How to Throw a Sustainable Holiday Party
The holiday season is upon us, and with that comes dinner parties, cocktail hours, and festive gatherings. These holiday events can create a lot of unnecessary waste — think red Solo cups, plastic wrap covering dishes, and synthetic decorations. We’ve rounded up our favorite holiday entertaining staples that are sustainable, support small businesses, and give back to ocean conservation. Now you can eat, drink, and be merry without the guilt!
The Tablescape
Everyone loves a festive tablescape, but sustainability should always be the priority. Most importantly, go for zero-waste and opt for reusable items over single-use whenever possible. Replacing paper towels with linens, plastic cups with stainless steel tumblers, and paper plates with ceramic dinnerware can save a ton of waste. Add some festive pops of color with decorations sourced from nature, like rosemary stems or pinecones.
Hop on the butter board trend, but make it sharky with a SHARKuterie Board!
Handmade geode coasters make the perfect accent — functional and beautiful!
Forget that it’s winter with plumeria, lime, and coconut scents from the Guadalupe Island candle.
Party sustainably with a stainless steel tumbler.
Sustainable Cleanup
After the party comes the after party… also known as the cleanup! Sustainable hosting doesn’t end with dinner. When it’s time for guests to go home, keep the planet in mind by using natural, non-toxic cleaning products, avoiding wrapping leftovers in plastic, and composting food scraps.
Step aside, wasteful paper towels! These reusable dishcloths feature illustrations from the book Smart About Sharks (by Owen Davey).
Meli Wraps are the perfect replacement for everything you used to wrap with plastic. We’ll take beeswax over fossil fuels any day!
Lunchskins will make you question why you ever used Ziploc bags.
Picnic-Style Parties
In the wake of the pandemic, we’ve gotten used to outdoor events. Why stay indoors when you can enjoy company at the beach or park? For nature-based and on-the-go gatherings, respect the space you’re visiting and leave only footprints.
It’s winter, even in California! Pack a picnic blanket (extra large or lightweight) to sit on or cozy up under.
This convenient bamboo utensil set has everything you need, and nothing you don’t (AKA plastic).
Take drinks on-the-go with a reusable bottle, tumbler, or mug. Shh, we won’t tell if you pour wine in your water bottle!
Pack out everything you bring to a nature-based event. A reusable tote makes carrying everything easy!
