Ten Tips For A Green Garden Party

As the name implies, a garden party just wants to be green! Here are ten tips for having a low impact garden party this year.

1. Deter mosquitos with natural insect control. Several citronella candles placed around the garden are a very effective, eco-friendly means of keeping these biting pests at bay. You can also put a bottle of natural insect repellent on each table.
2. Cook outside if possible. Lots of dishes can be cooked outdoors on a grill. Use natural wood or wood charcoal to do the cooking.
3. Provide light for your party with solar-powered lighting and/or lanterns.
4. Purchase and serve local, organic food that is in season. Focus on a vegetarian menu or use grass-fed, organic meats.
5. Use email to invite your friends or use homemade or store-bought invitations made from recycled paper.
6. Use reusable tablecloths on your tables and use cloth napkins.
7. Use flowers from your own garden to decorate your tables. Use cuttings from your garden for centerpieces.
8. Party favors are always well received. Try giving away rooted cuttings or sprouted seeds.
9. Provide recycling bins and compost bins so guests can dispose of any waste.
10. Mix up a bowl of fruity, homemade punch instead of serving drinks in cans and bottles. If you want to serve wine, look for organic, free-trade wines and use washable wine glasses. If your guests like beer, look for organic beer in a keg, and use washable glasses.

There are many other ways to add to a green garden party. Do you have some suggestions to add to the list? Please leave a comment below and share with others.