These beautiful Alessi Colombina plates (left) remind me of lazy summer days skipping rocks on placid waters at the cottage. There’s something natural and organic about the shape that would feel oh-so soothing at a dinner party.

Inspired by the plates, I’ve highlighted a couple of other simple ways to integrate the tranquility of river rocks into an event of any size.

(left) Alessi Colombina plates.
(top right) River rocks, which can be purchased in bulk for next to nothing, can be used in place of seating cards.
(bottom right) River rocks are an economical and practical choice to set cuttings in vases.

For more ideas on incorporating river rocks, check out Earth Friendly Wedding’s post Rock On.