How To Plan The Perfect Eco-Friendly Soiree
With the warm weather finally upon us, the outdoor party circuit is in full swing. Backyard fiestas and rooftop cocktail hours are just a few of our favourite summertime activities. Tis the season to host a party, and who doesn't love a theme? Living green can seem daunting. Simplify things this summer by putting an eco-friendly twist on your next big (or not so big) backyard bash. Gather up a group of your closest gal pals and make it a night to remember with these five green and simple party tips.
1.Create a Menu Based on Local and Sustainable Food - Take responsibility for the main dish but have guests bring appetizers, sides and dessert. Most cities have local farmers markets so insist that everyone use local ingredients and have each guest write out their recipe on a note card made from recycled paper that you leave at the table. This is a fun activity and will encourage buying locally. Warm weather calls for lighter fare so try prawn and vegetable skewers (think red pepper, Spanish onion, and zucchini). Buy sustainable seafood and prepare the skewers beforehand so you don't have to fuss when your guests arrive.
2. Avoid Using Paper Products They may seem easier but avoid using paper plates at all costs, and don't be tempted by those Styrofoam cups either. Glassware is much more chic and you'll be so busy thinking about how much fun you had that you won't mind washing the dishes the next day...promise.
3. Bottoms Up! Every good party needs a signature cocktail and nothing says Girls Night like a Green-tini. Use organic vodka any brand will do but TRU and Rain are popular. The below recipe is an uber-simple fan favourite.
2 oz organic vodka
1 oz apple schnapps
1 oz melon liqueur
Lime juice
Place vodka, schnapps and melon liqueur in a martini shaker with ice. Shake well and pour into a classic martini glass. Add a squeeze of lime juice and garnish with a thin slice of green apple and a slice of lime.
4. Lighting and Decor Avoid spending money on disposable plastic decorations, use items you have around the house or flowers from your own garden for your outdoor decor. Bowls of green apples can also add a festive touch. Create mood lighting by lighting vegetable and soy based candles. Make it a point not to use electricity. When the party moves indoors, bring the candles with you. Play games like Truth or Dare instead of turning on a movie.
5. Clothing Swap Instead of buying something new this season, have every guest bring at least one accessory or clothing item that they no longer use but is still in good condition. Have your guests draw numbers from a hat and go in order to choose.
Throw all of this together and you'll have an unforgettable party that would even receive the Martha Stewart stamp of approval. Your guests will leave your all-green party most definitely delighted and slightly more eco-savvy. You'll be the talk of the town for good reason. It's easy being green!
By Carine Redmond
 Carine Redmond, Western Contributor | |
| About the author: | |
A West Coast baby at heart, Carine grew up in Ottawa and attended McGill University in Montreal before setting her sights on Vancouver in 2008. Carine works in PR and has a passion for all things celebrity and media related. She can usually be found catching up on her celebrity gossip, playing with her Polaroid camera or people watching at the beach (while working on her tan of course). Style icons include Jackie Kennedy, Tom Ford, and Judith Light as Angela Bower. Can’t live without: cherry chapstick, morning television. | |
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Je suis fière de tes tendences écolo! Tu te souviens qu'à St_Stan . je compostais et que j'avais effectué la stabilisation des rives avec du géoweb à mes frais.