Table Settings

• For a spring tea, baby shower or grandma's birthday party, table settings made from delicate porcelain saucers are inviting and thoughtful. Choose a different pattern for each guest, place a name card on the saucer and decorate with sprigs of aromatic lavender, other long-lasting herbs or a tea rose tied with satin ribbon. These decorative settings are both simple and sophisticated.
  
  

Compote Dishes

• Saucers with intricate patterns of flowers and gold leaf vines make attractive and whimsical compote dishes for bridal showers, anniversary parties and other special occasions. To start, wash and dry your cups and saucers and spread them out on a table. With the cup as the base and the saucer as the dish, begin mixing and matching. Try to keep size and scale in mind. For instance, avoid putting a small saucer with a large cup, MarthaStewart.com cautions. Place adhesive putty around the base of each upside-down cup and press the upturned saucer squarely on top. If you prefer to leave your cups and saucers in their original state, the saucers can be used solo as compote dishes.
  
  

Candleholders and Plant Bases

• Saucers of varying patterns and styles make eye-catching bases for candles and small potted plants. Try arranging three mismatched saucers with candles of different sizes and shapes on a side table. You might coordinate the colors in the china with the candles, such as a pink candle with a rose-patterned saucer. Small potted plants also benefit from china saucers, which are both charming in appearance and useful for catching water.
  
  

Mosaic

• For this project, you must be sure your saucers are no longer needed because you're going to break them. Start by planning your design and choosing a base for your mosaic (a table, a piece of plywood, even thick cardboard). Using gloves and protective eye wear, place a saucer on a discarded towel or cloth, cover it and hit it lightly with a hammer. According to Mosaic Tile Guide, one hit is often enough, especially if you want larger pieces. You then glue the pieces, called "tesserae," to the base, and while the adhesive dries, you can mix grouting powder with water. Apply the grout around the pieces to give the mosaic a smooth, finished look.