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

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

Summer Hostess Gift

The next time you are invited to a casual backyard BBQ, consider offering your hostess this creative gift. Create a summer car wash gift basket filled with green products, such as eco-friendly sponges, organic cotton washcloths and phosphate-free liquid soap.
Photo: Martha Stewart

Modern Herbs

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

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

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

A Greenhouse Celebration

Get an extra daily dose of veggies by creating a casual greenhouse-inspired party. Reused aluminum cans filled with small edible plants are all it takes to make a vitamin-rich table setting. 

Photo: Once Wed

Pops of Color

With the final days of summer upon us, take some time this weekend to browse a local farmers’ market to explore what colorful seasonal blooms are available in your area.

Photo: Once Wed

Easy End-of-Summer Décor

Summer is all about simplicity. When planning a final end-of-season soiree find inspiration in simple eco accents. Bring coherency to a series of otherwise mismatched chairs by draping aromatic eucalyptus across their backsides. Trying to add a pop of color to your tablescape? Slices of seasonal fruit provide a fresh, eco-chic burst of brightness to individual place settings.

Photos: Green Wedding Shoes

Floating Coffee Can Vases

Add a pop of color to a casual outdoor party with this simple reuse idea. Transform a collection of aluminum coffee cans into bright, jewel-toned vases that can be set on tables or hung in order to define a party space (as seen below). Before applying a quick coat of bright paint, be sure to drill a few holes on the bottom of each can for proper drainage.

Photo: Re-Nest

Rustic Mint Chandelier

Just because the long days of summer are slowly winding down doesn’t mean it is time to abandon the many natural décor “supplies” still available in your own backyard.  Create a rustic atmosphere by crafting a hanging chandelier made from small pots of mint or other fragrant herbs. Use clippings of the herbs as fresh garnishes for cocktails and entrées throughout the party.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Picnic-Inspired Nuptials

Who says you need to spend money on folding chairs and synthetic slipcovers in order to create a romantic atmosphere? Instead, be inspired by this cozy, picnic-inspired aisle. To get the look, scour estate sales and second-hand shops for gently used quilts and sheets that are pretty enough to display. Set a small picnic-style basket beside each quilt in order to define the dimensions of your aisle. Fill each basket with locally grown flowers or with glass bottles of gourmet sodas for guests to sip and enjoy while watching your late summer nuptials.

Photos: Wedding Chicks

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

Summer Decorating

Today marks the official start of summer. If you're planning a party sometime between now and Labor Day, take advantage of the many seasonal foods, beautiful outdoor venues and natural decor elements that are available to you throughout this inherently relaxed season.
Happy summer everyone!
Photos: Martha Stewart & New Jersey Life & Rachel Ray & Wedding Chicks & Carousel Farm & Once Wed & Brides