Holiday entertaining the Earthy way!!!!!

It's one million tons. That's right—according to EPA Americans generate an additional million tons of household waste over the average between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. That's a massive 25 percent spike in waste—from the standard 4 million tons to 5 million—that occurs like clockwork every year.
And when you sit back and think about it, the figure makes an unfortunate amount of sense. Most of the packaging hits the landfill, all the tossed Christmas cards could altogether fill an entire football stadium, and a staggering number of actual, unwanted gifts are thrown away every year....   Not to mention all the waste from the holiday parties such as cups, plates, napkins and all the packaging it all comes in!!!!

Here is some of my tricks to make a party nice, but feel no guilt later over the waste ;)

For decorations this is how I roll 

1. Bring the Outside In
   Instead of heading to the mall for commercially-made seasonal decorations, raid your yard for goodies like fir tree boughs and holly to create a centerpiece or some garlands to dress up the joint. If you don't have anything in your yard, wait for dark, grab some shears, and sneak over to the neighbors' place. Just kidding. Seriously, though, use what's around you. If you're in the desert, throw reusable ribbons around some cool potted succulents. If you're by the beach, scatter an array of gorgeous seashells across the tablecloth. Celebrate whatever the natural resources of your area are by inviting them to your fete as decorative guests of honor.  I decorate the table with the tree trimmings, and I use plants and flowers that at the end of the night can go to my favorite pals who helped with the shin dig!!!  I also like to hit up the sales at the end of the season and get really cute decorations that can come out every year.

 For favors: I have in the past made homemade soaps, candles, jelly, homemade gourd ornaments....  I also always try to make it a priority to buy only recycled wrapping paper. It is readily available at stores everywhere, and is the smart consumer choice.  Or I use paper grocery bags and stamp the plain side with cute little winter themed stamps and make my own wrapping paper....   Since I am a parent now, I  make those cute little photo cards instead of buying those bulky handmade cards..  But if I were not a mommy I would most likely be sending Ecards.

For sit down meals I like to make the favor the place card, kill two birds with one stone, like a jar of jelly on the plate with a name tag....   If you are not a crafty person or just don't have the time here are some super cute finds

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79963106/buy-2-get-1-free-shea-butter-natural?ref=sr_gallery_12&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=holiday+favors&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85148467/christmas-snowflake-white-clay-star?ref=sr_gallery_37&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=holiday+favors&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84567774/owl-fall-tags-place-settings-table?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=table+setting&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55210505/16-pc-oak-table-settingaccessories?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=table+setting&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade


keep the menu simple and the cost low. For starters, buy in bulk — it reduces waste and cost. One thing I notice is that a whole lot of food goes to waste from sitting on the table all evening...  Make sure to only bring to the table a little of lots of different things, and be walking around adding instead of throwing away so much at the end!!  For the menu itself, consider themes such as dessert or hors d’oeuvres to save on the stress of preparing a big meal.
 For my holiday party is is a whole lot of fried Jewish food, but easy stuff that can sit out for a couple hours... Not that any of it lasts, the minute it hits the tables it is gone around here.... The fried latkes are kinda a big deal in our house!!!!


Use washable table linens, napkins, cutlery, and dinnerware. They’re more elegant than the other disposable options, and they can be used time and time again.  I have hit up thrift stores and got 20-30 mixed matches fun place settings before for $15.00...  Huge huge deal..Start saving mason jars when you buy jam or pickles, and have guests use those to drink out of...  If they break you will be not so sad about it..  Just wash and store in a box in the garage for your next function.... If disposables are a must, consider eco-options such as versatile bamboo veneerware (dress it up or down) or the practical and affordable sugar cane ‘paper’ plates.  Make sure that if you are using disposables that people can put a cute sticker with their name on it so not so many are used and tossed....

Some great resources for more green party ideas

http://www.bambuhome.com/products/veneerware/?utm_campaign=2796&utm_term=2420478&utm_medium=google&utm_source=trada&utm_content=4148933868_16025640228
http://www.ecoproducts.com/food_services/plates_bowls/food_service_plates_bowls_index.htm
http://www.treehugger.com/culture/a-holiday-is-a-terrible-thing-to-waste.html

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/holiday-decorating-from-the-garden.html

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/care2/162/four-natural-diy-holiday-decorations.html
Make sure you set a recycle station near the garbage so friends know to separate the waste!!!

If  you have any questions please message me and tread lightly!!!!