Assorted Glass Arrangement

Thinking about what to do with all of your unused vases? Gather a collection of glass canisters, such as small vases, apothecary bottles and cleaned out jelly jars. Organize the jars in a small serving tray, which will provide a sense of coherency to the otherwise mismatched pieces. In no particular order, place small, delicate clippings in a handful of the canisters to create a shabby chic, eco-friendly arrangement that will be perfect on a coffee table or as the main centerpiece on a dining table.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Bridesmaids Dresses

Rather than ask each member of your bridal party to purchase a specific dress to wear exclusively to your wedding, consider asking bridesmaids to purchase dresses they may actually get to wear a second (or third or fourth) time.

Start by selecting one color you’d like for each bridesmaid to wear, such as black. Then, set any specific guidelines you’d like each dress to meet (ex: strapless, tea-length, etc.). Allow your bridesmaids to either raid their closets or to purchase new dresses that meet your guidelines, but also suit each girl’s individual style preference. Emphasize to your bridesmaids to purchase dresses they find flattering and comfortable. By doing this, they are more likely to actually wear the dresses again to other events. All eco talk aside, your girls will be happy to spend money on dresses that may actually see multiple uses.

Photo: Wedding Chicks

Memorial Day BBQs

Happy Memorial Day! If you're planning a BBQ today, be sure to read our April guest post on the Eco Luxe Life about planning a green summer BBQ!

Enjoy!
Photos: Eco Luxe Life via Martha Stewart

Local Flowers

In many communities, Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of the summer season. With this, farmers’ markets across the nation begin to open and/or expand for the warm weather months. This weekend, be inspired by the lovely Aussie couple (featured below) who incorporated beautiful and totally unique locally grown flowers into their nuptials. Go browse your local market or a nearby farm to explore the various varieties of local flowers that are in season in your area.

Photos: 100 Layer Cake

Cork Trivets

Affordable, eco-friendly serving ware if only a few sips away! Consider saving your used corks and repurposing them into trivets that are both stylish and sturdy enough to protect your countertops. The cork trivets will be fun accents for a wine and cheese party or a casual dinner.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Moss Decorations from Dream Green Weddings

From centerpieces to accents, moss is making its way mainstream. In particular, a new collection of moss-covered eco decorations from Dream Green Weddings has caught our attention. The collection includes a variety of accents, including door wreath letters, table numbers and cake toppers among other beautiful items. But what we really love is that the collection does not sacrifice its eco values for great style. These moss-covered decorations are handmade in Georgia (U.S.A) using real moss and other natural materials. They’ve arrived just in time for elegant late Spring/Summer outdoor and garden-inspired parties.

Photos: Dream Green Weddings and Mulberry Photo

Cork Place Card Holders

Drinking wine can provide you with more than healthy antioxidants. It can also provide you with recycled resources that are perfect for DIY party décor. Using a sharp knife, slice off the rounded edge of one side of each cork in order to create a flat surface. On the opposite side of each cork, carefully slice a straight, narrow line. Wedge place cards into the corks for easy eco-friendly place card holders.

Photo: Project Wedding

A Cup of Joe

Instead of a candy bar, consider ending your next party with an eco coffee bar. Select a variety of organic and fair-trade coffees as well as small sweets for guests to enjoy on the ride home. Additionally, replace disposable cups with BPA-free reusable travel mugs, which can also double as favors.

Photo: Wedding Chicks

Sunny Day Vintage

From functional to funky, one of our new favorite Etsy shops, Sunny Day Vintage, carries a unique assortment of vintage home décor, kitchenware and serving pieces that are party-ready! They’re a great resource for interesting barware, quirky trays and unexpected accents, such as the washboards and stationary embosser pictured below.

Photos: Sunny Day Vintage via Etsy

       

Chalkboard Jelly Jars

With a bit of chalkboard paint, a collection of jelly (or other food) jars and some creativity, quirky, summer-ready vases are just a few steps away. Simply clean the jars with warm, soapy water and leave them out overnight to dry. Apply the chalkboard paint in a label-like square or create a banner that wraps around each jar. Once the paint is fully dry, decorate the jars with cheerful greetings or with guests’ names.

Photos: Once Wed