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

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

Eco Vase Filler

A scoop of richly colored coffee beans is all you need to creatively fill any vase. An arrangement of pretty pastel-hued flowers will really pop when contrasted with the deep brown beans.
Photo: The Knot

Modern Herbs

Rustic herbs look modern on a tabletop when dressed in sleek metal containers.
Photo: Martha Stewart

Custom Bottle Stoppers

Create custom bottle stoppers with pretty found knobs. Simply adhere the knobs to corks for instant vintage glamour!
Photo: Martha Stewart

Succulent Place Card Holders

Keep things fresh at a spring or summer gathering with easy succulent place card holders. These quick, cost-effective DIY table-toppers are a breeze to assemble and will serve as a small keepsake for each guest to carry home.
Photo: The Wedding Chicks

Colorful Tabletop

As the weather warms and farm stands begin to carry an assortment of locally grown flowers, avoid the urge to be too "matchy-mathcy." Select a wide variety of flowers to create a fresh spring tabletop that reflects the beauty of your region.
Photos: Style Me Pretty

Kid-Friendly: School-Themed Party

As the school year winds to a close, celebrate your child's academic achievements by hosting a school-themed party! Glass mason jars filled with beans (or other compostable fillers) can house classic #2 pencils. Keep things informal by lining tables with sheets of Kraft paper and encourage the kiddies to doodle!
Photo: Snippet & Ink

Archive Love: Reused Fruit and Vegetable Can Centerpieces

Back in February, we created a post about tea tin centerpieces. We received a lot of positive feedback from readers about the tea tin centerpieces, and thus could not resist posting this similar party planning suggestion. Instead of tea tins, reuse aluminum cans as simple, yet decorative vases. I especially like the cans featured in this photograph, which still boast colorful labels. Browse the aisles of your local ethnic grocer to find cans with unique labels that advertise unexpected contents, such as exotic fruits. Then, find creative ways to incorporate these treats into your party menu. 

Photo: Rachel Ray

DIY Piñata

Bring a sense of playfulness to your next soiree with this unique DIY piñata, which is crafted from used music sheets. Fill the piñata with sweet eco treats for your guests to enjoy once the piñata finally hits the ground.

Photo: Ruffled

Spring-Time Garland

Blown-out eggshells that have been dyed in a variety of cheerful spring-inspired colors are the perfect vessels for a simple DIY garland or swag.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Think Spring

If this wicked winter weather has been bringing you down, look to this beautiful photo shoot for a bit of sunshine. A variety of succulents lend unexpected doses of color and texture to nearly every aspect of this celebration – from the place settings to the dessert display. Clear glass vases filled with sand-colored pebbles offer this clean, modern spread an elegant beachy vibe.
Photos: Green Wedding Shoes

Kid-Friendly Party Mobile

Add a bit of color to a kid’s party with an easy to make recycled party mobile. Scour your craft closet for leftover strands of assorted ribbons, which can be adhered to an embroidery hoop with double-sided tape.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Simple Romance

Surprise your sweetie this Valentine’s Day by stringing simple strands of homemade garland throughout your home or party space. All it takes is a creative hole punch, some string or twine and an assortment of recycled or reusable paper (vintage book pages are a smart choice).

Photo: Whipperberry