Making this event memorable and more Eco-friendly was made possible with a few changes to traditional event planning ideas. 

Reusable linens and dinnerware were used, and the guests were delighted to find fresh produce used as the centerpieces, and even more so when invited to take the fruit and vegetables home at the end of the event.

Small changes to your plans can make a difference and help to make your day kinder to the environment. Contact your planner for ideas on making your day Greener.

Events Extraordinaire specializes in Eco-friendly event planning. Contact us for ideas. 

Your Cup for The Day...

Providing a glass for your guests can save on glassware at your upcoming wedding or special event. Depending on your theme, you can choose a mason jar, as shown in the photo, or you can offer a wine glass, with or without stem.  Stemless glasses can be used for cocktails, lemonade or wine.  

A tag or label may be added to the glasses to assist guests in locating their glasses, and will encourage guests to use this glass throughout the event.

Now and then glasses will be lost or broken, so plan to provide extras.

Doing little things like reducing the number of glasses or plastic cups used at your wedding or special event can make your special day greener.

We can assist you in locating glassware for your special day.

Reuse and Recycle Vases

Use recycled containers when available

Choosing the perfect container for your table's centerpiece can be challenging, especially when you are trying to create the perfect look, and trying to be environmentally aware, but using recycled, or previously used vases can make the task easier.

Many florists, wedding planners and even some event venues have containers that you may rent or borrow.  Ask your vendors before purchasing new vases or containers for your table decor.  

Events Extraordinaire always tries to make your special day beautiful, while being kind to the environment.  Visit us on Facebook for ideas and photos, or visit our web site for 25 tips on Greener Weddings.

Eco Friendly Seating Charts

From baby crib to seating chart

Finding a creative way to display your seating chart can be challenging, especially if you are trying to Think Green.  This photo shows a great way of displaying your seating assignments.  The individual table assignments are printed on paper, and attached to a reclaimed baby crib springs with wooden clothes pins.
It was fun to see the expressions on the faces of the guests as they recognized the metal frame.
Your wedding planner can help you find items to use to display your seating chart - we are always happy to help.
Contact Events Extraordinaire at www.Sonora-Events.com for ideas. 

Repurposed and Recycled Decorations

This arrangement looked lovely in the chapel of the Union Hill Inn, Sonora, CA.  The vases were made from recycled jars, wrapped in cord, and each vase
had a vintage brooch attached to the front.  These jars were moved from the ceremony area to the reception, providing one arrangement to serve two purposes.  The bride did a wonderful job of working in "Green ideas" into her wedding planning.
Each small action in making your wedding Greener is important.
Check with us if you'd like information on making your special event more gentle to the environment.  Green Event Planning is our speciality.
Events Extraordinaire Wedding and Event Planning will help make your day spectacular and still kind to the environment.

Green Wedding on a Mountain Top

You can make small changes to your wedding plans and make your event spectacular while still being kinder to the environment.
The pictured wedding was held at a ski resort in California. The bride chose to bring her own reusable napkins, in the color of her choice, and she also provided the centerpieces.  She chose live plants in reusable metal containers.  She returned home after the wedding and planted the plants in her garden, and after 9 years she is still using the metal containers for parties and special events. These containers have been used dozens of times since her special wedding day.
Think outside the box when you choose your wedding decorations.  Using live plants is a Green Idea, and is better than using cut flowers that may have traveled hundreds of miles to be used for your one event.  With a little planning you can plant the types of flowers you desire, and use the flowers from your garden for your arrangements rather than using imported flowers should you choose cut flowers over live plants.
Events Extraordinaire specializes in Greener Event Planning ideas, and we are always happy to assist you in making your day special and eco-friendly.  Let us know if you need ideas or assistance.

Fun and Eco Friendly Decorations for your Party

 

These baby clothes are much cuter than most hanging decorations available from

your local party supply stores.

The baby gifts are displayed for the enjoyment of the guests,

plus they add decorations to the room.

This was a wonderful "Green" idea, and we can offer

many more "Eco Friendly" party planning ideas.

Give us a call, we are always happy to assist.

Events Extraordinaire Party and Event Planning.

Specializing in Eco Friendly and Green Event Planning

Wonderful use of second hand books

The bride and groom from this wedding  searched through used book stores, finding a variety of books, many of which had special meaning to the couple, and the books, along with hand made book marks, were given to the wedding guests as a wedding favor. 
The display was creative, and the gifts were appreciated by the guests. Need any suggestions for Greener favors or decorations for your wedding or party?  Let us help. We can assist you in making  your special day memorable and personal and gentle to the environment.

Unique Green Party Locations

Have you ever thought of holding your next gathering at a special outdoor location? Why not hold your next party at some place like a historic site (like the pictured location of Knight's Ferry Bridge). Small gatherings work in unexpected locations such as the picnic area, and larger gatherings can be held in these areas with special permission.

Museums, historic parks and local recreation areas make great party venues, and as long as you are gentle to the grounds, it is a great Green idea.
Use blankets and have every one eat Picnic Style, or provide fabric tablecloths and use the property's existing picnic tables.
Bring your dishes from home, or purchase biodegradable picnic supplies and make the food service easy on the environment.  Be sure to clean up thoroughly before leaving the property to make sure it's perfect for your next visit.
Contact us for additional party planning ideas that are easy on the environment and fun.
Events Extraordinaire Party and Event Planning.  
   

Reusing supplies

   Using washable and reusable dishes, glasses, silverware and linens is a great way to make your event or wedding "Greener".   Some venues provides these items for their events at no extra cost, and not only does the event look spectacular, there is much less waste from each wedding or party.  Contact your local rental company if your venue doesn't provide these items, or check around with friends and family - maybe you will be able to collect all the dishes and glasses you will need!Linens may also be rented or borrowed. Imagine a beautiful room filled with a collection of old lace tablecloths, or maybe mix-matched vintage cloths. Reuse, Reduce and Recycle - Consider these ideas when planning your next party.

Call Events Extraordinaire if you need ideas or any other assistance.

We are always happy to help!

209-352-0429

www.Sonora-Events.com

Green and Eco Friendly Party Planning

Having a Green or Eco Friendly Event doesn't mean the decorations need to be boring, it means you will have chosen decorations and food that are still spectacular, while being kind to the environment.

There are some people who don't stop to think that the choices they have made for their "little party" could be harmful to the environment, after all it's just "one" little party. Have they stopped to consider how many "little parties" are being held each day of each year. These small events add up to a lot of plastic and non-biodegradable items being added to the landfills. By making a few small adjustments to your party planning choices you can make a huge positive impact to our environment.

Consider making the following changes to your next party:

1. Use fabric linens rather than plastic table cloths.

2. Use washable dishes rather than disposable.

3. Use items you already have around your home for decorations rather than purchasing items you will discard.

4. Eat locally grown organic foods if available.

5. Have a daytime event which saves electricity.

6. Use the telephone or email to send out invitations to the event, saving paper (and money for postage, too)

7. Use non-amplified (acoustic) music for your event.

8. Pass out hand fans if it's warm, or small blankets as lap throws if it's cold, rather than turning up the heat or air conditioning.

9. Use edible or useful favors. Cookies in a paper envelope make a great party favor!

10. Use live plants as centerpieces, and give to guests as they leave, or plant in your garden after the party.

Have fun, be creative, and call Events Extraordinaire if you need help planning your next event.

209-352-0429 or visit us online at www.Sonora-Events.com

Small Changes Make Event Planning More Eco Friendly

Take a moment and consider how your choice in party decorations, favors and food could be affecting the environment. There are eco friendly alternatives for all your party planning needs. Consider re-usable dishes, eating utensils, glassware, decorations (possibly already recycled), fabric table covers (or leave uncovered where possible) and napkins. Avoid plastic decorations which will likely be used once, and then thrown away. If disposable items are required, please consider using recycled paper or biodegradable products, which are becoming more widely available.
Notice the photo above shows the wedding favor is a recycled cardboard box (which contains cookies), and the centerpieces are live plants in a reusable container. Check with your wedding or event planner for suggestions on making your event Spectacular - and Eco Friendly!

Visit your local Farmer's Market

Using items from your garden or from the local farmers market will make feeding your guests and decorating your party a breeze - and will be more eco-friendly, too.

Celebrate the changing of the seasons with a gathering of friends and family.

Contact us for assistance in planning your next event.

Time to enjoy Greener Outdoor Parties.

It may seem that the occasional use of disposable picnic supplies is a harmless habit, but when one considers how many picnics and outdoor parties are being held each day around the world, it becomes clear that we must all take steps to make our events easier on the environment by using reusable or biodegradable dining supplies.
The best option for outdoor dining would be the use of reusable dishes and utensils. It's both environmentally friendly, and certainly more convenient to eat off a sturdy plate. Packing the reusable dishes is easy with the use of baskets with handles, and the cloth napkins can be used as your packing material, keeping dishes and glassware from getting chipped during transport. Roll up your silverware in another napkin, and place your fabric tablecloth on top to keep everything safe and secure. Another bonus of using reusable supplies at your outdoor event is that it turns a regular picnic into a party in the out of doors.
When the use of reusable supplies is not available or practical, there are many biodegradable picnic supplies now available. There are dishes made of sugarcane pulp, clear drinking glasses made of corn, and eating utensils made from potato. Each of these supplies are biodegradable and available at many party supply stores, as well as on line at companies such as Excellent Packaging (www.ExcellentPackaging.com), or Tree Cycle (www.Treecycle.com). The cost of biodegradable products is a bit more than the mass produced products that we've seen for years, but it is certainly worth the few extra cents when we consider the impact on the environment.
When planning your next outdoor party or event, please skip the plastic rolls of table covers, and consider purchasing rolls of butcher wrap, or use your own fabric table cloths or an old sheet.

There are many other outdoor entertaining hints to consider:
* Hold your event during the day to avoid the need for electricity.
* Use candles in canning jars should you need outdoor lighting.
* Use recycled items for your centerpieces and decorations
* Use items from nature, such as rocks and pine cones, for your place cards.
* Avoid the use of latex or mylar balloons or supplies.
* Use only paper supplies if additional decorations are needed
* Place your event under the trees to take advantage of the shade on sunny days.
* Use a large glass water containers with glasses rather than providing individual water bottles.
* Recycle all supplies at the end of your event
* Compost your leftover food
* Leave the party location cleaner than how you found it. Never leave trash behind.

Enjoy the coming warm weather with plenty of outdoor entertaining - and be kind to the earth at the same time. Think Green when planning your next party or event.

Spring is here and it's time to THINK GREEN!

Party planning is wonderful fun. It is a chance to be creative and festive. It is time to allow your imagination soar with ideas of delicious food and beautiful surrounds. Let yourself enjoy these moments of creativity, but then, as you start to write down your ideas, and begin to shop for supplies, take a moment to compare traditional party planning ideas with Eco-friendly and Greener party planning suggestions.

I've mentioned before, in earlier posts, that many years ago it was common that a special party or wedding required little more than serving a special dessert. Outdoor events were held in daylight hours, or lit with lanterns and campfires. No streamers, confetti or plastic party favors were required. Over the past few decades, though, a move has been made from hosting environmentally friendly, yet marvelous parties, to a trend where excessive decorations were widely used. It common now to browse the party supply stores where you can stock up on every imaginable form of decoration. While this does create a festive atmosphere for the party, it also creates a huge amount of waste at the end of the event.

I'd like to request that you stop a moment, think over your theme and budget, and see if there are any changes you can make to your planning that may be kinder to the environment. Stop to ask yourself if you really need the mylar confetti and latex balloons. Would your Luau be just as fun if you used Real Pineapples as your centerpieces, rather than the plastic versions available at the discount supply store? Can you cover your tables in fabrics your already have, possibly covered with gunny sack toppers? Candles as your centerpieces will provide lighting, and will not need to be tossed away at the end of the event the way a paper palm-tree centerpiece would be. Skip the streamers, balloons and confetti. Embrace the use of reusable dishware, table linens, centerpieces and other decorations.

Events Extraordinaire specializes in Eco-friendly or Greener Party and Wedding planning. Give us a call if you would like assistance planning your next party, or just need suggestions. We are always happy to help.

Have fun planning your next party - and Think Green.

Green or Eco Friendly Events are our specialty.
We can help make your green event spectacular while being gentle to the environment.
www.sonora-events.com

Let Nature Be Your Guide

Embrace the season and bring nature's bounty to your decorating theme. Use live plants inside pumpkins, or fill baskets or bowls with apples, nuts, pinecones or other produce. Choose a theme such as pumpkins and repeat the theme in your artwork and details.

Let nature be your guide and bring the outdoors in. It's creative and more eco friendly. Contact your wedding planner for additional seasonal decorating ideas.

USE WHAT YOU HAVE...

It's a simple statement, and I've said it before, but it is worth repeating. When it comes to making your wedding or event special, remember it is the special little touches that set your event apart from the others. But that said, remember that your "touches" can be Greener or Eco Friendly, and still have a large impact.

Look around your house, your neighborhood, or a local second-hand store to see if you can find anything that will add interest and uniqueness to your event. Highlight that old seashell collection, or collection of antique wedding pictures. Gather baskets of pinecones, acorns or other nuts, pieces of old lace, ribbons and buttons, assorted colored glass vases or jars, monogramed items, etc... Place these items around your cake or desserts, near your guest book, at the bar, or on a special display table. Sprinkling these items around your dinner buffet also adds a personal touch to the event.

Making the move to Eco-Friendly isn't difficult. All it takes is a bit of imagination, and maybe a hint or two from your event planner. Call for additional ideas and make your day spectacular and earth friendly.

Daytime Events Save Electricity

Host your event during day light hours, and save electricity. Take advantage of nature's lighting, thereby saving energy and money. During the warmer months of the year, it is also suggested that events be held under large trees, which provide shade and assist in keeping guests cooler. Providing hand held fans or umbrellas can also assist in keeping guests comfortable. Contact your wedding or event planner for additional suggestions for being kind to the environment while creating the festive and memorable event you've been imagining.

A Greener Birthday Party

Long ago, a birthday celebration included a special dessert served at the end of dinner. Then, at some point in time, parties became larger and more complicated, with lots of special supplies in addition to the special meals. And before we became aware that our party planning choices were making a negative impact on the environment, we would decide to have a party and head to the party supply store. We would stock up on plastic table cloths, paper streamers, latex balloons, mylar confetti, paper plates, styro cups, plastic forks, disposable centerpieces, and glitter covered invitations. Everything in the aisles were coordinated, and it was hard not to get carried away by all of the wonderful brightly colored, and festive decorations. These well-stocked aisles made party decorating easy and fun.
Then something changed, and we took a look at how our simply party planning choices were impacting the environment. In times of old, washing extra dessert plates was the only extra thing required for a special occasion meal, and there was little or no additional trash to be added to the trash pile. But if you stop and look at the amount of trash that is created for a current day, traditional birthday party, you would likely be amazed. And while it is possible to think that this is only One Party....you must consider that this is One Party for you TODAY, and that you and your family have a dozen parties per year, and each family you know has a dozen parties per year, and when you multiply that times millions of families per year...well, it is a staggering thought to imagine how much trash has been created for This One Party.
So as the time arrives that you begin the planning of your next birthday, or special occasion party, you will want to make the party festive and fun, and yet be gentle to the environment. It is possible to do both, but you may note that you are spending less time at the party supply store, and a little more time looking through your closets, pulling out older linens and finding new uses for your own possessions.
Here are some suggestions for being kinder to Mother Earth while planning your next party.

1. Use fabric linens. Use linens you already own, borrow from a friend, or make them from sheets or fabric scraps. Make a "topper" for the table if you note stains on the tablecloths. You can rent linens if you cannot locate a sufficient number to cover your tables. Remember you can mix different patterns of white under cloths, and add matching toppers, such as a colored square.
2. Use washable dish ware, glass ware and eating utensils. Mix and match dishes and glasses, or rent them if you must have matching sets.
3. If you must use disposable products, use eco-friendly products such as: corn-based beverage containers, sugarcane pulp paper plates, recycled paper napkins, and potato pulp eating utensils. All of these items may be placed in your compost pile, and will add to next year's garden.
4. Live plants or candles make beautiful centerpieces. Give plants to guests as a favor, or plant in your yard as a reminder of your special party.
5. Skip the balloons, confetti and plastic decorations.
6. Use cupcakes and skip extra plates, and forks.
7. Have a day-time party, and avoid the need for extra lighting. If hosting an evening event, use candles placed in canning jars, and hung from branches in trees for outdoor lighting. Tin cans, with holes punched in the sides also make wonderful luminaries when hung from trees. Use solar lighting when possible, also.
8. Simplify. Take a hint from our ancestors and skip the streamers and fanfare, and make the special dessert the highlight of the event.

Plan your party, and remember that we can have a fun and festive day while still being environmentally conscience.