The Eco Luxe Life

Planning for a summer BBQ? Be sure to pay a visit to our friends at The Eco Luxe Life today to check out SG's most recent guest post about throwing a perfectly green summer BBQ! Enjoy!

Photo: The Eco Luxe Life via Martha Stewart

Green Wedding Inspiration

A beautiful greenhouse photo shoot. Reusable mason jar vases and drinking glasses. Reclaimed wood. A scenic outdoor setting. Low impact centerpieces. Reused shutters and books as tabletop décor.

This charming, shabby-chic wedding is equal parts green and stylish.

Photos: Green Wedding Shoes

Apothecary Bottles

Instead of using electricity to light an outdoor buffet or bar, consider this simple, yet romantic solution. Gather clear apothecary bottles (which can often be found in bulk at flea markets) and fill them with wicks and lamp oil. Arrange the bottles inside of a hurricane (you can reuse it after the party) to protect the flames from the wind. Depending on the size of the individual bottles, the flames should last for at least several hours.

Photos: Martha Stewart

Paper Lantern Vases

Disguise small drinking glasses with Chinese paper lanterns to add low-impact pops of color to your party. To achieve this look, simply trace the top of the glass onto the top of the lantern so that your glass will easily fit inside of the paper. Then, cut out that circle and slide in the glass. The lantern should catch on the rim of the glass. Fill each glass with water and bunches of locally grown flowers. No one will realize that the quirky vases are actually costumed juice glasses taken from your cupboard!

Photo: Martha Stewart

Candlelit Footpath

Why burn up extra electricity if you can avoid it? If you’re considering hosting an evening affair, add some style (and some safety) to a footpath with mason jar candleholders (they would look equally pretty for a daytime party). Place a soy (or other eco friendly) candle into a reused jar and alternate with some simple seasonal flowers (as pictured below). After all the guests are gone, wash each mason jar with warm, soapy water (after the jars have cooled from the candlelight, of course) and reuse for extra storage or as a vase. Or, opt to keep the jars as decorative candleholders that you can use year-round!

Photo: Once Wed

Smart Eco Place Settings

Give your guests something to talk about during dinner. Instead of purchasing new, traditional chargers or placemats, rummage through your bookshelves for some décor inspiration. Gently tear out pages from an old book (or a dictionary, as pictured below) and place the pages beneath plates for a “smart” (pun fully intended), vintage feel. After a few glasses of wine, guests are certain to share some laughs while reading their favorite passages to each other.

Photo: Green Wedding Shoes

Essence of Vali

I first became interested in aromatherapy when I was about 13, thanks to my very cool, very “in the know” aunt. Once I realized the deeply healing affects that plant essences could have on my body and my mind, I was hooked. Since party planning, specifically wedding planning, can include so much stress, I’ve been thinking for a while now that aromatherapy products might be a nice gesture to offer a hostess or a group of bridesmaids.

About a month ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Valerie Bennis, the founder of Essence of Vali, while browsing at the NYC Go Green Expo. Essence of Vali specializes in beautifully packaged aromatherapy products – everything from bath oils to body mists – that leave skin soft and have soothing, subtle scents. Essence of Vali products are all-natural and are made in the U.S.A, which means you can give them entirely guilt-free. Looking for a thoughtful, yet affordable, going-away gift for a couple of honeymooners? Check out the sleep travel set, which comes packaged in a pretty organza pouch. In search of the perfect sexy something to compliment your bridal shower gift? Try the sensual passion-scented massage oil and body mist. I especially like the company’s “Sleep” line; I’ve been dabbing the concentrated sleep-scented oil on my pillowcases for several weeks now and have enjoyed many nights of peaceful, uninterrupted rest. For more about their products, please visit Essence of Vali.

Photos: Essence of Vali

Reuse: Buttons

For a colorful, vintage-inspired accent, gather a collection of loose buttons in a simple vase or mason jar. Arrange a small cluster of button vases in the center of a casual cocktail table or scatter several across a buffet.

Modern Simplicity

Reduce the amount of potential waste in your next centerpiece by sticking with a clean but modern design. Place a single, colorful stem into a translucent glass vase and fully submerge with water. The water will slightly magnify the flower, transforming something simple into something decidedly stylish.

Photo: Rachel Ray

Fruit Favors

Give your guests something sweet at your next get together. Instead of a candy bar, arrange individual bags of organic cherries or any other variety of local and/or organic seasonal fruit for guests to pick up and enjoy on their way out of the party. They’ll be grateful for a healthy, yet sweet, snack.

Photo: Martha Stewart