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

Reuse: Board Game Pieces

Add a touch of your personal style to your party by reusing commonly found items as one-of-a-kind party décor. Here, board game pieces are adhered to otherwise simple place card holders (in addition to an assortment of other reused trinkets, such as wine corks). While decidedly quirky, the final look is chic enough for a formal affair.

Photos: 100 Layer Cake

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

Edible Decor

We're no strangers to decorating with food. Thus, you can imagine our excitment to see the growing trend of decorating with colorful and textural vegetables. From fresh green peas and summery heirloom tomatoes to earthy squashes, decorating with fresh produce is perfect for any season and any color scheme. The next time you're in need of some fresh tabletop inspiration, look no further than the baskets filled with compostable goodies found at your local farmers' market.
Photos: Cap Classique

Natural Leaf Coasters

Why purchase synthetic coasters when you can use natural ones instead? The next time you visit your local florist, ask him or her to order you a stack of natural banana leaves. The leaves, which are large enough to fit most drinking glasses, mugs and stemware, will add a touch of tropical flair to your table setting. Photo: Martha Stewart

Bandana Table Setting

The next time you're cleaning out closets and dresser drawers be sure to hold onto vintage scarves and gently worn bandanas. Brightly colored bandanas are a smart way to add bursts of color to a tabletop. Spread the washed and ironed bandanas down the center of your table to serve as a fun and colorful table runner. For kid-friendly favors consider wrapping small candies or toys in the jewel-toned bandanas. Because of their basic square shape, reused bandanas can also be used as festive cloth napkins.
Photo: Bridesmaid

Succulent Cake Toppers

It’s true: we’ve been known to rave above succulents in the past and for good reason!

Since they require very little water and care, can be quite textural, have the potential to last for years and are available in an array of colors including greens, oranges, purples, pinks and reds they’ve become instant stars within the green design community.  We adore the idea of using succulents to dress up an otherwise simple cake. Such a pretty and unexpected way to add a few extra green accents to any party!

Photo: 100 Layer Cake

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

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

Disposable Dinnerware

For casual parties eliminate access waste by swapping conventional paper plates with biodegradable or compostable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery. These earth-friendly disposable dinnerware options are made from renewable resources, such as bagasse (a sugarcane fiber that remains after the juice has been extracted from sugarcane plants), corn and ingeo (a natural plastic made from renewable resources). Companies like Branch Home even carry biodegradable party kits, which include sturdy FDA-approved biodegradable tableware products, with service for 50.

Photo: Branch Home