Don’t have a big enough table?
Upcycle a pallet.
It then makes great kindling for the fire or BBQ (if untreated of course!) or scour Pinterest for great ideas like an upright garden.
Dress your table with brown paper
Go Eco in Frankton or Xtreme Zero Waste in Raglan often have rolls of it for free.
It’s perfect for kids’ parties as they can decorate their spot as part of the festivities. Alternatively, you can lay the food directly on it, eliminating the need for disposable plates or extra dishes to wash.
Options to dress up the table include net curtains or vintage table cloths from an op shop, or a good old sheet.
Go Natural
Nature is the ultimate decorator, so look around outside for ideas.
Have a day at the beach and collect shells, driftwood or wildflowers for a lovely coastal theme.
Plants make long-lasting decorations. Pot herbs in old tins, mint and geranium even act as natural insect repellents. Baby violas or other edible flowers can also double up as salad garnish.
Drink Up
Make you own fizz with a Soda Stream machine and reduce the number of plastic bottles you’ll have to recycle. Don’t have one? Ask around. You’ll be surprised how many people have one lurking in their cupboard.
Ditch the plastic straws for reusable or paper ones.
While wine in a cask or flagon may not be up to your standards, you can refill beer bottles with some of the finest around. (See Good George and various liquor stores.)
