Recycled Jack O’ Lanterns

A quick coat of earth-toned paint and some strategically placed holes are all you need to transform a collection of used aluminum cans into display-worthy eco jack o’ lanterns. Line your walkways with these easy DIY lanterns or arrange them on a bar or buffet.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Recycled Paper

When incorporating recycled paper into your party décor think of unique options that surpass bags of confetti. This lovely table setting features rippled placemats, napkin covers, chair accents and other small table accessories all crafted from reclaimed book pages.

Photos: Green Wedding Shoes

Fall Centerpiece

When creating autumn centerpieces look to the natural world for inspiration.  Gourds, kumquats and pumpkins are only a few examples of the hardy, colorful vegetables available for simply elegant fall centerpieces. 

Photo: Martha Stewart

Branches & Birds

There is no need to sacrifice your eco commitment in order to create a dramatic tablescape. Reclaimed glass mason jars provide the perfect foundation for centerpieces created using a mixture of seasonal flowers (to add color), natural branches (to create height) and small origami birds (to add originality).

Photos: The Wedding Chicks

Ferns: Crisp Tabletop Décor

When dreaming up their tabletop aesthetic, many hostesses immediately imagine brightly colored blooming flowers as part of the repertoire. However, fresh green ferns lend a light, crisp tropical feel to any table. When using ferns aim to keep things simple. Just a few sprigs of fern look modern when paired with glass containers, clean white linens and just a few earth-colored accents, such as a burlap runner.

Photos: 100 Layer Cake

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

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

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

A Fishy Approach

Small fish bowls, which are easy to find either used (at garage sales) or new (at pet or craft supply stores), are perfect reusable vessels. In addition to fish, they are also ideal receptacles for candles and do-it-yourself arrangements for small parties or cocktail hours. To start, add colorful items, such as marbles, vintage jewelry or stones, to the bottom of each fish bowl. Then, fill each bowl with water and float a statement flower (such as a peony or Gerbera Daisy) in the water for easy elegance. Because of their simplistic design, the bowls can be reused again and again.

Photos: Project Wedding & Ruffled

Coffee and the Morning Paper

Get a second use from your morning paper before it hits the bottom of the recycling bin. Transform unattractive metal coffee cans into artful vases by carefully gluing newspaper pages to their exteriors. Another creative option: pick up a copy of a foreign newspaper. The foreign newsprint will provide guests with interesting table fodder.

Photo: Once Wed

Endless Summer

For a beachside bash pieces of found driftwood make for naturally sculptural centerpieces. Display the driftwood horizontally across a dining table, being sure to thoroughly wipe the wood with clean, dry cloths. Weave white paraffin-free votives or small natural elements among the driftwood for an easy and elegant touch.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Kid-Friendly

For a kid-friendly centerpiece fill a series of reclaimed mason jars (which can often be found at flea markets, yard sales and second-hand shops) with sand. Then, stick playful accessories, such as paper pinwheels (crafted from recycled paper), into the sand.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Making Waves

Create an ocean-inspired scene right on your tabletop. To begin you’ll need two large glass vases. Be sure that one vase is slightly smaller so that it can easily fit inside of the larger vase. Place a white paraffin-free pillar candle into the center vase. Fill the outer vase with turquoise tinted water using organic or vegan food coloring to make instant waves at your next eco-party. (Eco-tip: Can't find recycled glass vases? Opt for practical vases that you are likely to reuse post-party).

Photo: Martha Stewart

Spicy Centerpieces

Make use of old spices by creating aromatic "sand art." Using several types of spices and a variety of uniquely shaped glass vases pour the spices into each vase (one spice at a time) in order to create a colorful and fragrant layered look.

Photo: Rachel Ray

Herb Centerpieces and Favors

This time of year, nearly every grocer, garden center and farmers’ market boasts a wide variety of fresh herbs for sale. This summer, take advantage of local agriculture by incorporating herbs such as thyme, rosemary and lavender into a bouquet. Fresh herbs, which come in a variety of colors and textures, also make fragrant additions to centerpieces. Not what you had in mind? Consider offering your guests small potted herbs as favors that they can take home and enjoy in their own kitchens.

Photos: Brides & Martha Stewart

Unexpected Vases

Still convinced that a beautiful vase needs to be crafted from crystal and come with a hefty price tag? Be eco-friendly and budget-friendly by sorting through your cabinets and closets with a new set of eyes in order to discover common household items that can be reused as lovely vases or other decorative canisters.

Photo: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Wine Bottle Vases

Save up all those used wine bottles! Simply rinse the used bottles with warm, soapy water and allow them to fully air dry. Once clean, give the bottles a second life as vintage-inspired vases. For coherency, use only one flower variety and place a single stem into each bottle for an easy, eco-look.
Photo: 100 Layer Cake

DIY: Pantry-Inspired Centerpieces

Next time you’re in need of some centerpiece inspiration, look no further than your pantry. Dried beans serve as a pretty earth-toned base to anchor a single spring clipping. Both the beans and the flowers can be composted once the table has been cleared.

Photo: Rachel Ray

Exotic Inspiration

Amp up the exotic vibe at a laid-back summer get-together with this low-impact idea. Fill a simple bowl or serving piece with water and tropical colored floating candles. Place a few orchids in the water to float beside the candles; you can also scatter several orchids across the table for an easy, organic vibe.

Photo: Martha Stewart