How-To Host an Eco-Friendly Holiday Party: Celebrate Sustainably
The holidays are here, and that means gathering with loved ones, cooking delicious meals, and spreading joy. But it also often comes with excessive waste, single-use decorations, and endless plastic packaging. This year, why not try something new and throw an eco-friendly holiday party? At Wonderfill, we believe that sustainability and celebration can go hand-in-hand. Hosting a green holiday party is easier than you think, and we’ve compiled some of our favorite tips to get you started.
1. Plan It Out: Focus on Sustainability
Sustainability starts with intention. Begin by thinking about your party’s waste impact—from invitations to food and décor. Instead of wasting paper, opt for electronic invitations or 100% post-consumer recycled paper invites that can be easily recycled. Encourage your guests to participate in the sustainable theme and let them know that this holiday season is all about celebrating with the planet in mind.
2. Shop Local: Reduce Food Miles and Waste
Skip the busy grocery store aisles packed with last-minute shoppers. Instead, visit your local farmers’ market or co-op for fresh, seasonal, and organic produce. Shopping locally not only supports small businesses but also cuts down on the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. Plus, your dishes will taste fresher and align with the season’s offerings—think winter squash, apples, and root vegetables.
If you're at the store, choose imperfect produce—apples with blemishes, funny-shaped carrots, or slightly bruised vegetables. These often overlooked items are just as delicious and help combat food waste.
3. Sustainable Table Settings
Rather than using disposable plates and utensils, get creative with what you already own. Mix and match your existing dishware for an eclectic, shabby-chic vibe. Don’t have enough napkin rings? Repurpose old shower curtain rings or create simple fabric ties for reusable napkins.
For a festive touch, try eco-friendly bamboo cutlery and sustainable plates made from palm leaves or other biodegradable materials. Bonus: you won’t have to worry about throwing away a pile of plastic utensils at the end of the night!
4. Eco-Friendly Décor: DIY & Nature-Inspired
There’s no need to buy mass-produced, single-use decorations. Incorporate nature into your holiday party with wildflowers in mason jars, pinecones, or fallen branches as centerpieces. Soy candles or small succulents can add a warm, welcoming glow to the table. Even better, encourage your kids to get involved by making paper snowflakes or upcycling old fabric into banners.
Looking for something modern? Create custom decorations by upcycling household items, like glass jars or wine bottles, and decorating them with natural elements such as twine or leaves. The possibilities are endless!
5. Vegan-Friendly and Low-Impact Meals
You don’t have to convert everyone to veganism, but offering more plant-based options at your holiday meal can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint. Incorporating just one vegan dish can reduce the water usage and emissions associated with a meat-heavy meal. For instance, a plant-based green bean casserole made with cashew cream is a delicious alternative to its dairy-heavy counterpart.
Can’t cut out the turkey? Try reducing the portion size and adding more vegetables and grains to your dishes. Seasonal produce like roasted butternut squash, baked apples, and cranberry sauce are crowd favorites that have a lower environmental impact.
6. Sustainable Drinks & Sipping
Whether it’s wine, cider, or sparkling water, there are plenty of ways to serve drinks sustainably:
- Opt for biodynamic wines or those labeled organic, which are produced with fewer chemicals and lower environmental impact.
- Use stainless steel cups or compostable tumblers for your guests.
- Set pitchers of filtered water or homemade soda on the table, encouraging guests to refill rather than reaching for bottled water.
And of course, don’t forget to set out a clearly labeled recycling bin for empty cans and bottles.
7. Green Clean-Up: Less Waste, More Time
After the party, cleaning up can often be the most dreaded task. Plan ahead by setting up clearly marked recycling, compost, and trash bins so your guests can help with sorting. This way, you’ll have less work afterward and more time to relax. Compost leftover food scraps and encourage guests to take home extra food in reusable containers.
Leftovers don’t have to be a hassle either—use silicone Stasher bags or Bee’s Wrap to store food safely and sustainably. Plus, you’ll be reducing the 27% of food waste that typically ends up in landfills!
8. DIY Party Favors
Instead of cheap, disposable party favors, give your guests something meaningful and sustainable. Small potted plants, homemade jams in reusable jars, or beeswax candles make thoughtful, eco-friendly takeaways. These kinds of gifts are not only personal but also serve as a reminder to reduce waste during the holidays.
9. Sustainable Gift Wrapping
If you plan to exchange gifts, encourage your guests to bring wrapped presents in reusable or eco-friendly materials. Wrapping paper creates tons of waste, but you can use recycled paper, newspapers, or fabric wraps to add a creative, sustainable touch. Better yet, wrap gifts in something functional, like a reusable tote bag or scarf, that doubles as part of the gift!
10. Share Leftovers, Not Waste
After the party, avoid food waste by sharing leftovers with guests. Provide them with reusable containers or encourage them to bring their own. Alternatively, host a “leftover party” the next day with dishes from the night before! If you find yourself with too much food, consider donating unopened items to local food banks.
11. Give Back This Holiday Season
Consider hosting a holiday event that’s focused on giving back. Encourage guests to bring non-perishable food items to donate to local shelters or host a gift drive for those in need. Align your party’s purpose with sustainability by sharing what you’ve learned about reducing waste and supporting the local community.
12. Energy-Efficient Lighting & Ambiance
Create the perfect atmosphere for your party by using LED or solar-powered lights. Candles also provide cozy, warm lighting and reduce the need for excessive electricity. Turn off overhead lights and let your sustainable décor and candles do the work!
Final Thoughts: A Greener Holiday for All
Hosting an eco-friendly holiday party doesn’t mean sacrificing any of the joy or celebration. In fact, it’s an opportunity to share your values with loved ones while still enjoying the best of the season. Whether it’s using reusable décor, offering plant-based meals, or cutting down on waste, each small step makes a difference.
Together, we can celebrate the holidays with a green twist—making memories that are kind to the planet!