Thinking of having a few friends over this weekend? Or maybe you're planning a full blown fiesta! Either way, why not incorporate a little green into your theme? Check out the list of tips below for ideas on how to throw an eco-friendly cocktail party that is sure to impress:
Evite your friends: Save paper, time and money by inviting guests through email or social media. Snail mail invitations are lovely but they're really only necessary for very formal events.
Look like a million: Half the fun of planning a party is deciding what you're going to wear. Treat yourself to a 'new' outfit from your local thrift store. Or if you're not into second hand, opt for items made from eco-friendly textiles, such as organic cotton, hemp or bamboo fiber. When your friends ask where you got your gear be sure to talk up the environmental properties of your new look.
Stay class with glass: Serve snacks and beverages in reusable dishes instead of the disposable variety. If you're worried about cost, check out your local second hand shop for inexpensive wine glass sets and appetizer plates. Not only does this look better but it's also a sure fire way to cut back on waste. You can also cut back on dishes at the end of the night by providing your guests with wine glass charms so they can easily keep track of their glass instead of taking a new one every time they go for a refill.
Turn down the heat: Encourage your guests to dress warmly if you're hosting your event during the colder months. Better yet, tell them to bust a move and make their own heat! But just in case you've got a couple party poopers in the mix, make sure to have some extra throws and/or sweaters on-hand.
Think globally act locally: Serve snacks and beverages that are produced in your local area. By doing so you will be helping out your local producers in addition to cutting back on the carbon emissions required to transport your party favours to a distributor near you. If local is too much of a challenge, do your best to incorporate some organic wines, beers and veggie platters into the mix.
DIY: If you can make it yourself, please do so. For instance, cut back on wasteful packaging by making your own cocktail mix instead buying it pre-made at the store. Same goes for decor. Balloons and streamers are lots of fun but unfortunately they're no good for the environment. If it's a fall party, for example, consider decorating with some pumpkins or gourds from your local market. Whatever the season, be creative and come up with your own eco-friendly decorating ideas to create that party atmosphere!
Turn the lights down low: Set the mood with some dim lighting and save on electricity while you're at it. Candles are always a nice idea. Just make sure they're away from high traffic areas and not left unattended.
Linens 'n things: Resist the urge to buy paper napkins and plastic table covers. Cloth napkins and table linens are much classier and they can be reused time and time again.
Give back: This one is less for the environment and more for the good of society. Instead of bringing a host/hostess gift, ask guests to bring a non-perishable food item that can be donated to your local food bank. Afterall, it's good to give!
Stay clean & green: In case of spills throughout the night, make sure to have lots of reusable cloth rags on hand. Old t-shirts and towels can easily be repurposed for the job. When it comes to clean up the next day, opt for a natural household cleaner such as white vinegar and water mixed together. White vinegar cuts grease, removes mildew, fights odors, removes most stains and even helps with the removal of wax build up!
Evite your friends: Save paper, time and money by inviting guests through email or social media. Snail mail invitations are lovely but they're really only necessary for very formal events.
Look like a million: Half the fun of planning a party is deciding what you're going to wear. Treat yourself to a 'new' outfit from your local thrift store. Or if you're not into second hand, opt for items made from eco-friendly textiles, such as organic cotton, hemp or bamboo fiber. When your friends ask where you got your gear be sure to talk up the environmental properties of your new look.
Stay class with glass: Serve snacks and beverages in reusable dishes instead of the disposable variety. If you're worried about cost, check out your local second hand shop for inexpensive wine glass sets and appetizer plates. Not only does this look better but it's also a sure fire way to cut back on waste. You can also cut back on dishes at the end of the night by providing your guests with wine glass charms so they can easily keep track of their glass instead of taking a new one every time they go for a refill.
Turn down the heat: Encourage your guests to dress warmly if you're hosting your event during the colder months. Better yet, tell them to bust a move and make their own heat! But just in case you've got a couple party poopers in the mix, make sure to have some extra throws and/or sweaters on-hand.
Think globally act locally: Serve snacks and beverages that are produced in your local area. By doing so you will be helping out your local producers in addition to cutting back on the carbon emissions required to transport your party favours to a distributor near you. If local is too much of a challenge, do your best to incorporate some organic wines, beers and veggie platters into the mix.
DIY: If you can make it yourself, please do so. For instance, cut back on wasteful packaging by making your own cocktail mix instead buying it pre-made at the store. Same goes for decor. Balloons and streamers are lots of fun but unfortunately they're no good for the environment. If it's a fall party, for example, consider decorating with some pumpkins or gourds from your local market. Whatever the season, be creative and come up with your own eco-friendly decorating ideas to create that party atmosphere!
Turn the lights down low: Set the mood with some dim lighting and save on electricity while you're at it. Candles are always a nice idea. Just make sure they're away from high traffic areas and not left unattended.
Linens 'n things: Resist the urge to buy paper napkins and plastic table covers. Cloth napkins and table linens are much classier and they can be reused time and time again.
Give back: This one is less for the environment and more for the good of society. Instead of bringing a host/hostess gift, ask guests to bring a non-perishable food item that can be donated to your local food bank. Afterall, it's good to give!
Stay clean & green: In case of spills throughout the night, make sure to have lots of reusable cloth rags on hand. Old t-shirts and towels can easily be repurposed for the job. When it comes to clean up the next day, opt for a natural household cleaner such as white vinegar and water mixed together. White vinegar cuts grease, removes mildew, fights odors, removes most stains and even helps with the removal of wax build up!
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