Compostable Place Card Stands

Look to your local produce aisle for décor inspiration. Hearty artichokes serve as unexpected and 100 % compostable place card stands. To avoid having your place cards topple over before your guests arrive organize then in a simple tray.

Photo: My Kate Parker Wedding

Vintage Gift Tags

Looking to decorate a small favor or gift? Etsy offers recycled and upcycled gift tags that range from traditional to quirky to sweet. Book lovers will adore the assortment of eco gift tags made from the pages of vintage poetry books and recycled library catalog cards. Have a foodie in the family? Check out the many gift tags crafted from the pages of vintage cookbooks.

Photos: Etsy

Unexpected Elegance

Convinced that recycled cans can’t be elegant? When paired with colorful floral clippings and sweet treats simple aluminum cans serve as affordable vases. Because aluminum cans can easily be punctured, consider using a few simple tools and some twine to drape floral-filled cans from the backsides of chairs or around the perimeter of your party.

Photos: Bridesmaid    

Sprigs of Herbs

Looking to dress up a simple set of cloth napkins? Decorate cloth napkins with strips of linen, several sprigs of fresh herbs, such as aromatic lavender, and a snip of twine for a bit of rustic flair. 

Photo: Project Wedding

Natural Seating

When hosting an outdoor affair offer your guests casual, eco-friendly seating options. Create a rustic outdoor aisle with bales of hay. To ensure your guests’ comfort drape crisp quilts, sheets or tapestries across each bale.

Photo: Once Wed

A Greenhouse Celebration

Get an extra daily dose of veggies by creating a casual greenhouse-inspired party. Reused aluminum cans filled with small edible plants are all it takes to make a vitamin-rich table setting. 

Photo: Once Wed

Jelly Jars

Personalized jars of locally made jellies and jams serve as thoughtful and affordable favors year round. Customize each jar with vintage ribbons and one-of-a-kind labels or print special messages on tags made from recycled cardstock.

Photo: Once Wed

Make a Wish

No need to blow out a candle to make a wish thanks to these wishbone napkin rings. To get the look simply wash and dry natural wishbones and coat each in a layer of metallic paint. This is an easy eco way to create a modern autumnal place setting.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Fall Centerpiece

When creating autumn centerpieces look to the natural world for inspiration.  Gourds, kumquats and pumpkins are only a few examples of the hardy, colorful vegetables available for simply elegant fall centerpieces. 

Photo: Martha Stewart

Branches & Birds

There is no need to sacrifice your eco commitment in order to create a dramatic tablescape. Reclaimed glass mason jars provide the perfect foundation for centerpieces created using a mixture of seasonal flowers (to add color), natural branches (to create height) and small origami birds (to add originality).

Photos: The Wedding Chicks