Recycled Jack O’ Lanterns

A quick coat of earth-toned paint and some strategically placed holes are all you need to transform a collection of used aluminum cans into display-worthy eco jack o’ lanterns. Line your walkways with these easy DIY lanterns or arrange them on a bar or buffet.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Jelloware

If you’d like to use earth-friendly disposable dinnerware at your next party but would still like to keep things stylish you’ll love this innovative new “jelloware.” These disposable cups are made from agar agar and are cast in unique flavors such as lemon-basil and rosemary-mint. When the cocktails are gone guests can nibble on these flavorful cups and toss any remains in the compost bin.

Photos: The Way We See the World

Recycled Paper

When incorporating recycled paper into your party décor think of unique options that surpass bags of confetti. This lovely table setting features rippled placemats, napkin covers, chair accents and other small table accessories all crafted from reclaimed book pages.

Photos: Green Wedding Shoes

Natural Linens

We’ve been big fans of Emerson Made for a while now and have featured several of their products on our site. After spending a good deal of time this weekend in search of simple, yet elegant eco table linens, you can imagine our excitement when we discovered the company’s new-ish line of table linens. These hand-stenciled napkins and table runners are made using 100% natural linens and are shipped in a muslin bag. Whether you plan to use these for special occasions or for everyday use the neutral colors ensure that they will be used in your home year-round.

Photos: Emerson Made

Apothecary Place Cards

Reclaimed apothecary bottles look whimsical when tied to sturdy place cards. For a fun twist roll up personal notes for every guest and tuck the notes inside the bottles.

Photo: Green Wedding Shoes

Charming DIY Garland

All it takes to make a charming strand of garland is a collection of vintage fabric scraps or mismatched cloth napkins. Drape the garland across a fence at an outdoor affair or from ceiling beams when hosting an event indoors.

Photo: Once Wed

Birch Accents

Embrace the autumn season by adding rustic wood accents to your party décor. Hollowed out pieces of fallen birch make beautifully textural receptacles for flowers, feathers and other natural objects.

Photo: Bridesmaid

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