Edible Birthday Garland

Planning a child’s birthday bash? Forgo traditional garlands, which are often made of synthetic materials, and instead opt for playful strands of candy necklaces. When guests begin to file out, encourage the kiddies to help with clean-up duties (they’ll love snacking on this sweet party treat!).

Photo: Martha Stewart

Natural Harvest-Inspired Accents

No need to toss too-long tablecloths when prepping your Thanksgiving table setting. With a bit of twine and some natural harvest-inspired accents, such as dried slices of citrus fruits, pesky linens can easily be draped to fit any sized table.

Photo: Martha Stewart 

Beautiful Burlap

In recent years burlap (a sustainable textile) has made a new name for itself in the world of décor and party design. Neutral burlap table runners lend to an elegant aesthetic when paired with vintage-inspired place settings and delicate votives.

Photos: The Wedding Chicks

Plover Organic Sample Sale

We’ve written about Plover Organic in the past. We adore their colorful vintage-inspired table linens, which are beautiful (and affordable enough) for casual entertaining; however, we also adore the company’s environmental commitment (Plover Organic uses 100% organic cotton, low-impact, fiber reactive dyes and meets Fair Labor regulations).

From August 4^th through August 6^th Plover Organic will be having a HUGE online sample sale. For three days, all non-sale items on the company’s site will be 50% off! In addition, 1% of all proceeds will be donated to the National Wildlife Federation to help aid clean up efforts in the gulf.

Photo: Plover Organic

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

Burlap Table Runner

Burlap, commonly known as the itchy fabric used to make potato sacks, is given a stylish makeover as a table runner. When paired with crisp white linens and easy tabletop décor, a burlap runner makes for an unexpectedly elegant eco accent (burlap is made from jute, a fast growing, sustainable and renewable resource).

Photo: Rock, Paper, Scissors

Making a Comeback: Cloth Napkins

Growing up, cloth napkins were always reserved for special occasions in my home. However, today, as more consumers are making an effort to reduce their daily waste, cloth napkins are making a pretty noticeable comeback. When shopping for décor for your next event, opt out of paper napkins and instead look for cloth napkins, tablecloths and table runners that are made from organic cotton and eco-friendly, low-impact dyes.

Photos: Plover Organics & Bambeco & Etsy

Fair Trade Table Linens

Photo: The Africa House

Recently, I’ve been on the hunt for an interesting table runner. I have a beautiful, round white kitchen table, which I originally loved for its simplicity; however, lately, I’ve been somewhat bored by its, well, bareness. Theafricahouse.com offers beautiful tablecloths, table runners and napkins that are perfect for the everyday or for entertaining. But the beautiful designs and reasonable prices are not the best part: all products featured on the website are created under fair trade conditions. When you log on, in addition to checking out the many artful textiles, be sure to view the leather-beaded napkin rings, adorably adorned with a beaded heart design – the perfect compliment for any Valentine’s Day table setting.