Sophisticated Earthy Décor

By selecting just a few well-edited accents, any hostess can create a party that is equally earthy and sophisticated. Natural wood accents, such as those pictured below, serve as unexpected, textural trivets while large potted herbs steal the spotlight as naturally stylish centerpieces. Trying to conserve paper? Consider neatly writing guests’ names on natural flat surfaces, such as smooth river rocks.

Photos: 100 Layer Cake

Custom Tea

Offer your guests a stylish (and eco) choice post-dinner by arranging reclaimed mason jars filled with varieties of organic teas around each table. To keep things custom, create colorful, one-of-a-kind tags for each bag.

Photo: Once Wed

Natural Bouquets

If you love the look of a local and or seasonal bloom why not consider using it for your bouquets? Rather than rely exclusively on imported cut flowers (which are grown using harsh toxins) speak with local flower growers and visit nearby farms to discuss the various flowers available in your region throughout the year. We love these simply sophisticated bouquets made from fragrant lavender.

Photo: 100 Layer Cake

Creative Coolers

Stainless steel tubs not your style? The next time you’re in need of creative storage solutions to house cold beverages make a point to look for unexpected reusable objects, such as this shabby chic tub, which functions as an adorable cooler for an outdoor event.

Photo: The Knot

A Glass Rainbow

We love the simplistic beauty found in a collection of assorted glass canisters. Whether you choose to display bottles in the same color family or to collect a mixture of jewel-toned pieces, the final look is certain to be one of modern sophistication. Before tossing used bottles or jars give them a second life. Does their color or shape make them worthy of a centerpiece display? If a search through your home doesn’t leave you with enough pieces to make a complete collection, browse for secondhand finds at local yard sales, flea markets and thrift shops, which are certain to carry unique glass pieces at budget-friendly prices.

Photos: Oh Joy

Recycled Cityscape

Hosting an affair in your favorite big city? Create your own modern eco cityscape on every table. Reused aluminum cans are the perfect vessels for the project. Begin by washing cans with warm, soapy water and allow them to fully air dry. For a skyscraper-feel, create a pattern of organized holes on all sides of each can. A non-petroleum-based votive will complete your urban-eco theme.

Photo: The Knot

Pops of Color

With the final days of summer upon us, take some time this weekend to browse a local farmers’ market to explore what colorful seasonal blooms are available in your area.

Photo: Once Wed

Modern Barn Wedding

Who says you need to rent a traditional reception venue in order to host a stylish and sophisticated wedding? With the help of white string lights, rustic branches and crisp white textiles, a historic barn is transformed into an elegant eco dining room.

Photos: Project Wedding

Easy End-of-Summer Décor

Summer is all about simplicity. When planning a final end-of-season soiree find inspiration in simple eco accents. Bring coherency to a series of otherwise mismatched chairs by draping aromatic eucalyptus across their backsides. Trying to add a pop of color to your tablescape? Slices of seasonal fruit provide a fresh, eco-chic burst of brightness to individual place settings.

Photos: Green Wedding Shoes

Autumn Eco Décor Inspiration

Although summer will long be our favorite season, growing up in the Northeast encourages a certain love of the changing seasons. In addition to cozy new scarves and crisp autumn air, September means fall-inspired party décor. Whether it is a laid-back potluck, a harvest celebration or a formal dinner party, take a cue from the natural world when creating your fall party aesthetic. Fresh mosses make for elegant table runners and woodland-inspired centerpieces that are simultaneously earthy and modern. However, a woodland theme can be incorporated into more than just a single centerpiece. Consider using natural elements such as bark and birch to create one-of-a-kind coasters, trivets and a multitude of other eco-chic accents.

Photos: Project Wedding & Martha Stewart & Once Wed

Design*Sponge City Guide

Hi Friends,

Be sure to stop by Design*Sponge today (one of our favorite resources for design inspiration) to check out our City Guide!
Photo: Design Sponge

Natural Place Cards

When looking for decorative accents to adorn place cards forgo plastic accessories and keep things as low-impact as possible. Look for natural items, such as small stones or pieces of quartz, that can easily be attached to a place card with a bit of hot glue.

Photo: Once Wed

Cheers!

Some events, such as weddings, call for a celebratory “Cheers!” If you’d like to greet a new couple or a new year with confetti be sure to release something eco into the air. Offer guests adorable corked test tubes filled with birdseed or wildflower seed or eco-friendly cones filled with fresh daisy or rose petals. 

Photos: Brides & 100 Layer Cake

Found Wood Vases

With autumn approaching, party décor will soon be making the shift from bright, seaside-inspired palettes to more earthy tones. As you begin to think about creative decorative touches for your fall affairs consider this idea, which transforms found natural elements into table-ready accents. Give thick pieces of fallen branches a second life as rustic place card holders and vases. When the party is done, compost the branches to help support your zero-waste party-planning efforts.

Photos: Once Wed

Floating Coffee Can Vases

Add a pop of color to a casual outdoor party with this simple reuse idea. Transform a collection of aluminum coffee cans into bright, jewel-toned vases that can be set on tables or hung in order to define a party space (as seen below). Before applying a quick coat of bright paint, be sure to drill a few holes on the bottom of each can for proper drainage.

Photo: Re-Nest

Reuse: Board Game Pieces

Add a touch of your personal style to your party by reusing commonly found items as one-of-a-kind party décor. Here, board game pieces are adhered to otherwise simple place card holders (in addition to an assortment of other reused trinkets, such as wine corks). While decidedly quirky, the final look is chic enough for a formal affair.

Photos: 100 Layer Cake

Rustic Mint Chandelier

Just because the long days of summer are slowly winding down doesn’t mean it is time to abandon the many natural décor “supplies” still available in your own backyard.  Create a rustic atmosphere by crafting a hanging chandelier made from small pots of mint or other fragrant herbs. Use clippings of the herbs as fresh garnishes for cocktails and entrées throughout the party.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Edible Decor

We're no strangers to decorating with food. Thus, you can imagine our excitment to see the growing trend of decorating with colorful and textural vegetables. From fresh green peas and summery heirloom tomatoes to earthy squashes, decorating with fresh produce is perfect for any season and any color scheme. The next time you're in need of some fresh tabletop inspiration, look no further than the baskets filled with compostable goodies found at your local farmers' market.
Photos: Cap Classique

Natural Leaf Coasters

Why purchase synthetic coasters when you can use natural ones instead? The next time you visit your local florist, ask him or her to order you a stack of natural banana leaves. The leaves, which are large enough to fit most drinking glasses, mugs and stemware, will add a touch of tropical flair to your table setting. Photo: Martha Stewart

Bandana Table Setting

The next time you're cleaning out closets and dresser drawers be sure to hold onto vintage scarves and gently worn bandanas. Brightly colored bandanas are a smart way to add bursts of color to a tabletop. Spread the washed and ironed bandanas down the center of your table to serve as a fun and colorful table runner. For kid-friendly favors consider wrapping small candies or toys in the jewel-toned bandanas. Because of their basic square shape, reused bandanas can also be used as festive cloth napkins.
Photo: Bridesmaid

Succulent Cake Toppers

It’s true: we’ve been known to rave above succulents in the past and for good reason!

Since they require very little water and care, can be quite textural, have the potential to last for years and are available in an array of colors including greens, oranges, purples, pinks and reds they’ve become instant stars within the green design community.  We adore the idea of using succulents to dress up an otherwise simple cake. Such a pretty and unexpected way to add a few extra green accents to any party!

Photo: 100 Layer Cake

Picnic-Inspired Nuptials

Who says you need to spend money on folding chairs and synthetic slipcovers in order to create a romantic atmosphere? Instead, be inspired by this cozy, picnic-inspired aisle. To get the look, scour estate sales and second-hand shops for gently used quilts and sheets that are pretty enough to display. Set a small picnic-style basket beside each quilt in order to define the dimensions of your aisle. Fill each basket with locally grown flowers or with glass bottles of gourmet sodas for guests to sip and enjoy while watching your late summer nuptials.

Photos: Wedding Chicks