Floral Pin Place Cards

When it comes to place cards offer your guests more than just a designated place to sit. Instead, offer them fun, quirky pins as small favors. A simple search on sites such as Etsy will provide a number of vintage retailers who carry gently used secondhand jewelry, much of which can be purchased in bulk for a fair price.

Photo: The Knot

A Sweet Accent

Creating a final DIY accent to compliment a candy or dessert bar is just as simple as the sweets themselves! A collection of pretty pastel cupcake liners can easily be weaved into adorable strings of homemade garland. This is such a great way to rid your pantry of unused items and fashion something stylish simultaneously.

Photo: Green Wedding Shoes

Sophisticated Earthy Décor

By selecting just a few well-edited accents, any hostess can create a party that is equally earthy and sophisticated. Natural wood accents, such as those pictured below, serve as unexpected, textural trivets while large potted herbs steal the spotlight as naturally stylish centerpieces. Trying to conserve paper? Consider neatly writing guests’ names on natural flat surfaces, such as smooth river rocks.

Photos: 100 Layer Cake

Custom Tea

Offer your guests a stylish (and eco) choice post-dinner by arranging reclaimed mason jars filled with varieties of organic teas around each table. To keep things custom, create colorful, one-of-a-kind tags for each bag.

Photo: Once Wed

Natural Bouquets

If you love the look of a local and or seasonal bloom why not consider using it for your bouquets? Rather than rely exclusively on imported cut flowers (which are grown using harsh toxins) speak with local flower growers and visit nearby farms to discuss the various flowers available in your region throughout the year. We love these simply sophisticated bouquets made from fragrant lavender.

Photo: 100 Layer Cake

Creative Coolers

Stainless steel tubs not your style? The next time you’re in need of creative storage solutions to house cold beverages make a point to look for unexpected reusable objects, such as this shabby chic tub, which functions as an adorable cooler for an outdoor event.

Photo: The Knot

A Glass Rainbow

We love the simplistic beauty found in a collection of assorted glass canisters. Whether you choose to display bottles in the same color family or to collect a mixture of jewel-toned pieces, the final look is certain to be one of modern sophistication. Before tossing used bottles or jars give them a second life. Does their color or shape make them worthy of a centerpiece display? If a search through your home doesn’t leave you with enough pieces to make a complete collection, browse for secondhand finds at local yard sales, flea markets and thrift shops, which are certain to carry unique glass pieces at budget-friendly prices.

Photos: Oh Joy

Recycled Cityscape

Hosting an affair in your favorite big city? Create your own modern eco cityscape on every table. Reused aluminum cans are the perfect vessels for the project. Begin by washing cans with warm, soapy water and allow them to fully air dry. For a skyscraper-feel, create a pattern of organized holes on all sides of each can. A non-petroleum-based votive will complete your urban-eco theme.

Photo: The Knot

Pops of Color

With the final days of summer upon us, take some time this weekend to browse a local farmers’ market to explore what colorful seasonal blooms are available in your area.

Photo: Once Wed

Modern Barn Wedding

Who says you need to rent a traditional reception venue in order to host a stylish and sophisticated wedding? With the help of white string lights, rustic branches and crisp white textiles, a historic barn is transformed into an elegant eco dining room.

Photos: Project Wedding