Throwing an Eco-friendly party is truly ideal for this time of year. The flowers are blooming, green is peaking through and the sun is shining down on everyone. Planning a party during this time of year will help get everyone out of the house to beat the winter blues. So, why not throw an environmentally friendly themed party? What a perfect time to throw this party! It helps get the idea of "going green" out there and is a great theme for a springtime party. So, Wedding and Party Network is here to offer a few tips and ideas that will get you started.
The Basics
Party Invitations: Start saving trees with your invitations by sending e-vites. Sending e-vites doesn't need paper at all. Your guests will just need a computer and the internet. If you don't want to go that route, make sure your invites are recyclable.
Tableware: Of course, your party will include a table full of delicious food. However, this is one of the biggest waste of your party. Plates, napkins, bowls, table linens and utensils all are extremely wasteful and not very Eco-friendly.
Instead of the paper plates, use reusable tableware. Mix and match fun glass plates that you will be able to reuse throughout your everyday life. Or, find recycled plastic plates that you can reuse. However, if you must go with paper, remember to recycle!
Party Decorations: Find party decorations that are reusable and recyclable. Fun party lanterns, felt banners, Chinese lanterns and colorful glass would look great at any party. Stick with something that can be reused again for other parties. Mainly, stay away from balloons. These are harmful to the environment, since they are not biodegradable.
Get creative and find fun party decorations that you have around the house or something that can be reused throughout the home or for another party. As part of your decor, you should place recyclable bins out to stress the importance of "going green".
Party Favors: Remember, think Eco-friendly party favors. Which means, let them take something home that they can use again. A fun canvas bag customized towards the recipient. If it's a child's birthday party, fill their gift bag up with color pages printed on recycled paper, felt birthday crowns, recycled rainbow crayons and organic raisins. However, if you are wanting to create a thank you gift for an adult party you may want to stick with organic gourmet foods or soy candles.
There are lots of ways to keep your party environmental friendly. Like, keep your food organic. Always think of ways that you can reuse that item for the party. Whether it be a party decoration that you can reuse again for another party, a party favor that the guests will truly use at home or how that item can be recycled. Definitely emphasize the importance of recycling and what it does for our environment.
Eco-Friendly Party Theme Ideas
If you want to do more than just incorporate Eco-friendly items into your party, go with a theme that will help cut down on supplies and will offer ever lasting memories.
Star Gazing Party: If there is a meteor shower or on a clear night, grab some sleeping bags and lawn chairs and host a star-gazing party. Provide telescopes, binoculars, and constellation maps for your guests. Also, offer some warming hot chocolate, smores or fruits and vegetables. Just remember to keep it organic.
Camp & Cookout Party: Provide an outdoor experience with a camping party. Pitch tents and roll out sleeping bags for a party experience your guests won't forget. Roast marshmallows, serve drinks in reusable glasses and sit around and tell fun stories.
Craft Party: Have left over scrap paper, stickers and craft supplies? Throw a craft party for your little one or friends. Make candles, melt down candles to make rainbow candles, create jewelry, bird houses out of plastic bottles or anything else that might be unique. You're reusing items that you and your guests will be able to use everyday.
Helping out with the environment is a huge trend now. So plan your next party to make sure you are helping out the environment. Throwing an Eco-chic party will help spread the word to your guests and teach you kids the importance of being environmentally friendly. These party tips will help you along the way in throwing a successful party!
This post is brought to you by Philadelphia Caterers.
Not in Philadelphia, PA? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a formal wear supplier near you!
Dishes photo, craft photo, smores provided by johnpaulgogue, hellojenuine, fro and a fork via flickr.
Great article!
The more we read and talk about respecting our environment, the more likely it is that people will see it goes beyond just a "huge trend".
Just two small things: Firstly, many types of professional-grade latex balloons are 100% biodegradable. Also: watch out for soy. ~90% of soy in the US is genetically modified, not to mention sprayed with pesticides and not very good for us or the planet!