Concrete Vases

Put an urban twist on your eco party planning by transforming cinder blocks into chic, modern vases.
Photo: Loveolio

Reused Denim

Here is an unexpected way to get a second life out of a pair of old jeans: use the denim to decorate your party! Wrap dark pieces of denim around everything from glass bottles to empty coffee cans in order to create a one-of-a-kind table spread.
Photos: Style Unveiled

DIY Painted Vases

I don't know about you, but I find it terribly frustrating when I browse the gardening aisles of a store and find the price stickers adhered to simple flower pots and vases. Yikes! However, there's no need to spend big bucks in order to spruce up your favorite plants. The next time you're at your local hardware store, be sure to browse their selection of "mistake paint" (the small jars of "mistake" colors often cost anywhere from $1-$5) for quirky colors you can use to refinish and reinvent your old jars or pots.
Photos: Luna and Chloe Weddings & Joy's Hope 

Creative Ice Cream Cones

No need for paper plates here! Consider serving simple summer treats in kid-friendly (and adult-friendly, too) ice cream cones!
Photo: Bakers Royale

Message in a Bottle

Create a nautical theme with easy DIY message in a bottle place cards. Simply slip a note marked with each guests' name inside of a reused glass bottle and leave at every plate.
Photo: Martha Stewart

Exotic Plants

There is no need to create centerpieces that incorporate multiple flower varieties. Instead, offer your guests a striking conversation starter with a bold single stem. Consult your florist to inquire about unusual plants that are sprouting up in your area.
Photos: Green Wedding Shoes

Terracotta Cupcake Holders

Create a cupcake display by reusing wiped down terracotta pots. The small pots are just the right size to house these tasty treats and will look pretty for a garden party or other outdoor event.
Photo: Emmaline Bride

Sunflower Place Card

A simple sunflower clipping makes a bold statement when used as a natural summer place card.
Photo: Martha Stewart

Drink Covers

Keep all your summer drinks free from unwanted critters with these cute drink covers. Search through your kitchen cabinets for unused cupcake liners. Gently poke holes in the center of each liner, flip each liner upside down to cover each glass, slide a straw through the hole and enjoy!

Photo: Martha Stewart

Terracotta Serving Platters

Hosting a garden party? Before purchasing new serving pieces to suit your theme, scour through your potting shed for a variety of terracotta pottery. Wipe each piece of terracotta with a dry towel and cover with a pretty dishcloth or creative natural element (as pictured below).
Photo: Martha Stewart

Multi-Use:Mason Jars

While scouring spring flea markets, be sure to stock up on mason jars for all your entertaining needs. These classic jars are the perfect multi-use party accessory. With a bit of thoughtful planning, they can easily be incorporated into all aspects of your event, from your floral centerpieces to lighting to post-party clean-up.
Photos: Etsy

Floral Pin Place Cards

When it comes to place cards offer your guests more than just a designated place to sit. Instead, offer them fun, quirky pins as small favors. A simple search on sites such as Etsy will provide a number of vintage retailers who carry gently used secondhand jewelry, much of which can be purchased in bulk for a fair price.

Photo: The Knot

A Sweet Accent

Creating a final DIY accent to compliment a candy or dessert bar is just as simple as the sweets themselves! A collection of pretty pastel cupcake liners can easily be weaved into adorable strings of homemade garland. This is such a great way to rid your pantry of unused items and fashion something stylish simultaneously.

Photo: Green Wedding Shoes

Tavin Bridal Collection

In a world of one-time-use fashion, we so love finding solid vintage apparel resources that carry pieces well worth a second wear. L.A.’s Tavin Boutique recently added a Bridal Collection to their already eclectic selection of vintage apparel and accessories. Each of Tavin’s vintage bridal gowns are priced under $1,000, making the decision to purchase vintage not only an environmental choice, but a financial choice as well.

In addition to their new bridal collection, Tavin also carries a number of breezy, bohemian-inspired dresses that are perfect honeymoon pieces.

Tavin is currently offering Something Green readers 10% off their new bridal collection, so be sure to take some time to browse their beautiful vintage pieces and make mention of the fact that you first found them on Something Green!

Photos:

Tavin Boutique

Vintage Hankies

Touching vows. A memorable dance. The perfect speech. Many events lend to a trail of happy tears. Help your guests dry their eyes with vintage hankies. Organize small baskets or boxes of the hankies within easy reach to help your guests dry their eyes whenever needed (in the picture below, a small note reads “keep your eyes dry & your heart warm [please take one]”).

Photo: Once Wed

Reuse: Recycled Sweaters

While spring-cleaning this season, forgo the temptation to ditch all of last season’s sweaters. Instead, consider giving new life to gently worn sweaters by repurposing them as fashionable décor. Dress up plain bowls by pulling a sweater sleeve over each bowl; line up the cuff with the top of the bowl and secure with some hot glue. Have some old vases or jars hidden in the closet? Simply slip a sweater sleeve over the vase, stretch the fabric so it is long enough to cover the full length of the vase and hot glue into place.

Photos: Country Living

The Garden Collection

H&M’s new Garden Collection proves that sustainable fashion can be stylish. The new collection, released just in time for spring, is made with environmentally adapted materials like recycled polyesters, organic cotton and organic linen. Available at H&M stores nationwide, the collection includes a range of warm weather separates, as well as on-trend accessories such as silky scarves and headbands. We especially love the many affordable party-worthy dresses, as pictured below.

Photos: The Garden Collection

We LOVE: Baggu Bags

If you’ve ever thought about using a reusable bag to cart home all of the groceries for your next dinner party (but haven’t been able to find one you’d actually be willing to wear) search no further. Baggu Bags are sort of like the American Apparel of reusable bags (think simple designs, affordable prices and styles available in every shade on the color wheel). And if that doesn’t sway you, consider this fact: if you use one Baggu bag for one year, you may save up to 700 plastic bags from reaching landfills.

Photos: Baggu Bags

Laurel Denise

There are few things we enjoy more in life than supporting other creative-minded women. As briefly mentioned in yesterday’s “weekly wrap-up” post, one such woman who we are all about supporting is the jewelry designer, stationary designer and artist, Laurel Denise. We had the pleasure of meeting Laurel back in January at the New York City Gift Show, and we were instantly smitten by her delicate necklaces and bracelets, each of which is inscribed with illustrations or simply stated words of inspiration in her signature delicate handwriting. Her jewelry has a beautiful, feminine aesthetic, making it perfect for the everyday or as a keepsake gift for your bridesmaids to wear on your special day. 

Photos: Laurel Denise