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

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

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

Jelloware

If you’d like to use earth-friendly disposable dinnerware at your next party but would still like to keep things stylish you’ll love this innovative new “jelloware.” These disposable cups are made from agar agar and are cast in unique flavors such as lemon-basil and rosemary-mint. When the cocktails are gone guests can nibble on these flavorful cups and toss any remains in the compost bin.

Photos: The Way We See the World

Disposable Dinnerware

For casual parties eliminate access waste by swapping conventional paper plates with biodegradable or compostable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery. These earth-friendly disposable dinnerware options are made from renewable resources, such as bagasse (a sugarcane fiber that remains after the juice has been extracted from sugarcane plants), corn and ingeo (a natural plastic made from renewable resources). Companies like Branch Home even carry biodegradable party kits, which include sturdy FDA-approved biodegradable tableware products, with service for 50.

Photo: Branch Home

Core Bamboo

Back in January, we had the pleasure of stumbling across Core Bamboo while browsing the aisles of the New York City Gift Show. Core Bamboo makes beautiful, eco-friendly serving pieces, including trays, bowls and servers, that are functional enough and stylish enough for any party, big or small. Each of the company's products are made from 100% organically grown bamboo, a sustainable material, as well as food safe water-based adhesives, natural oils and lacquer made from natural cashew trees.
Photos: Core Bamboo

Quick DIY Serving Pieces

Entertaining in a pinch? Browse your kitchen cabinets for common items, such as pretty plates, sundae cups and glasses. Simply flip the cups or glasses upside down in order to create a sturdy base and then center a plate on top of each cup or glass. These quick and easy DIY serving pieces are perfect for displaying lightweight finger foods and appetizers and can be assembled in literally seconds. Perfect for those occasions when company unexpectedly drops in!

Photos: Relish