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How to host a planet-friendly party.
The art of hosting is like any other: It requires attention to detail, patience, and creativity. When done well, it fosters community — a valuable thing to have, especially as we face a warming climate.
But hosting a party can lead you down a seedy path of quick fixes in the form of red solo cups and mylar balloons. Those small choices add up to a problem for the planet.
Luckily, it doesn’t take a lot of money or even that much planning to make more eco-friendly choices. Here are our tips for stress-free, sustainable celebrations.
Party Prep
Set the tone before the party even starts by choosing digital invitations over paper ones. Most e-vite platforms are free. They send invitations to your guests’ devices instantly and allow them to RSVP in one click, saving you on paper, postage, and time.
An invitation doubles as an opportunity to make specific requests of your guests that will keep your event as low-impact as possible. Encourage them to carpool, take public transportation, or bike to your event. You can make it easier by setting up a designated spot where guests can park their bikes when they arrive.
And if you’re hosting a party where you expect gifts, ask people to shop local and secondhand or give handmade items or experiences. (Here’s a list of our favorite experiential gifts.)
Atmosphere and Decorations
The most eco-friendly way to decorate is by using what you already have and avoiding anything disposable or made from harmful materials like plastic. Use it as an opportunity to flex your creativity!
Here’s one idea: Turn scrap fabric — think worn-out clothes, sheets, and rags — into bunting banners that you can use (then reuse) for any celebration. If the fabric you have on hand is more muted in color than festive, try dyeing it with dried flowers, spices, and other natural materials. All you have to do is simmer the dyeing material in a pot with the fabric and wait until it absorbs your desired amount of color. Then, cut out diamond shapes from your scrap fabric and sew each diamond in half to create thick, double-sided triangles. Add your triangles to a long strip of fabric and voila! A festive and reusable banner made from scraps.
For more DIY decor, head to the kitchen. String together popcorn, cranberries, dehydrated citrus slices, and herbs with twine to make garlands from all-natural materials. If you have any leftover citrus (even just the peels), simmer them in a pot with your favorite essential oils and spices. The aroma will fill your home with a welcoming scent for your guests, and your food waste will be put to good use.
For outdoor decor, try reusable paper lanterns instead of balloons, and instead of confetti, hole-punch leaves into small pieces or sprinkle flower petals on tables. Liven the atmosphere even more with plenty of (wildlife-friendly) solar lights and live plants.
Food and Drink
For delicious, planet-friendly recipes, look no further than Bluedot Living Kitchen’s very own recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a small-bites cocktail hour, or a full-on dinner party, we’ve got you covered. And use this handy tool to estimate how much food you really need — no more choosing between starving guests and mounds of food waste.
But if you do end up with leftovers, don’t be shy about sending them home with guests! Pack them up in reusable silicone bags or on plates covered with beeswax wrap to reduce waste. (Or ask your guests to bring their own containers ahead of time.)
And what’s a party without drinks? We’ve spotlighted a few of our favorite sustainably made liquors and wines, and Bluedot’s draft beer–enthusiast Jim Miller has lent his expertise to discovering the most eco-friendly way to serve beer. Turns out the humble keg remains a paragon of sturdy reusability, recyclability, and thrift. Or, visit your local brewery to get growlers — refillable glass bottles, usually 64 ounces or 2 liters, filled with fresh, local beer.
Whatever you choose to serve, don’t do it on disposables. Search your local secondhand shops for plates, cups, vintage silverware, linens, and cloth napkins. They make cheap and elegant alternatives to throwaway serveware.
