Invites
A paper trail…we don’t think so! Take to the web to publicize your party.
Evite.com has long been a favorite of party planners and now they’re even hitting up
YouTube.com to create quirky, entertaining video invitations. If you’re camera shy, check out
Pingg.com, a new (and free!) site that lets you create your own stylish invite and web page. The best part about going paperless? Guests can check for status updates, add to their calendars, and RSVP electronically. Stuck on the idea of sending out paper invites? Amaze your guests with
BotanicalPaperWorks.com’s plantable flowering seed paper. The paper and envelopes actually have seeds embedded in them and can be planted to reveal gorgeous blooms.
Decor
Eco-friendly decor doesn’t mean your party has to look drab. Fill your space with colorful items that’ll catch everyone’s eye. Organic flowers are a great start, but take it a step further with sustainable arrangements like potted flowers and small plants -- afterward, plant them in your backyard or hand them out as favors. Feeling creative? Decorate your space with fruits and veggies. Simple glass cylinders and bowls filled with brightly colored edibles like limes, lemons, apples, oranges, radishes, and purple potatoes (the ideas are endless) make for a colorful display. For a final touch, dim the lights and fill the room with soy candles -- it’ll cut down on electricity and look gorgeous. And don’t forget to use your surroundings. Already have a stunning garden or landscaped yard? Take your party outdoors for an elegant, natural setting in a snap.
Food
Consider your local farmers' market your new best friend. From meats and cheeses to fruits and veggies to desserts and breads, you’ll find everything you need for an eco-friendly smorgasbord. Locally grown food not only tastes better (because very few or no chemicals are used), but it’s fresher and often cheaper since the food is traveling from neighboring farms. Try going beyond just organic and look into sustainable and biodynamic farms, which produce food without causing irreversible damage to the ecosystem, provide fair wages, and practice humane treatment of workers and animals. Visit LocalHarvest.org to find a farmers' market in your area. Lastly, remember to ditch the paper and plastic and bring your own reusable canvas tote when you’re shopping.
Drinks
Whether you prefer cocktails, beer, or wine, there’s an organic or local option for you. Stop whining about saving the planet and start with a glass of vino from a nearby vineyard. Ask your local wine shop for the best -- they may even let you taste a few. Throwing a cocktail party? Make “eco-tinis” with organic liquor like Square One Organic Vodka, 4 Copas Tequila, Juniper Green Organic Gin, or Papagayo Organic Spiced Rum. Keeping those purse strings tight? Try making your own flavored vodka by adding ingredients like pineapple, rosemary, or vanilla. Seal the mixture in an infusion jar and set it in a warm area for about a week or until it reaches the desired flavor; then create signature cocktails for your party. Is beer more your speed? Almost every city has a local brewery -- find one in your area at BrewPubZone.com -- many of these even offer brews made with organic ingredients.
Clean-Up
Just because the party’s ending doesn’t mean you can stop thinking green. Get your guests involved and set up easy-to-use recycling containers. Clearly mark each bin and make a list of what goes in each one. Try to utilize as many reusable materials (dishes, glasses, and utensils) as possible. If you must go the plastic route (your guests outnumber your serving sets), opt for
Preserve Tableware’s collection made from 100 percent recycled plastics or
The Sugar Cane Paper Company’s items made from -- you guessed it -- biodegradable sugar cane. Finally, give your place a once-over with
Method’s line of nonhazardous, biodegradable cleaning products -- now you’re one green cleaning machine!
--Brianne DiSylvester