A Sustainable Soiree

These days it seems that everything around us is going green and how we entertain is no exception. While I’ll admit that events can be a little wasteful, I still believe that with some savvy planning and creativity, your next soiree can be as stylish as it is sustainable.

Here we’ve rounded up some simple entertaining tips and shortcuts from our Lazy Hostess library for you to follow.  In no time at all, you’ll be able to gather your friends for a cocktail party that is both gorgeous and green.

Start with the invitation.  One of the easiest ways to be eco-friendly is to skip the paper altogether and go digital.  New sites like pingg.com [1]let you customize your invitation by uploading original images and embedding interactive features like maps, photos, video and even a gift registry.  If you really prefer paper, find stationery companies that print with non-toxic vegetable ink on organic cotton or recycled paper.

For eco-chic event décor, why not use nature as your inspiration?  Instead of cheap and generic disposables, use fruit or vegetables as your accessories.  Besides being affordable, you can find fresh produce in any color, shape and texture to compliment your overall theme and palate.  Lemons and limes arranged in a shallow cork bowl can easily be a vibrant and edible centerpiece.  For other tabletop items, visit Branch Home  [2]for a wide range of modern, sustainable of home products.

Fresh organic flowers from the farmers market or small potted plants can also be used as table decoration. Be creative and turn vintage water pitchers, tea canisters or bottles into vases for your blooms.  Try ordering the brightly hued roses from Organic Bouquet [3], which sells fair trade, sustainably-grown flowers online.

As for catering, organic produce, poultry and meat are now readily available at your local food shop and can be prepared in so many different ways.  The Cleaver Company [4] is one of our favorite local caterers in New York.  They are known for creating beautiful farm tables full of sweet and savory snacks for events and weddings.  Copy their gourmet food station idea by arranging food platters full of artisan cheeses, organic fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread and an assortment of spreads and dips on a table at your event. For a wonderful selection of artisan cheeses handmade from organic milk that can ship right to your door, visit Cowgirl Creamery [5].   Organic Peanut Butter Bon Bons or Wink of the Rabbit Caramels with organic pecans by Vosges Haut Chocolate [6]can be a decadent dessert or, if given as a favor, a sweet parting gift.

Even your cocktails can be green if you use mixers from Stirrings’ new Organic Classic Collection [7].  Set up a bar area with their sour cherry, apricot and sour mixer and an assortment of vodka, gin, rum and bourbon so guests can play bartender.  You can even print out a full booklet of recipes [8] for the line, or search for recipes here [9].

And, when the party’s over, don’t forget to green your clean up by recycling bottles, composting food and donating leftovers to your local food bank.  Bouquets of flowers can even be donated to your local hospital for someone else to enjoy.

So, the next time you raise a glass you can toast to your friends as well as the planet!

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A seasoned event planner, Celia Chen is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Notes on a Party, an online magazine about entertaining that celebrates Events from the Inside Out™.  For a behind-the-scenes look at VIP events and more tips on party planning, visit http://www.notesonaparty.com [10].