Cookie Cutter Favors

If I had to pick two words to describe my favorite type of décor, I’d pick easy and inexpensive. When trying to dress up chairs, forgo slipcovers and keep things simple. Hang a heart-shaped cookie cutter from a chair with a pretty piece of ribbon to add a touch of shabby chic style to your table. The cookie cutters, which can also double as favors, cost only a few cents each when purchased in bulk through a craft or kitchen supply store and can be reused again and again by guests once they return to their own kitchens.

Photos: Weddings and Pretty Things

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

Woodland-Inspired Décor

Embrace the beauty of the outdoors by designing a woodland-inspired party. Look for creative ways to weave natural elements, such as small wood accents and colorful feathers, into your décor. When situated beside elegant plates and stemware, earthy slabs of beautifully textured tree bark and lush moss-filled terrariums are decidedly stylish and sophisticated.
Photos: Once Wed

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

Recycled T-Shirt Necklace

No need to toss that old t-shirt. Instead, give it a second life as a funky, summer-worthy necklace. Not only will the necklace be fun to wear, but it will also be fun to make. Consider inviting over some friends for a casual afternoon of wine, light fare and recycled crafts. The eco-friendly craft project will also be a fun activity for a child’s birthday party.

Photo: Whole Living

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