Retro paper plates are the fun party staple that never went out of style (1960s and beyond)

Vintage disposable paper plates and party decor

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Retro paper plates, napkins, placemats, cups and more — all affordable and all disposable — were new and popular in the 60s (especially for parties and entertaining). Here’s a look back at some of the retro paper products & patterns available then — and why they’re still hanging around today.

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.

When disposable paper party decor became all the rage in the 60s (2)

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

When disposable paper party decor became all the rage in the 60s (1)

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

Vintage Scott family paper placemats 1964 (6)

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.

Retro paper plates from the sixties

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

Vintage Fonda papr plates from 1964

Vintage Scott family paper placemats 1964 (7)


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.

Kleenex dinner napkins from 1964


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

Vintage Scott family paper placemats 1964 (3)


Disposable paper placemats: Elegant as linen for company

Beautiful new designs to complement every decor (1960s)

Vintage Scott family paper placemats 1965 (2)


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.

Vintage Scott family paper placemats 1968 (3)


The first cushioned paper placemat

Made of three quilted thickness of absorbent paper for protection and strength. Drinks up spills!

Vintage Scott family paper placemats 1968 (1)


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!

Roylace paper party products - placemats and doilies from 1961


Vintage paper placemats: Blue stripes

Vintage Scott family paper placemats 1964 (4)

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. 

Vintage Scott family paper placemats 1964 (2)


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

Vintage Scott family paper placemats 1965 (1)

Vintage Scott family paper placemats 1964 (5)

CHECK THIS OUT: 21 bad vintage product names you wouldn’t see today

Retro-style paper plates you can buy today

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Tiangrid 60 Pcs Bright Wildflower Colorful Vintage Paper Plates 7 Inch Gradient Disposable Square...
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American Greetings 50-Count 7 in. x 7 in. Rainbow Paper Dessert Plates
  • Includes 50 small round dessert plates
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SOLO 10" Large Paper Plates, Jazz 90s Nostalgic Print, Pack of 55ct Paper Plates
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50 Pcs Groovy Daisy Paper Plates Retro Daisy Party Decor 10" 400 GSM Hippie Boho Flower Platters,...
  • Ample Quantity: The daisy flower dinnerware set contains 50 pcs of 10 inch daisy paper plates, these daisy flower dinner plates can easily accommodate up to 50 guests, it's enough for your party or...
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72PCS Colored Paper Plates and Napkins Party Supplies, Gold Foil Edge Scalloped Striped Pastel...
  • 【Pastel Party Tableware Set】You will receive 24 pieces of 7-inch scalloped pastel dinner plates, 24 pieces of 6.5-inch pastel napkins, and 24 plastic forks. Perfect for serving 24 guests in style!
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Qyeahkj 50 PCS Groovy Daisy Oval Paper Plates Large 11” Disposable Retro Daisy Party Decorations...
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Whaline 30Pcs Orange Paper Plate 9 Inch Gold Foil Scalloped Disposable Plate Retro 3 Colors Dinner...
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Naozinebi 40PCS Cassette Tape Plates 70s 80s 90s Party Supplies 10 x 7 Inch Retro Square Tableware...
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Comments on this story

One Response

  1. 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.

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