests comfortable — and amused — with gold paper lorgnettes. For smokers, keep a big supply of pretty matches and disposable foil ashtrays.
DON’T MISS: Vintage Dixie cups: See retro designs & dispensers, plus get the history of the little disposable cups
And there’s nothing quite like paper for a late snack after a long evening of television or at the movies.
The checkerboard paper makes a perfect tablecloth, we can also see it on the card table, especially if yours is placed on the porch.
Plates, cups, and napkins, in His and Her sizes, are color-coordinated. So is that huge paper daisy.
Pack lunches (or dinners) in red paper boxes for a party by the pool. We like nautical red, white, and blue theme (see our upside-down setting, including white plastic cutlery and pop art flag matches).
Be prepared for seconds and desserts with a batch of baby boxes.
To personalize each serving, a toy boat place card sails on every box. They’re all disposable when the party’s over.
ALSO SEE: See 60 vintage patio furniture sets that offered outdoor relaxation the old-fashioned way
Retro disposable paper plates
It’s a rainy summer afternoon and your house is bulging with restless children.
Throw an impromptu party, paper style. Fill shiny paper bags full of various papers and run a cutting-out contest… first prize for most creative effort.
Scissors should be blunt; ours are plastic. The table decorations: a paper village, folder paper trees on chopstick trunks in paper cups filled with sand, stylized houses, and enamel funnel trumpets.
Dine on paper — and serve breakfast, brunch, and buffets on it too. But don’t do it tentatively or timidly. Pick positive patterns — courageous colors. Not ones that pretend to be something they’re not, namely china or pottery.
Notice how we combine plain plates (in the boldest colors we could find) with striking patterns in napkins and mats. And how we play pattern against pattern in other settings.
Of course, there’s a time and a place even for paper. It’s appropriate for informal meals, informal occasions, informal settings. And this new flair for paper is designed to free you for summer’s more important pursuits.
MORE: Vintage colored paper towels: See 60+ old-fashioned patterns, colors & kitchen towel styles
Retro disposable paper napkins
For hurry-up-and-let’s-go-to-the-beach breakfasts, paper is bright as a summer morning and twice as practical.
There’s a striped runner, or if you prefer a whole cloth, all you do is unfold it — plus flowered mats and coasters for under the orange juice glasses. All in the sunniest, cheeriest colors. For fun, pile tissue-paper eggs in a basket.
Vintage paper placemats: Lovely as cloth for entertaining
Cushioned to insulate and protect against scratches. A variety of colors to coordinate with Scott Family napkins.
ALSO SEE: 40 vintage centerpiece ideas: Table decor from yesteryear
Disposable paper placemats: Elegant as linen for company
Beautiful new designs to complement every decor (1960s)
TV tray table paper placemats
Great for informal snacks with new Scott cups. Always fresh and handy for drop-in guests, TV trays. Use ’em, enjoy ’em and toss ’em away.
The first cushioned paper placemat
Made of three quilted thickness of absorbent paper for protection and strength. Drinks up spills!
Roylies lace paper doilies & Roylprint printed paper place mats
It’s the little touches of elegance that say the nicest things about you. Cost? Mere pennies with Roylace!
Elegance in home decorating is back — and with it a greater accent on gracious entertaining.
Is it expensive? Heavens, no! With Roylace paper doilies and place mats, you can add the perfect little touches that express your fine taste. your thoughtful attention to detail. And for pennies!
See for yourself how easy it is to create unusual decorating effects and beautiful serving ideas — like those illustrated — with nothing but Roylace and your imagination!
Vintage paper placemats: Blue stripes
MORE: 112+ beautiful vintage ’70s table setting ideas
The most practical placemat ever for kids
Drinks up spills. Just use ’em and toss ’em away. New Scott plastic cups are great for youngsters, too.
Scott Family Placemats: Thrifty enough for everyday use (1964)
This new kind of paper placemat is perfect for family meals. Always fresh and handy for “drop in” guests
CHECK THIS OUT: 21 bad vintage product names you wouldn’t see today
Retro-style paper plates you can buy today
- Sage Green Paper Plate Set: the package includes 60 pieces of wildflower color plates making it reliable for hosting large events; Whether it's a party, office function or picnic, these plates have...
- Quality: our 7 inch wildflower color paper plates are made from quality paper, ensuring they are sturdy; They can handle the heaviest of meals without any bend or break, offering you reliability and...
- Suitable Size: at a comfortable size of 7 inch, all bright wildflower color plates are just the right size for every type of dish; It makes serving and portion control easier, rendering them reliable...
- Packing content: These groovy party decorations include 50pcs retro hippie bus dessert plates. Brighten up your table setting with our groovy hippie peace bus dinner plates that exude an appealing and...
- Groovy hippie bus design: Transform your party table into a groovy spectacle with our retro hippie bus dinner plates. Each plate is meticulously crafted in the shape of a hippie bus, featuring vibrant...
- Premium quality: Our groovy birthday party supplies are not only stylish but also durable and reliable. These groovy hippie bus dinner plates are designed to hold up well to a variety of foods without...
- Check It Out: Our 24 pack of 9" pink and green checkered printed paper plates are the party addition you've been looking for + a guaranteed hit!
- Party Ready: Our plates come matte in 2 colorways; pink + orange and green - 12 pcs per design!
- Squad Approved: Leave no bestie behind with our set of 24 checkered plates - there's enough for the whole party.
- PACK OF 24: Each pack includes 24 paper plates printed to look like CD's for a 90's Themed Party
- SIZE: Each disposable paper plate measures 9 inches in diameter - They have a retro design to bring back the nostalgia of the 90's - They're perfect for throwback parties, music events, or any...
- VERSATILE: Our Compact Disk Plates are perfect for serving all your favorite party foods, from pizza and burgers to chips and dip -They are a functional part of the party decor making them a totally...
- Variety and Quantity: delight your party guests with the boho dessert plates set that features 48 pieces of plates, 6 gradient boho colors, 8 pieces each
- Quality Assurance: our colorful paper plates are crafted from quality and reliable paper; These sturdy, thick plates securely hold food items without breaking, bending, or softening, making it a safe...
- Elegant and Festive Decorations: the elegant range of colorful colors, from light to dark, contributes to a stunning gradient effect, while the gold scalloped edge adds that extra touch of elegance;...
- Party Ready: Our 32 pack of printed paper plates are the party addition you've been looking for + a guaranteed hit! With two different sizes and four designs total, there is enough for everyone!
- Summer Is Here: Our plates come with matte in 4 designs; large orange + pink stripe, small orange + pink flowers, large green + blue stripe, small green + blue flowers - 8 pcs per design!
- Squad Approved: Leave no bestie behind with our set of 32 plates - there's enough for the whole party.
- Cassette Tape Paper Plates Set: This set includes 40 retro cassette tape dinner plates (10 x 7 inches) in four unique designs, with 10 plates of each style. The variety of patterns complements your...
- Retro Design: Adorned with bold retro elements, including vibrant colors and classic 80s cassette tape designs, these retro disco dinner plates create eye-catching table decor. The 70s 80s 90s party...
- High Quality: Made from sturdy paper, these hip-hop-themed paper plates are designed to support your food with ease. Featuring vivid, not-easy-to-fade music-themed prints, they provide a reliable and...
- 36 small round plates
- Measures 7 in. x 7 in.
- Made in the USA
One Response
Most of these products aren’t much different than the paper plates you can buy today. The one exception are the coffee cups with the folding paper handles. The intention of allowing people to hold a hot beverage comfortably was certainly a good one. However, the handles were prone to bending and tearing — especially when the cup was full — leading to all kinds of disasters. Maybe they’re still around, but I haven’t seen them in use in a long time. For hot beverages, corrugated cardboard sleeves or insulated cups are a much better solution.