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 

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

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

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 Gifting

Planning a birthday bash? Wrapping up a hostess gift?  Instead of purchasing tissue paper or other box fillers that are likely to be used once before being tossed in the trash, consider shredding old magazines, newspapers, or any other paper products you may have around your home.
Photo: Martha  Stewart

Spring Favors

Spring has (almost) sprung! Offer your guests pretty party favors inspired by the new season. Reused aluminum cans filled with bulbs are a charming and thoughtful take-away gift for any spring celebration.
Photos: Once Wed

Gothic Glamour

Add a touch of gothic glamour to your table setting by substituting traditional vases with vintage pharmacy bottles. Online vendors, such as Etsy, carry an eclectic assortment of the bottles at fair prices (we love the bottles adorned with French script, see below).

Photos: Etsy & Ruffled

Lovely Lace

Nothing says “wedding” like layers of lace. When planning the décor for your homemade wedding be sure to browse consignment shops for scraps of vintage lace. Consider trimming table edges or the edges of your cake stand with this elegant accent. Looking for another option? Thick strips of vintage lace will serve as unexpected “hangers” from which you can drape small glass candleholders.

Photos: Austin Wedding Blog

Recycled Paper Streamers

Ring in the New Year with chic recycled décor. With just a few snips and a bit of creativity, leftover rolls of holiday wrapping paper are transformed into decidedly sophisticated streamers.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Last Minute Eco Ornaments

Time to put the final trimming on your tree before your holiday guests arrive? Use resources that you likely have around your home, such as loose buttons, to create quick last minute touches for your festive soiree.

Photo: Martha Stewart

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

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

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

Napkin Pillowcases

Leave it to a few spills to turn an otherwise lovely set of cloth napkins into a collection of strays. Add some color to an al fresco meal by refashioning spare cloth napkins into beautiful, summer-worthy pillowcases. The pillows can be tossed onto an otherwise bland bench for a bright burst or can be used as decorative chair cushions.

Photo: 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