9 Tips For Eco-Friendly Entertaining in Santa Barbara
by Merryl Brown, President
of Merryl Brown Events
Published December 11, 2009
Invitations
Paperless Post is a fabulous new online stationery site for eco-minded patrons who aren't willing to give up old world formality. For those who can't go totally paperless, local graphic designer Lorie Bacon creates original works on 100% post-consumer recycled paper using soy-based inks.
www.paperlesspost.com
email Lorie Bacon: lbacon@agmeinc.com
Food
Fresh, locally grown, organic food is abundant in Santa Barbara. I often plan dinner parties using china platters piled high with colorful crudités, sliced fresh fruit and bouquets of assorted lettuces thereby "composing your own salad" with locally grown produce. Shop at places such as the Santa Barbara Farmers' Market, Mesa Produce, and Fairview Gardens' farm stand in Goleta. Always use what's in season - it's easy to do in Santa Barbara. Choose seafood from sustainable fisheries by referring to Seafood Watch published by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
www.montereybayaquarium.org
www.fairviewgardens.org
Wine
There are numerous Santa Ynez Valley organic and biodynamic wineries including Demetria, Ampelos and Presidio that produce delightful wines. Each of these vineyards has made a commitment to sustainable agriculture, benefiting both our environment and our health. Cheers!
www.demetriaestate.com
www.ampeloscellars.com
www.presidiowinery.com
Party Favors
A small gift at each place setting adds an unexpected treat to any affair. Organic or fair trade chocolates from Chocolate Maya, or perhaps a small assortment of miniature macaroons from Reynaud's Patisserie in Loreto Plaza, (wrapped in unbleached parchment and tied with Eco-twist ribbon), make a lovely gift. Wildflower-seed embedded paper for gift tags also doubles as place-cards that can later be planted in your garden.
www.chocolatemaya.com
www.reynaudsbakery.com
www.oftheearth.org - Eco-twist ribbon, wildflower-seed embedded
paper
Napkin Treatments
Pretty napkin treatments are the grand finale to a memorable place setting. Use cloth or linen napkins loosely rolled and tied with recycled ribbon such as Eco-twist, which comes in many colors. To complete the look, tuck in organically grown flowers or fresh herbs purchased at the Farmers' Market.
Dinnerware
Many sustainable event planners recommend using compost-able or biodegradable paper goods made from sugar cane fiber ("bagasse"), or potato starch. I prefer re-usable china, silverware and glassware because I think it's more elegant and creates less waste. You can rent all of these locally through Classic Party Rentals, or use your own. I recently planned a baby shower where I used assorted antique china belonging to two of the hostesses, creating a unique and personal touch.
www.santabarbara.classicpartyrentals.com
Centerpieces
Encourage your favorite floral designer to produce your centerpieces with locally grown, organic flowers or plants. Consider using live plants in your centerpieces that will later be planted in your garden. If you are producing a larger event, arrange in advance to donate your centerpieces to a senior care facility or hospital.
Coffee and Tea
Serve certified organic fair trade coffees, and a selection of organic teas. With the beverage service, offer your guests organic cream, milk, sugar and local honey.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Reduce your trash by purchasing only what you need, and utilizing fewer disposable items. Try to minimize (or better yet eliminate altogether) your use of plastic and polystyrene products. If you have leftover food that will not be consumed, consider donating it to Casa Esperanza's Community Kitchen. Casa Esperanza serves meals to local homeless and low-income men, women, and children. Reuse by incorporating items that you already own into your event decor; this can be a considerable source of cost savings. Don't forget to recycle. Have well-labeled bins available and accessible, so trash and recycling are properly sorted.
For additional information or to inquire about sustainable event planning, call (805) 455-3112 or visit: www.merrylbrownevents.com
