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Messy table of food after a farm to table dinner party in wine country Sonoma County, California.
Trinette Reed/Stocksy

Lifestyle » Sustainability

How to Throw a Zero-Waste Holiday Party

Authored by Mellanie Perez
Mellanie Perez
October 20, 2022

The last three months of the year bring upon an excuse for fanfare and fun at a much frequent rate than the rest of the year. But a pile of single-use discarded bottles, cardboard boxes, and plastic cutlery also tends to accumulate at the same rate. So with a bigger emphasis on zero-waste living making its mark on every facet of our lives, how can we throw a good party that doesn’t involve a trip to the trash bin or recycling bin right after? We asked zero-waste experts, Kathryn Kellogg, founder of Going Zero Waste and author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste; and Anita Vandyke, a rocket scientist and author of A Zero Waste Life: In Thirty Days, for their tips on how to have a zero-waste party.

1. Work With Nature For Decor

View this post on Instagram

How pretty is this hydrangea mix. The colours are just out of this world! #confetti #theconfettibar #naturalconfetti #petalconfetti #hydrangeawedding

A post shared by Adamapple (@adamapple.co.uk) on Oct 17, 2019 at 1:56pm PDT

“Use what the seasons and Mother Earth have provided you with. I fully believe the most beautiful decorations are decorations from outside like flowers, herbs, twigs, produce, etc. When the event is over, they can be composted or eaten. There is no need to buy plastic junk from a party supply store. On Thanksgiving, I like to even use mini pumpkins as place settings.” — Kellogg

2. Buy Second-hand

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Today on the blog I’m sharing some tips on how to party with minimal waste. With help from @jasminelillycreative, @rathvinden, @calliopeflowersmt, @kokoroflowers @happytrashcan and the many helping hands of friends and family. _ _ _ #zerowaste #zerowasteparty #zerowasteevents #keepitsimple #thriftstyle #earthyelegance #minimalistliving

A post shared by Local Earth Studio / Mariah (@localearthstudio) on Sep 17, 2019 at 10:12am PDT

“You can get second-hand crystal vases and candle holders for less than $5 a piece. This makes a lovely table setting for Christmas dinners and get-togethers. No need to buy plastic decorations for the holiday season!” — Vandyke

3. Plan a Seasonal Menu

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More delicious specials on the menu today😋 Make sure to stop by today or tomorrow as we will be closed this Friday and Saturday (10/25 & 10/26)!

A post shared by Rudy's Kitchen (@rudyskitchenli) on Oct 23, 2019 at 8:39am PDT

“Whenever I am planning a party, I start thinking about my menu a couple of weeks in advance based on what is in season. The week before my party, I like to check with the farmers at the farmer’s market to make sure that the ingredients I need will be available for the party.” — Kellogg

4. Keep it Real

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Reusable cocktail napkins coming to the @asburyparkbazaar tomorrow! Super limited quantity for now, so don’t wait! Start thinking about ways to reduce your waste this holiday! ✨ If you’re not in jersey and wanna get in on these please let me know!!

A post shared by Jenna | Maker, Printer, CatMom (@jennaaliyah) on Sep 28, 2019 at 12:37pm PDT

“All of my parties have real plates, real cups, real dishes, and even cloth napkins. I know that it can seem daunting, but I promise it actually makes clean up faster. I have found that with real dishes, people respect them a lot more. They are much more likely to hold on to their cups and dishes, and they are not going to set it down, forget about it and grab another one. Just make sure to start the party with an empty dishwasher and washing machine. At the end of the night, you can load everything up and wake up to clean dishes and napkins in the morning. If you don’t have a dishwasher, take your friends up on their offer to help you clean! I don’t have a dishwasher, and we always made a second little party out of clean up.” — Kellogg

5. Get Creative With Wrapping Paper

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Introducing A Mid-century Holiday! The third design to debut in our 2019 holiday collection. A Mid-century Holiday is a checkerboard pattern featuring retro, holiday themed squares. This design is printed on a light colored netural fabric (white, cream, beige, gray, etc)* in black ink and, like always, comes with a cotton and jute tie. So, we have three designs up so far. Lots more still to come. What have been your favorites so far?? Anything, you're hoping still to come? Also, don't mind the layer of dust on top of the brass vase. 🤦🏽‍♀️ *As all of our fabric is sourced second hand there may be slight variations in color, texture, and weight of fabric

A post shared by [re]THINK Gift Wraps (@rethinkgiftwraps) on Oct 16, 2019 at 6:18pm PDT

“No need for single-use wrapping paper that is literally ripped up and then discarded after one use, try these three wrapping ideas instead:

  • Wrap presents using a scarf, handkerchief or cloth napkin. Not only does it look chic, but it also works as an added gift too!
  • Wrap presents using newspaper — make it look luxe by adding ribbon or twine.
  • Add vintage brooches to decorate. They are often less than $2 a piece and make a present even more special!

An added tip is adding natural elements to your wrapping such, as eucalyptus leaves, evergreen ferns or flowers! They look stunning and are totally compostable too. Let your creativity go wild!” — Vandyke

6. Keep it Simple

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~ This is dinner tonight! ~

A post shared by The Old Way (@theoldway.nz) on Jul 19, 2019 at 10:14pm PDT

“You don’t have to go overboard for parties. I always have to pull myself back because I over-buy food, over-commit to making too much, and make things way more complicated than they have to be. Buy less food than you think you need! (You will still have leftovers.). Not everything has to be complex. Sometimes it is nice just to let good ingredients shine. If I have under 10 people, I go for a dinner party and keep the sides very, very simple. If I have over 10 people coming then, I do finger food which prevents me from having to wash a lot of dishes. With finger food, you want to have 12 bites per person.” — Kellogg

7. Buy From the Bulk Bins

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Costco is my go to for bulk purchases. Not only it is a good way to reduce packaging wastes, also savings too. #melbourne #australia #costco #bulkpurchases #bulkbuying #buyingbulk #shopping #groceryshopping #grocery #travel #jetset #msrearview

A post shared by Ms. Rearview (@ms.rearview) on Oct 7, 2019 at 1:18am PDT

“By opting for lots of fresh fruit or produce, I can easily keep things zero waste. I also like to buy nuts and chocolates from the bulk bins, and I like to hit up the deli to grab olives or other party platter foods.” — Kellogg

8. Send Digital Invitations

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New Halloween Cards are here! From boo-zy dinner parties to trick-or-treating, browse invitations for however you celebrate. 🎃 Link in bio.

A post shared by Paperless Post (@paperlesspost) on Oct 10, 2019 at 1:26pm PDT

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to curb trash: send or text invites digitally instead of printing them on paper and mailing them out. This way, you can set the tone for the rest of your guests and get them into a zero-waste party mindset.

9. Borrow Liberally

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Set up a self-serve drinks bar at your next kids (or adults) party. Delicious, zero waste and frees up your time to host! #bagsoffunsydney #ecofriendly #ecofriendlytips #zerowasteliving #zerowasteparty #kidsparty #kidspartyideas #delicious #drinks #healthykids #plasticfree

A post shared by Bags of Fun (@bagsoffun_) on Aug 18, 2019 at 10:43pm PDT

The week before the party, check with your friends and family about plates, cutlery, dishes, glasses and more that you can borrow for the party. After all, most of them are collect dust in attics until this part of the year. Also, check on borrowing cloth napkins, if you don’t already have them. These are much more durable than paper napkins.

10. Clean Out Your Fridge and Eat the Leftovers

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After Thanksgiving I went on a cooking spree and made sure to not waste any leftover food. I made meals that were freezer friendly that I could pop into the oven on lazy days when I didn’t feel like cooking (like today)! This is my Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pot Pie 🥧 #nofoodwaste #leftovermakeover

A post shared by Larissa Punzalan (@alittlepieceofreese) on Oct 22, 2019 at 3:14pm PDT

In the week leading up to the party, consume the food in your fridge to make room to store these leftovers. And if you are not going to consume all the food, encourage guests to bring glass or aluminum bowl to take it home or donate the food to shelters.

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