Go green for entertaining posed a challenge: give a party, set a table, and decorate the space in a way that is "sustainable, doable and attractive".
Our favorite idea from the article was the first one...don't change a thing. The greenest way to go is to use your regular china and flatware. By NOT going out and buying new items just for a party, you are miles ahead in green thinking....and for what you don't have enough of, you can borrow from a friend (or rent).
Also from H&G this week:
Screen Grabs: A white Barcelona daybed designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1930 still looks modern. It's used on the set of Ugly Betty to connotate both style and a characters "notorious Lothario" ways.
Dishing: Celebrating the Tomato. BLT Wedge Salad with Chunky Roquefort Dressing and Smoky Gazpacho with Pesto Cream.
Tasks to Tackle in August: for the garden. Start a compost pile, plant a fall vegetable garden, repair lawns and plant trees.
Back to Bar Soap: and other green living tips sent in by H&G's readers.
Top Photo: Detail of an image from hostessblog.com
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I have to disagree with the idea that buying special china or glassware for entertaining is not green.
That whole idea is silly to me (unless we're talking cheap plastic junk?).
After all, you're going to use them.
They're not going to a landfill.
So how on earth could any reasonable person say that it's not green???? Assuming you don't use disposable plastic junk...
And if you do decide to get rid of (non plastic junk) you can recycle them *and* get a tax deduction by simply giving them to Goodwill rather than trashing them. Even cheap plastic junk can be recycled...
I mean sure, green is a great idea - when it's truly green.
But implying that having something special for special occasions will somehow "harm the earth" seems just over the top to me.
view boomer's profile
I think you're totally on point with the comment about not using disposable goods.
However, if we take the comment more broadly, it can turn into a discussion on how many of us have different sets of dishes for a whole host of different occasions. The more we consume, the more resources are necessary to produce and transport our adorable melamine picnicware (and fall-printed tumblers, and reindeer appetizer plates).
view annhint's profile
Well yeah, but we also live in a world that runs on consumption. Consumption is what drives the world's economy and creates jobs. Supply & demand and all that jazz.
view boomer's profile