We love to throw a party! There is the food, the cocktails, the friends, the music, and décor. So much fun. The one thing we don’t like is the waste. As a caterer and event planner in South Florida, I became more concerned with that waste.
As we enter into the season of entertaining, the good news is that with a bit of creativity and a little know-how, you can have a fun festive affair, without it taking a toll on the environment.
Some tips for this season:
- Supplies: Think like Grandma- Use the Good Stuff- break out the china, crystal and linens. If the event requires disposables look into the new lines of bamboo and plant starch plates, cups, utensils and napkins, they are biodegradable from a continual renewable supply with little negative impact on the environment.
- Food: Leave behind your global thinking this time and think local. Shipping ingredients from other parts of the world requires a tremendous amount of fuel. Look to your local farmers market or CSA- Community Supported Agriculture. The food will be fresher, taste better and generally more cost effective.
- Décor: Be resourceful. Use things you already have in a new and different way. Use a potted plant orchid or fresh herb, wrap the pot in a cloth napkin and display on a glass block or cake stand for the center of each table. Afterwards, plant in garden and reap the rewards.
- Drinks: Simplify here and take advantage of local or seasonal ingredients by serving a signature cocktail and just some select wines and sparkling waters for your event. My favorite this year is our “Florida Snowball Martini” a mix of coconut waters, vodka a triple sec. Fun, Festive and Memorable. Keeping it stylish and unique without the waste.
For more info on how to have a green party or event and other eco-friendly food, drinks and entertaining tips call or email www.OrganicCateringandEvents.com or 954-568-2383
Always in Good Taste,
Chef Marci Boland